SWWC IT² 2026: Full Schedule

8:30am CDT

Thursday October 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT

Continental Breakfast provided including Muffins, Yogurt, and assortment of fresh fruits. Coffee, hot tea, and other beverages available.

Thursday October 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Conference Center Atrium

Networking Opportunity

8:30am CDT

20 Years of IT2 Exhibit

Thursday October 22, 2026 8:30am - 7:00pm CDT

Conference Center Atrium

It's a trip down IT2 memory lane! Explore the exhibits and artifacts located in the Lobby and Conference Center Hallway.

Thursday October 22, 2026 8:30am - 7:00pm CDT
Conference Center Atrium

Explore on Your Own

9:15am CDT

Purposeful Educational Technology: Refocusing on What Matters Most

LIMITED

Thursday October 22, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

Educational technology should never be implemented simply because it is available. It should be deployed with purpose, aligned to instructional goals, and used to create meaningful learning experiences that improve outcomes for students. Over the past decade, schools have experienced an unprecedented expansion of devices, digital tools, online resources, and data systems. The rapid transition to...
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Speakers

Josh Sumption

Chief Technology and Information Officer, SWWC Service Cooperative

I am the Chief Technology and Information Officer for SWWC Service Cooperative. My service to the members of SWWC began in May 2003 following my graduation from Dakota State University. I currently oversee all technical services and programs offered by SWWC, and also provide leadership... Read More →

Thursday October 22, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
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Active Discussion

9:15am CDT

The Human Element: How Staff Behavior Shapes a School District’s Cybersecurity Posture

LIMITED

Thursday October 22, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

Firewalls, endpoint protection, and email filters are all important parts of cybersecurity. But in K-12 environments, the everyday actions of staff can have just as much impact on a district’s overall security posture. Something as simple as clicking a phishing link, reusing a password, or ignoring a suspicious email can create real risk across the district. On the other hand, a staff member who...
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Speakers

Mason Garbe

Cybersecurity Element, SWWC Service Cooperative

Thursday October 22, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
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Listen and Learn

9:15am CDT

VLANs: The Basics

LIMITED

Thursday October 22, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

This session will dive into VLANs- What are they? Should you have them? Simple ideas for implementation. This is a starting point session and will just cover higher level concepts of them.

Target audience identified by presenter: Network Support ;Technology Systems and User Support

Target audience identified by presenter:

Speakers

Forrest Fosheim

Director of Network and Security Services, SWWC Service Cooperative

Travis Rupp

Network Coordinator, SWWC Service Cooperative

Raymond Norton

Network Coordinator, SWWC Service Cooperative

27 years as a network admin. Specializing in low-cost, no-cost technology solutions (that work) for k12 districts—Everlearning and ready for the next project.
Life outside of IT: Vacations and trips with Julie, Harley rides, amateur violin, hydroponics, solar, ham radio, and making cool devices that cost twice as much to make than you can buy them for... Read More →

Thursday October 22, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
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Listen and Learn

9:15am CDT

What's New Google?

LIMITED

Thursday October 22, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

Google is constantly updating its Workspace for Education Apps and features. Get new tips and ideas for using Google Slides, Docs, Forms, Chrome, Sheets, Classroom, and Gemini AI. Bring your device to try out these great tips and tricks!

Target audience identified by presenter: All Conference Attendees

Speakers

Jeremy Mikla

Instructional Technology Specialist, ECMECC

Jeremy Mikla is an Instructional Technology Specialist with extensive experience supporting PK–12 educators in the effective and ethical integration of emerging technologies. He regularly presents at regional and statewide conferences on topics such as AI in education, instructional... Read More →

Thursday October 22, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
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Listen and Learn

10:30am CDT

Docked and Loaded

LIMITED

Thursday October 22, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

You've heard of Docker, attended a session about it, or maybe even experimented with it yourself. In this session, we'll review the fundamentals before exploring tools and techniques that make managing containers easier and more efficient. You'll see a variety of useful containers you can deploy in your own environment, along with real-world examples of how I've used AI to build custom...
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Speakers

Darren Fransen

Technology Coordinator, SWWC Service Cooperative

Thursday October 22, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
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Listen and Learn

10:30am CDT

From Pain Points to Progress: Lakeville Area Schools’ Journey to Streamlined Access and IDM

