2024 mainstage Sessions

Couldn't make it to the festival, or looking to re-live the magic? Watch recordings of our main stage sessions at EDTECH WEEK 2024.

welcome to edtechweek!

2024 and beyond present new and unique challenges for global learners young and old. Join this session to get up to speed on navigating most-pressing topics and New York City's innovation hubs.


A fireside chat with chancellor david c. Banks

Join Chancellor David C. Banks of the New York City Public Schools and Jonathan Harber, Chairman at StartEd and founder of SchooNet, for an engaging fireside chat focused on leadership and innovation in K-12 education in New York that opens EdTech Week 2024. They will explore initiates to strengthen career pathways between K-12 and the workplace, New York’s thorough and measured approach to deploying assistive AI in schools, and imperatives for education innovators, educators, and investors operating in the US’s largest education ecosystem. The Chancellor will share his perspectives on the critical need for innovation in education and offer compelling insights and examples of leadership that drive impactful change for students, educators, and communities across New York.


FIRESIDE CHAT WITH jOHN B. KING, jR. (suny) & SIYA rAJ pUROHIT (OPENai)

Join Siya Raj Purohit and former US Secretary of Education John B. King, Jr., Chancellor of SUNY, for a discussion on leadership in education. They’ll highlight why talented individuals from education and edtech should consider public sector roles, the opportunities for transitioning into service, and how innovation can transform education. Both speakers will share powerful insights and inspiring examples of the leadership needed to shape the future of education.


The role of local government in supporting education innovation

In his remarks, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine will discuss the crucial role that local governments play in fostering education innovation. Drawing on his experience leading one of the nation’s most dynamic urban centers, Levine will emphasize the power of public-private partnerships, the importance of leveraging technology to ensure equitable access to education, and how local policy initiatives can support both students and educators in today’s evolving landscape. Introduction by Andrew Rasiej, Founder of Civic Hall.


ai-powered learning at work

Discover the transformative impact of AI on education and workplaces, unveiling cutting-edge learning methodologies tailored for both professionals and students alike. This session delves into learning from leadership at Merck, IBM, and Amazon, where where AI revolutionizes learning paradigms and offers insights into its benefits and limitations. Gain practical knowledge on integrating AI-powered learning solutions within your own organization, enhancing workforce skills and educational outcomes. Join us to navigate the evolving realm of workplace learning, equipped with essential insights from practioners that has harnessed AI’s potential effectively.


a disagreement on the future of k-12 education

Is AI the future of the classroom? Or should we keep AI out of the classroom altogether? Get ready for a thoughtful "disagreement" about the future of AI and Education. Ben Riley, CEO of Cognitive Resonance and Alex Kotran, CEO of the AI Education Project, will present their contrasting views on the future of AI in K12 education. Riley brings a cautious, analytical perspective, questioning AI's role inside the clasroom. Kotran argues that AI is already here — and we should understand the best ways to embrace new technology and be realistic about its arrival. Expect a thoughtful debate that hits on the balance between innovation and responsibility and weighs the risks and opportunities of AI in the classroom.


Streamlining Individualized Education Program Transfers for Military Children

Sheila Casey, Executive Director of Joining Forces, First Lady Jill Biden’s White House Initiative to support military and veteran families, caregivers and survivors, will discuss the critical need for data interoperability and portability in facilitating the efficient digital transfer of individualized education programs (IEPs) between school districts and across state lines. The lack of data interoperability and discrepancies in state IEP requirements often result in significant delays in delivering essential services to military children with disabilities. As we continue to embrace advancements in education technology, innovative solutions and practical approaches to improve IEP transfers are crucial to ensuring highly mobile students, particularly military children, have the resources they need to learn and succeed.


what is federally possible? bi-partisan policy opportunities to upgrade america’s education workforce system

With this November’s upcoming elections front-and-center, EdTech Week has assembled an all-star panel of expert thought leaders with both government and private sector experience who will (1) summarize the current state of Federal policy with regards to education, workforce, and technology; and (2) dream about what’s really possible over the next 2-5 years for our industry; and (3) discuss how different November outcomes might yield different policy trajectories for innovation across education and workforce.


harnessing the power of public-private partnerships to drive social impact in edtech

We share insights from practioner experience leading groundbreaking public-private partnerships that leverage technology to expand access to education and drive social good. Join this session to learn from the Clinton Global Initiaitve, City of Denver, Pearson, and Floral Park-Bellerose School District on how innovative collaborations between EdTech companies, government agencies, foundations, educational institutions, and community serving organizations can create scalable solutions that generate both economic and social value, ultimately empowering underserved communities and creating a more inclusive future.


closing keynote: power of the network

Learn how to navigate relational capital for funding, talent, customer acquisition, knowledge share, deal flow and mentorship from the former Evangelist at Techstars and former lead product walk-through specialist at LinkedIn. A view of how to connect with people like you’ve never seen before.