Dr. John Parker has broad, global leadership experience as a teacher, instructional coach, administrator, and superintendent. His breadth of global leadership in education includes serving in China, Puyallup, Colombia, and now Spokane in his role as superintendent of Central Valley School District since 2022.
PROGRAM PAGES
Page 2 Breakout Sessions Page 3 Breakout Sessions Details Page 4 Vendor Booths Page 5 Vendor Map Page 6 MicroK12 Team Page 7 Food Menu
OPENING KEYNOTE
8:30 am Breakfast / Vendor Exhibit 9:00 am Keynote Speaker 12:00pm Lunch / Vendor Exhibit 11am-2pm Breakout Sessions 2:00pm Closing Keynote
9:30am
Elliott Levine Dir. Pub Sect. & Ed, Qualcomm
Dr. John Parker Superintendent, Central Valley SD
2:00pm
TECHFEST SPOKANE - APRIL 25th, 2025
EVENT AT A GLANCE
Elliott Levine is the global director of education for Qualcomm Technologies. With over 30 years of experience and the first distinguished technologist in the field of education for a silicon valley Fortune 500, Elliott brings his sense of humor and passion for teaching and technology.
CLOSING KEYNOTE
"AI-Powered Learning: Transforming Education with Intelligent Tools" by Courtney Bock, K-5 Library Information and Technology Specialist at Mead School District
AI in Education: Panel Discussion by Dr. John Parker, Superintendent & Mark Vetter, Education Consultant
Room: 1
TECHFEST SPOKANE - SESSIONS
VENDOR EXHIBIT HALL OPEN, Taylor Kyle the American Mystifier magician performance
8:00AM- 9:00 AM
"The Breach Breakdown: How Cybersecurity Incidents Are Shaping Our Future" by Liza Francisco Voss, CTO for Franklin Pierce Schools
"Funding Technology in K12" by Andy Jones, Technology Services Director - NE WA ESD 101
10:30 AM- 11:00 AM
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Keynote: "Create Your Own Algorithm for Success: Leadership in the Digital Age" by Dr. John Parker, Superintendent, Central Valley School District Discover how to develop your own leadership algorithm—an evolving formula shaped by experience, values, and adaptability. This session is full of practical strategies to refine decision-making and lead with greater impact in any context.
Room: 2
11:00AM - 11:30AM
Room: 3
"A Fool's Errand: Predicting the Future of Education in an AI Driven World" by Mark Vetter, Education Consultant
"Defending Against a Ransomware Attack" by Chris Nelson, Executive Director Lenawee/Monroe Technology Consortium
12:00PM
2:00PM - 2:30PM
9:00AM - 9:30 AM
1:00PM - 2:00PM
LUNCH, Taylor Kyle the American Mystifier magician performance
"Esports in WA: Creating Pathways for Student Growth Through Gaming by Jake Voss WSSEA
2
BREAKFAST
Keynote: "Applying the SAMR Model to AI Adoption – From substitution to insanity" By Elliott Levine, Director of Worldwide Education, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. With over 30 years of experience as an educator, professor, administrator, chief academic officer, esports software founder and the first distinguished technologist in the field of education for a Silicon Valley Fortune 500, Elliott brings his sense of humor and passion for teaching and technology. Elliott was named to the inaugural list of the Top 100 influencers in education technology by EdTech Digest.
"Unencumbered by Experience - Growing Your Tech Career in K12" by Kathi Etchemendy, Greater Albany PS
Expo Hall
9:30 AM- 10:00 AM
TECHFEST SPOKANE - SESSION DETAILS
3
Applying the SAMR Model to AI Adoption – From substitution to insanity by Elliot Levine, Qualmcom Artificial Intelligence is both envied and feared in K-12 education for its transformative properties as well as its ability to bring chaos, fear and confusion to educators and all stakeholders. How we transform teaching and learning experiences with AI can easily follow the SAMR model for adoption from basic language models to AiDaptive XR. A Lifelong educator and industry leader, Elliott Levine will provide use case examples of each phase of adoption along with the two inherent fears shared by every educator when it comes to the adoption of emerging technologies. You’ll leave this session with an understanding of cloud vs edge AI, and some ways to safely embrace AI on your journey to full digital sentience.
2:00PM
"Create Your Own Algorithm for Success: Leadership in the Digital Age"" by Dr. John Parker, Superintendent Every leader develops a unique formula for success—an algorithm shaped by experiences, values, and continuous growth. Just as technology algorithms help refine processes, effective leadership requires identifying key components, strengthening core principles, and adapting to challenges. In this keynote, we’ll explore how to create your own leadership algorithm—one that evolves, enhances decision-making and drives impactful results. Whether in education or business, refining your leadership responses ensures sustained success in your unique context. Join us to unlock strategies that will optimize your leadership and empower those you serve.
4
TECHFEST SPOKANE - BOOTHS
Pavilion easily accessible from parking garage
TECHFEST SPOKANE - VENUE MAP
PARKING
Northern Quest Resort has many incredible amenities to enjoy!
5
WA / MT / AK / UT
Dustin da Silva
6
East / Western WA
WA / ID
Rich Litchfield
TECHFEST SPOKANE - SALES TEAM
Western WA
Alex Susag
VP of Sales
Jasmine Wiese
Oregon / Southern WA
Cody Pexton
Renee Brown
Large selection of freshly cut fruit Freshly baked breakfast pastries Yogurt and house-made granola Breakfast potatoes Smoked bacon and country sausage Scrambled eggs with assorted toppings: shredded cheese, salsa, green onions Freshly brewed coffee, tea and assorted juices
LUNCH BUFFET
TECHFEST SPOKANE - FOOD MENU
Fresh Beginnings A colorful medley ofseasonal fruits and sun-ripened berries, artfully presented Sunburst Citrus Salad Tender spring greens and frisée, kissed with juicy orange and ruby grapefruit segments, sprinkled with toasted black sesame seeds, finished with a zesty citrus vinaigrette Rustic Antipasto Salad A mix of pasta, marinated vegetables, cured meats, and artisan cheese Chef's Seasonal Sides Oven-Roasted Market Vegetables– caramelized to perfection and buttery mashed Yukon potatoes, and warm, freshly baked rolls served with creamy whipped butter Herb-Seared Chicken Breast Accompanied by a fragrantvelouté infused with garden herbs Slow-Roasted Tri-Tip of Beef Sliced to order and finished with a robustcrushed black pepper gravy DESSERT An assortment of decadent dessert treats, including a seasonal patissere featuring a bright lemon to refresh and delight Beverages Freshly brewedcoffee and tea, assorted soft drinks
BREAKFAST BUFFET
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You won't want to miss Happy Hour! starting at 2:30 PM Grilled Vegetables A vibrant presentation of marinated, flame-grilled seasonal vegetables— kissed by fire and full of flavor. Perfect for grazing and sharing. Artisan Charcuterie Board An indulgent assortment of Capicola, prosciutto, Spanish chorizo, and dry salami, accompanied by Cougar Gold and fresh mozzarella cheeses,house-pickled vegetables, and a curated selection ofartisan crackers. A true crowd-pleaser for gatherings. Decadent Chocolate Fondue Display A luscious melted chocolate experience to end the day on a sweet note! Served with an array of delightful dippables —fresh fruits, marshmallows, cookies, and sweet treats designed for dipping, drizzling, and indulging
Northern Quest Resort Features: A historic golf course Spa Shopping Expansive kids areas Camas Club Live Music Dining and Bars Amazing Recreational activities nearby include: Spokane County Raceway Mica Moon Zipling Tours The beautiful and historic Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox Spokane Falls, and much more!