LIMITED

Thursday October 22, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

In this one-hour session, Jocelin Maine and Maureen Carrigan, will highlight the challenges that prompted change, including the key pain points they were experiencing across access, account management, and instructional time. Attendees will gain insight into their implementation process, get a live look at their district’s digital access platform, share lessons learned along the way, and how...
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Speakers

Jocelin Maine

Assistant Director of Technology, Lakeville Area Schools

Maureen Carrigan

DSC-IT Systems Admin II, ClassLink

Jill Coss

Director of Instructional Technology, ClassLink

Jill Coss is the Director of Instructional Technology at ClassLink, where she’s spent the past six years helping schools implement innovative technology to help maximize instructional time and streamline processes. With over 20 years of experience in customer service—including... Read More →

Thursday October 22, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
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Listen and Learn

10:30am CDT

Partnering with Sentinel One: An MDR Update from SWWC

LIMITED

Thursday October 22, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

This session covers our ongoing partnership with SentinelOne and the case for managed detection and response in K-12. Over a year into the program, we're covering not only how we got here, but what went right, where there were challenges, and where we're headed next.

Target audience identified by presenter: Cybersecurity ;Technology Leadership

Speakers

Mykel Madera

Cybersecurity Program Architect, SentinelOne

Cybersecurity Program Architect for SWWC.

Bill Followell

Account Executive, SentinelOne

Dani Stecyna

Account Executive, SWWC Service Cooperative

Thursday October 22, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
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Listen and Learn

10:30am CDT

VLANs: The Deep Dive

LIMITED

Thursday October 22, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

This session will expand on VLAN knowledge and dive into implementation, terms, design, theory and recommendations. Specifics on how IP packets are handled for each VLAN. The slight differences each switch vendor does with them. Questions are highly requested!

Target audience identified by presenter: Network Support ;Cybersecurity ;Technology Systems and User Support

Speakers

Forrest Fosheim

Director of Network and Security Services, SWWC Service Cooperative

Travis Rupp

Network Coordinator, SWWC Service Cooperative

Raymond Norton

Network Coordinator, SWWC Service Cooperative

Thursday October 22, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
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Listen and Learn

10:30am CDT

Ozobot Robotics Coding Across Curriculum

LIMITED

Thursday October 22, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

Conference Center Atrium

Limited Capacity seats available

In this hands-on session, participants will explore the engaging world of Ozobot robotics and discover how coding can be integrated into a wide range of content areas. Participants will learn how to program Ozobots using both color-coded marker commands (screen-free coding) and the Ozobot Blockly online coding platform, gaining practical experience with each approach. Attendees will not only build...
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Speakers

Kyle Krenz

Technology Integrationist, SWWC Service Cooperative

Technology Integrationist with SWWC Service Cooperative for 4+ yearsMiddle/High School Social Studies teacher for 7 years.

Thursday October 22, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Conference Center Atrium

Playground Session

11:30am CDT

Lunch Buffet

Thursday October 22, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT

Ruff's Sports Lounge - Best Western Hotel

Tex Mex Buffet - Pulled chicken, ground beef, tortilla shells, sauteed onions and peppers, shredded cheese, rice, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, Pico de Gallo, and shredded lettuce. Served with tortilla chips. Full assortment of beverages available.

Thursday October 22, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Ruff's Sports Lounge - Best Western Hotel

Networking Opportunity

12:30pm CDT

Accessibility: From Overwhelmed to Underway

LIMITED

Thursday October 22, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

This session will share a practical, real-world look at how SWWC and Minneota Public Schools are approaching the new federal digital accessibility requirements. Participants will learn why accessibility matters, what the work actually looks like beyond the website, and lessons learned along the way … from remediating websites and PDFs to building staff awareness and accessible content-creation...
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Speakers

Devann Shultz

Technology Director | AI Coordinator, Minneota Public Schools

Shelly Maes

Director of Member Engagement & SWWC Foundation Executive Director, SWWC Service Cooperative

Thursday October 22, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
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Active Discussion

12:30pm CDT

AI on Steroids - from Student Safety to Plagiarism Detection and Content Filtering

