SWWC IT² 2026

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 make connections and ask questions with everyone!
The Exhibit Hall will be on October 22, 2025 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Willmar Event Center in Willmar, MN. Appetizers will be served to attendees.
Make sure to participate in our IT² 2026 Exhibit Hall activities for a chance to win one of our door prizes. Door prizes will be awarded to the winners on the last day of the conference.

Appetizers:  
Boneless Chicken Wings (Buffalo or BBQ)
Pizza Squares
BBQ Meatballs
Vegetable Display

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.

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 students to learn, grow, and thrive.

Legendary marathon runner Dick Beardsley will share a remarkable journey of perseverance, resilience, and purpose. Known worldwide for his iconic duel with Alberto Salazar in the 1982 Boston Marathon, Dick reached the pinnacle of athletic achievement only to face a series of personal hardships, setbacks, and challenges that tested his resolve far beyond the racecourse.

Through stories of triumph, adversity, loss, and recovery, Dick will offer a perspective that resonates deeply with today's educational technology leaders. His experiences remind us that obstacles are inevitable, but they do not define us. Instead, our character is revealed by how we respond, adapt, and continue moving forward when the path ahead is uncertain.

Attendees will leave inspired to embrace change, remain grounded in their purpose, and lead with resilience during challenging times. Dick's message serves as a powerful reminder that while the tools, technologies, and circumstances around us will continue to evolve, our commitment to serving students and preparing the next generation of leaders must remain unwavering.

Target audience identified by presenter: All Conference Attendees

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, a device intelligence and lifecycle management platform designed to help schools track inventory, monitor fleet health, and plan for future technology investments, attendees will see how device data can provide better visibility into fleet status, longevity, and planning priorities. We will also discuss how emerging AI-enhanced insights can help technology leaders identify trends, reduce uncertainty, and build stronger device strategies. Attendees will be invited to share feedback on the tools, processes, and capabilities they would find most valuable in the future of K-12 device management, creating an interactive discussion focused on practical outcomes and continuous improvement.

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

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!