LIMITED

Thursday October 22, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

Join us for a high-impact walkthrough of how AI supercharges Blocksi’s platform to address real-world K–12 challenges—starting with student safety and classroom management, all the way to intelligent web filtering and academic integrity. From threat detection to smarter content categorization, we’ll show how our AI-driven tools work behind the scenes to support safer, more efficient...
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Speakers

Jennifer McWilliams

Sales Representative, Blocksi

Thursday October 22, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
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Listen and Learn

12:30pm CDT

MacBook Neo in the High School Classroom: Lessons Learned from Year One

LIMITED

Thursday October 22, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

What does it take to successfully deploy and support a new device platform in a high school environment? Join us as we share our real-world experience implementing MacBook Neo devices at Marshall High School. We'll discuss deployment strategies, student and staff adoption, management and support considerations, classroom impacts, challenges we encountered, and the lessons we learned along the way....
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Speakers

Todd Pickthorn

District Technology Coordinator, Marshall Public Schools

Twitter: @TPickthorn

Thursday October 22, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
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Listen and Learn

12:30pm CDT

Malicious PDF Analysis: A Practical Toolkit for IT Professionals

LIMITED

Thursday October 22, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

This practical and technical session is designed to equip IT professionals and security technicians with a free, accessible toolkit and accompanying methodology to safely identify, triage, and analyze suspected malicious PDFs. Using a real-world hypothetical scenario involving a compromised corporate account, attendees will learn how to safely dissect a PDF's anatomy and uncover hidden threats...
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Speakers

Walker Schaar

Cybersecurity Specialist, SWWC Service Cooperative

Thursday October 22, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
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Listen and Learn

12:30pm CDT

Roll into Robotics: Exploring Sphero BOLT & Sphero Edu

LIMITED

Thursday October 22, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT

Conference Center Atrium

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

Kyle Krenz

Technology Integrationist, SWWC Service Cooperative

Technology Integrationist with SWWC Service Cooperative for 4+ yearsMiddle/High School Social Studies teacher for 7 years.

Thursday October 22, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Conference Center Atrium

Playground Session

1:45pm CDT

Tech Director Roundtable: The ins and outs of scholastic esports

LIMITED

Thursday October 22, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

Esports is already happening in your building. Students are competing online after school with no oversight, no safety net, and no district infrastructure behind them. A sanctioned program brings that activity onto systems you control, but it also lands squarely on your desk: network segmentation, endpoint management, student data privacy, and budget ownership all come with the territory. This...
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Speakers

Gannon Karsky

Chief Development Officer, Fenworks

Fenworks is a North Dakota-based organization using Esports and Drone Racing to ignite student engagement and prepare the next generation for careers in STEM and emerging technologies. Through seasonal leagues, professional coaching, and hands-on competition, we empower students to... Read More →

Thursday October 22, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
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Active Discussion

1:45pm CDT

Tech Therapy: Why Human Problems Create Technical Problems

LIMITED

Thursday October 22, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

K-12 technology teams face growing technical and cybersecurity demands while operating under constant pressure, limited staffing, and nonstop interruptions. This interactive session explores how stress, burnout, communication breakdowns, and unrealistic expectations often create technical and security problems long before technology fails. Through real-world examples and audience discussion,...
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Speakers

Nicole Pruden

Network & Security Administrator, ECMECC

Nicole Pruden is the Network and Security Administrator for the East Central Minnesota Educational Cable Cooperative (ECMECC), where she supports cybersecurity and shared network services for K-12 school districts in East Central Minnesota. With more than 20 years of IT experience... Read More →

Thursday October 22, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
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Active Discussion

1:45pm CDT

Beyond the Board: Building a Smarter, Simpler Classroom Technology Ecosystem Session Description

LIMITED

Thursday October 22, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

Technology leaders are being asked to do more with fewer resources while supporting AI initiatives, securing devices, simplifying management, and empowering teachers with tools they'll actually use. Join this interactive session to see how today's classroom technology can work together as a complete ecosystem—not just another interactive display. Through live demonstrations, explore practical...
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Speakers

Chris Butler

Instructional Technology Consultant, BG Innovations

BG Innovations is a leading provider of instructional and audio/video classroom technologies. At BGI, we pride our selves on being customer focused and solution orientated. We ask questions and listen. We are passionate about education and technology and know that if given the proper support teachers... Read More →

Bill Bilkey

Thursday October 22, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
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Listen and Learn

1:45pm CDT

Small District, Important Conversations: How A Rural District Built AI Guidance Together

LIMITED

Thursday October 22, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

When Superintendent Scott Monson decided it was time to bring clarity to how Minneota Public Schools approaches AI, he didn't wait, he went looking for the right partnership. Working in tandem with SWWC Technology Integration Program Coordinator David Berner, Minneota assembled an AI task force, audited their current practices, and developed AI guidance that actually fits their community. In this...
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Speakers

Devann Shultz

Technology Director | AI Coordinator, Minneota Public Schools

David Berner

Technology Integration Program Coordinator, SWWC Service Cooperative

David is the Technology Integration Program Coordinator at SWWC, where he leads and supports technology integration efforts across member and organizational schools. He manages a team of technology integration specialists working in the field, ensuring they have the tools and guidance... Read More →

Thursday October 22, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
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Listen and Learn

1:45pm CDT

Robot Winter Olympics

LIMITED

Thursday October 22, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT

Conference Center Atrium

Limited Capacity seats available

Try your hand at completing Olympic-style challenges using Blue-bot and Sphero robots. How do your problem-solving skills compare with those of 3rd-5th graders' skills?

Target audience identified by presenter: Technology Integration;Technology Leadership

Speakers

Meggan Hoffmann

Technology Integration Specialist, SWWC Service Cooperative

Meggan is a Technology Integration Specialist with SWWC and working with the Worthington Public School District.
Presentation Link: https://canva.link/k12dcandai

Thursday October 22, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
Conference Center Atrium

Playground Session

3:00pm CDT

Cybersecurity Survival and Risk Management

LIMITED

Thursday October 22, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

During this presentation we'll review some of the biggest Cybersecurity Risks and ways to protect your network with defense in layers. We do a quick check on Lifecycle of Windows software and review the latest password standards in NIST 800-63B.

Target audience identified by presenter: All Conference Attendees

Speakers

Dan Durkee

Director Engineering Services, Twotrees Technologies

Dan Durkee is the Director of Network Services for Twotrees Technologies. Dan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in communications and business from the University of Mary, Bismarck, ND. Dan’s formal IT training began after college as he became a certified Microsoft engineer and... Read More →

Thursday October 22, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
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Active Discussion

3:00pm CDT

A Critical Analysis of AI in Education

LIMITED

Thursday October 22, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

AI has been overwhelming our professional agendas lately. Every device we use, every app we engage with, advertises its immense educational potential. But as an IT leader, do you feel informed enough on the subject to make critical leadership decisions on AI's placement in the educational setting? In this session, we'll engage this question by studying how AI actually works and functions,...
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Speakers

Stephen Lien

Technology Director, Redwood Area Schools ISD #2897

Technology Director at Redwood Area Schools #2897
email: slien [at] redwoodareaschools [dot] com

Thursday October 22, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
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Listen and Learn

3:00pm CDT

How to Spot AI Generated Content

LIMITED

Thursday October 22, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

As AI tools get more advanced, so does their ability to generate misinformation. Spotting AI
generated content is getting harder, making it more difficult to know what’s real. This session will
go through strategies to detect AI content and the reliability of tools to detect them.

Target audience identified by presenter: All Conference Attendees

Speakers

Carter Squires

Applications Administrator, SWWC Service Cooperative

Thursday October 22, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
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Listen and Learn

3:00pm CDT

Create a Canva Escape Room

LIMITED

Thursday October 22, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT

Conference Center Atrium

Limited Capacity seats available

Get basic instructions to build your own digital escape room in Canva. At the end, attendees will share the escape rooms they designed with each other and try to escape each other's rooms! Bring this idea back to your school for teachers to use with their students or for staff development activities.

Target audience identified by presenter: All Conference Attendees

Speakers

Meggan Hoffmann

Technology Integration Specialist, SWWC Service Cooperative

Meggan is a Technology Integration Specialist with SWWC and working with the Worthington Public School District.
Presentation Link: https://canva.link/k12dcandai

Thursday October 22, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Conference Center Atrium

Playground Session

4:00pm CDT

Exhibit Hall with Appetizers, Refreshments, and Networking

Thursday October 22, 2026 4:00pm - 7:00pm CDT

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The IT² 2026 Exhibit Hall is where IT is happening! This is where you can make connections and collaborate with colleagues, vendors and representatives from organizations from across the country! The IT² Exhibit Hall is unique in that exhibitors represent all components that make education technology tick, but at the same time our Exhibit Hall is small enough for you to be able to take time to...
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Thursday October 22, 2026 4:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
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Networking Opportunity

7:30am CDT

Breakfast Buffet and Networking

Friday October 23, 2026 7:30am - 8:00am CDT

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Sunrise French Toast Breakfast Buffet - French Toast with hot syrups (sugar free will be available), scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, bacon, and assortment of fresh fruit. Coffee, hot tea, and juice will be available.

Friday October 23, 2026 7:30am - 8:00am CDT
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Networking Opportunity

8:00am CDT

Morning Kick-Off and Welcome

Friday October 23, 2026 8:00am - 8:15am CDT

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Speakers

Josh Sumption

Chief Technology and Information Officer, SWWC Service Cooperative

Friday October 23, 2026 8:00am - 8:15am CDT
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Listen and Learn

8:00am CDT

20 Years of IT2 Exhibit

Friday October 23, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT

Conference Center Atrium

It's a trip down IT2 memory lane! Explore the exhibits and artifacts located in the Lobby and Conference Center Hallway.

Friday October 23, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Conference Center Atrium

Explore on Your Own

8:15am CDT

Running Through Uncertainty: Resilience, Purpose, and Leadership in Challenging Times

Friday October 23, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am CDT

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Educational technology professionals are navigating an unprecedented era of change. From cybersecurity threats and artificial intelligence to funding uncertainties, staffing shortages, political polarization, and increasing scrutiny of technology's role in education, it can be difficult to stay focused on the mission that brought us to this work in the first place: creating opportunities for...
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Speakers

Dick Beardsley

Friday October 23, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am CDT
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Listen and Learn

9:30am CDT

Concepts of the Modern Classroom - Classroom AV Trends

LIMITED

Friday October 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

In this session, we will explore what makes a modern classroom function with the wide ranging types of technology and needs that teachers and students have to learn in our current day. We will explore interactive displays, classroom audio, digital signage, and wireless casting as the four key elements that schools are updating and implementing to impact teaching learning. We will also explore...
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Friday October 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
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Active Discussion

9:30am CDT

From Inventory to Insight: Smarter K-12 Device Planning with Data and AI

LIMITED

Friday October 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

Device management is no longer just about knowing what you have. It is about using accurate, timely data to make better decisions around refresh cycles, support needs, budgeting, and long-term planning. In this session, we will explore how K-12 technology teams can move from basic inventory tracking to a more proactive lifecycle management strategy. Using district examples and insights from DICE,...
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Speakers

Dave Donarski

Director, Trafera

Cory Klinge

Director, Trafera

Cory Klinge is a seasoned educational and technology leader, and is currently the Director of Pre-Sales Engineering at Trafera. Formerly the Director of Technology at Richfield Public Schools in Minnesota, Cory led the district through a digital transformation, implementing a robust... Read More →

Nick Huey

Lead DICE Technician, Trafera

Friday October 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
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Active Discussion

9:30am CDT

Small Moves, Big Impact: AI Literacy Across the Curriculum

LIMITED

Friday October 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

AI Literacy does not have to be taught in a separate unit or be an added burden to teachers. AI Literacy should not only be taught by a specialist, such as a STEM or computer teacher. In this session, teachers from any grade level or content area will explore simple, practical ways to embed AI Literacy into lessons and units they already teach. Participants will consider how small instructional...
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Speakers

David Berner

Technology Integration Program Coordinator, SWWC Service Cooperative

Friday October 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
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Hands-on

9:30am CDT

AI in Education: Safeguarding Students and Supercharging Teaching & Learning

LIMITED

Friday October 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping education at a pace never seen before, unlocking new possibilities for personalized learning, accelerating teacher productivity, and transforming how students engage with content. But with this innovation comes a new set of challenges: safeguarding students in an AI powered world, ensuring responsible use, and maintaining visibility across increasingly complex...
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Speakers

Anna Hanson

Sales Director, ByteSpeed

Anna Hanson is a seasoned IT professional with a passion for how technologies can transform educational opportunities.

Friday October 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
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Listen and Learn

9:30am CDT

American Time EverAlert Notification System in K-12 Education

LIMITED

Friday October 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

Waubun Public Schools implemented the American Time EverAlert Notification System to strengthen school safety, improve emergency communication, and provide consistent campus-wide messaging. The system integrates with 3CX and enables administrators to instantly deliver visual and audible alerts during emergencies such as severe weather, lockdowns, fire alarms, or other critical situations, helping...
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Speakers

Sumre Robinson

System Engineer, Tech Check, LLC

Travis Gary

Technology Director, Waubun Public Schools

Josh Hepokoski

System Engineer, Tech Check, LLC

Friday October 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
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Listen and Learn

9:30am CDT

E-Rate Ready or Not?

LIMITED

Friday October 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

Want to know the ins and out of the E-Rate program? If so, then this session is for you! Join us as we profice a detailed overview of the E-Rate program as well as the challenges the program is currently facing. We will go through the coming changes within the program and the types of information required for E-Rate funding.

Target audience identified by presenter: All Conference Attendees

Speakers

Wendy Borchert

E-Rate Support Specialist, SWWC Service Cooperative

Becky Laleman

E-Rate Support Specialist, SWWC Service Cooperative

Friday October 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
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Listen and Learn

9:30am CDT

Small Changes That Dramatically Improve IT Support

LIMITED

Friday October 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

Great IT support is about more than fixing technology—it's about supporting people. In this session, we'll share real-world lessons and practical strategies for improving communication, building trust, managing expectations, and creating positive support experiences in K-12 schools. Attendees will leave with simple customer service techniques that can be implemented immediately to strengthen...
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Speakers

Mike Carter

Senior Technology Coordinator, SWWC Service Cooperative

Mike Carter is an experienced school technology professional with a strong background in K–12 IT operations, infrastructure, and support services. He works closely with IT staff and leadership teams to implement practical systems that improve efficiency, communication, and service... Read More →

Kristin Lieser

Technology Support Specialist II, SWWC Service Cooperative

Technology Support Specialist for SWWC. Supports SWWC staff and site with technology needs. Vast experience with customer server and support.

Friday October 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
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Listen and Learn

10:45am CDT

Chromebook Durability by Design: Lifecycle, Repairability, and Smarter Purchasing

LIMITED

Friday October 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

We’ll cover the key stages of the Chromebook lifecycle, including long-term purchasing strategy, repairability, device value and longevity, warranty considerations, and other factors that help districts make smarter Chromebook decisions.

Target audience identified by presenter: Technology Leadership;Technology Systems and User Support

Speakers

Spencer Schwartz

Technology Support Specialist, SWWC Service Cooperative

Joe Hafner

Technology Support Specialist, SWWC Service Cooperative

Tyler Krehbiel

Technology Coordinator, SWWC Service Cooperative

Friday October 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
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Active Discussion

10:45am CDT

Don't Start With the App: A framework for instructional technology specialists and teachers to start with the cognitive action they want from students and then choose the technology.

LIMITED

Friday October 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

Don't Start With the App. Too often, technology integration starts with a tool: What can we do with this app? This session flips that approach. Instead, educators will start by identifying the cognitive action they want from students—retrieving, predicting, explaining, comparing, organizing, discussing, or applying—and then choose technology that strengthens that thinking. Using practical...
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Speakers

Oskar Cymerman

Teacher, Writer, App Developer, Teacher Trainer, Sowashco ISD #83 & crushschool.com

Friday October 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
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Hands-on

10:45am CDT

After the Breach : Hunting for Evidence with Velociraptor

LIMITED

Friday October 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

Attacks get all the attention, but what happens after a breach is just as critical. In this session, we'll step into the shoes of an incident responder using Velociraptor, a free open-source DFIR tool. You'll see how analysts collect evidence from a compromised endpoint, spot signs of malicious activity, and reconstruct a timeline of what happened. Target audience identified by presenter:...
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Speakers

Zainab Quraishi

Cybersecurity Specialist, SWWC Service Cooperative

Friday October 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
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Listen and Learn

10:45am CDT

Exceptional User Experience on a Self-Driving Network?

LIMITED

Friday October 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

HPE Self-Driving Networks leverage agentic AI, digital twins, and Large Experience Models (LEMs) to create an autonomous infrastructure that self-optimizes, self-protects, and self-heals in real time, eliminating manual troubleshooting. The platform enables proactive assurance, dynamic capacity optimization, and autonomous operations, resulting in a 75% reduction in support tickets and enhanced...
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Speakers

Mike Dunham

AI for Networking - North Central, Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Grant Hagen

Technology Advisor, Marco Technologies

Friday October 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
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Listen and Learn

10:45am CDT

Need it? Build it! Innovation Through Workplace 3D Printing

LIMITED

Friday October 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

Innovation doesn't always require a massive budget or a whole team. Problems come up where the question is asked: "I wish I had a part like this to solve this problem." It starts with a single idea or problem and a 3D printer! Join this session to explore how you can use additive manufacturing to solve problems, increase agility, and create solutions that would be difficult or impossible using...
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Speakers

Noah Johnson

IT Coordinator, City of Redwood Falls

Noah Johnson brings a unique blend of education and public safety experience to the intersection of technology and community service. After spending seven years in K-12 education leading cybersecurity initiatives across four school districts, Noah transitioned to municipal government... Read More →

Friday October 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
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Listen and Learn

10:45am CDT

Simplifying Student Data Privacy Reviews with ROVER

LIMITED

Friday October 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

Every new app or tool your teachers want to use raises the same question: is it safe for student data? Multiply that across hundreds of tools in a district, and privacy compliance can feel impossible to keep up with. This session introduces ROVER, the product review tool built by SWWC Service Cooperative to help district tech teams take the guesswork out of vetting ed-tech products. Including how...
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Speakers

Eli Hulstein

Data Privacy Specialist, SWWC Service Cooperative

I am Eli Hulstein, the Data Privacy Specialist with SWWC. I have been with SWWC for around a year and a half.

Victoria Imafidor

Technology Intern, SWWC Service Cooperative & Southwest Minnesota State University

Friday October 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
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Listen and Learn

11:45am CDT

Lunch Buffet and Networking

Friday October 23, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm CDT

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The Smokehouse Brisket Lunch Buffet: Smoked Beef Brisket, Grilled BBQ Chicken, Cocktail Buns, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, and Potato Chips. And it wouldn't be the 20th Anniversary of IT2 without CAKE! Dessert will feature a Shortcake station, build you own shortcake creation and celebrate 20 years of innovation and collaboration with us!

Friday October 23, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm CDT
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Networking Opportunity

12:45pm CDT

Overflow Session Holder

LIMITED

Friday October 23, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

Overflow Session Holder

Target audience identified by presenter:

Friday October 23, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
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12:45pm CDT

Certified Education Technoloyg Leader (CETL) Certrification - Our Journey's and Experiences

LIMITED

Friday October 23, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

The Certified Education Technology Leader (CETL®) certification has become a respected benchmark for technology leaders who are committed to advancing innovation, leadership, and strategic impact in education. But what is the certification process really like, and how has earning the credential influenced the careers of those who hold it? Join a panel of CETL-certified education technology...
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Speakers

Darren Fransen

Technology Coordinator, SWWC Service Cooperative

Jason Borglum

Director of Technical and Information Services, South Central Service Cooperative

Devann Shultz

Technology Director | AI Coordinator, Minneota Public Schools

Josh Sumption

Chief Technology and Information Officer, SWWC Service Cooperative

Todd Pickthorn

District Technology Coordinator, Marshall Public Schools

Twitter: @TPickthorn

Stephen Lien

Technology Director, Redwood Area Schools ISD #2897

Technology Director at Redwood Area Schools #2897
email: slien [at] redwoodareaschools [dot] com

Friday October 23, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
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Active Discussion

12:45pm CDT

Google + ISTE AI Literacy: Building Educator Confidence and Capacity

LIMITED

Friday October 23, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

Build your confidence and capacity with artificial intelligence through Google and ISTE’s AI literacy training for educators. This interactive session will introduce participants to the program’s educator-centered approach, including practical ways AI can support student learning, address common problems of practice, and reduce administrative workload. Participants will explore the structure...
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Speakers

Jeremy Mikla

Instructional Technology Specialist, ECMECC

Friday October 23, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
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Hands-on

12:45pm CDT

Helping educators distinguish meaningful technology integration from digital busywork.

LIMITED

Friday October 23, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

Tech-Rich Doesn't Always Mean Learning-Rich. Putting an assignment on a screen does not automatically make it better instruction. In this interactive session, participants will experience the difference between technology that simply digitizes traditional classroom work and technology that actually improves how students think, engage, remember, and apply learning. Using the new AI-powered Snorkl...
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Speakers

Oskar Cymerman

Teacher, Writer, App Developer, Teacher Trainer, Sowashco ISD #83 & crushschool.com

Friday October 23, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
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Hands-on

12:45pm CDT

The Pinocchio Effect

LIMITED

Friday October 23, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

When students talk to AI, it’s easy to believe a "real boy" is behind the screen. This is the Pinocchio Effect: AI so convincing, it tricks students into forming mistaken relationships and offering unearned trust. But an algorithm isn't a friend; it’s a puppet. Today’s goal is to unmask the digital illusion, protect student privacy, and ensure students remain the masters who pull the...
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Speakers

Raymond Norton

Network Coordinator, SWWC Service Cooperative

Friday October 23, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
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Listen and Learn

2:00pm CDT

Cloud Benefits, Real Tradeoffs: Our Entra/Intune Journey

LIMITED

Friday October 23, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

A candid recap of what actually happened when we joined our fleet to Entra ID and rolled out Intune — the surprises, the workarounds, and the policies that looked simple on paper but weren't. Expect real config gotchas, a few facepalms, and practical tips so you don't repeat our mistakes. Target audience identified by presenter: Network Support ;Technology Leadership;Technology Systems and User...
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Speakers

Travis Rupp Zane Holmgren

Friday October 23, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
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Active Discussion

2:00pm CDT

Opportunities for Technology Leaders: Aspiring, New and Veteran

LIMITED

Friday October 23, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

You’re the go-to person for all things tech in your district and increasingly expected to handle administrative tasks like budgeting, strategic planning and security. This session is designed for K-12 technology professionals ready to embrace and enhance their leadership capabilities. We will explore opportunities to hone leadership skills, foster valuable collaborations and find support among...
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Speakers

Marc Johnson

Executive Director, ECMECC

Marc Johnson is Executive Director of East Central Minnesota Educational Cable Cooperative (ECMECC), a telecommunications & technology cooperative of 24 K-12 public school districts in East Central Minnesota. Marc is in his 19th year at ECMECC having spent two years prior as technology... Read More →

Friday October 23, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
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Active Discussion

2:00pm CDT

When Capacity Is Limited: A Model for Building AI Guidance with Rural Schools

LIMITED

Friday October 23, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

Generative AI is moving quickly, and many rural and small districts are trying to make important decisions without the same staffing, time, or capacity as larger systems. This session shares how the A.I.D.E. Team at SWWC created a regional AI guidance website, aligned with the Minnesota Department of Education’s AI Guiding Principles, to help schools get started in a practical and approachable...
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Speakers

David Berner

Technology Integration Program Coordinator, SWWC Service Cooperative

Friday October 23, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
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Hands-on

2:00pm CDT

Missing, Mismatched, or Malicious: Understanding DLLs

LIMITED

Friday October 23, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

Missing files, version conflicts, and compromised libraries are three faces of one mechanism: Windows programs load shared code and trust it completely. Starting from zero and assuming no development background, this session explains what a DLL is, how Windows decides which one to load, and why that decision shows up in both your ticket queue and your threat intel. Target audience identified by...
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Speakers

Mykel Madera

Cybersecurity Program Architect, SentinelOne

Cybersecurity Program Architect for SWWC.

Friday October 23, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
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Listen and Learn

2:00pm CDT

Motherboard Repair

LIMITED

Friday October 23, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

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Limited Capacity seats available

After a series of technical diagnostics, you've determined that your laptop motherboard has failed. It is off the warranty period and would cost $$$ to replace. We'll dive into the steps to determine exactly what has failed, and if there is a low cost way to fix it.

Target audience identified by presenter: Technology Systems and User Support

Speakers

Craig Polkow

Technology Coordinator, SWWC Service Cooperative

Friday October 23, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
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Listen and Learn

3:00pm CDT

Closing Remarks and Door Prizes!

Friday October 23, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm CDT

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Speakers

Josh Sumption

Chief Technology and Information Officer, SWWC Service Cooperative

Friday October 23, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
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Networking Opportunity

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