IDEACON

February 17 - 19, 2025

About IDEAcon

IDEAcon isn't just a conference; IDEAcon is an experience.


For three full days, attendees have access to experienced thought leaders and regional speakers all focused on  current education topics and who represent innovative practices. There is something for all educators through the hundreds of sessions that allow you to customize your IDEAcon experience based on your own comfort level and curiosity. Networking with your peers via  informal conversations, Exhibit Hall walks, and evening social events truly make you feel like you're part of the IDEA family. IDEAcon is a conference you won't forget, for all the right reasons.

Meet our 2025 Featured Speakers:

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Days until IDEAcon 2025!

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See you next year at IDEAcon 2026!

Register now!

IDEAcon 2024 Highlights

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Our 2nd Round Call for proposals is open!

Last year, we started a second call for proposals after learning firsthand how quickly things can change when generative AI began taking off at an incredible pace in November 2022. Not only does a second call allow for new technology to be addressed, but it also allows educators to present on new or emerging ideas and strategies that they’ve been working on during the current school year.

Submit a Proposal!

Each year, IDEAcon attendees learn with over one hundred amazing presenters representing a wide range of fields, topics, and teaching styles. The conference would not be possible without our presenters!

WHY PRESENT AT IDEAcon

IDEAcon would not be what it is without our presenters. We recognize that it takes a lot of time and effort to prepare a presentation, and we are proud of all of our presenters that share their work at our conference. 


IDEA remains committed to providing a conference registration to the lead presenter for each IDEAcon session. All co-presenters must pay for their own registration.


Our call for proposals runs from May until August.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

Once the Call for Proposals closes, each submission gets blindly reviewed at least three times by a group consisting of IDEA Conference Committee, IDEA Governing Board and Executive Board members, along with IDEAcon volunteers.


On "Selection Saturday", our Conference Committee builds the IDEAcon schedule aiming to create a balanced, engaging, and innovative event. Invitations to accepted presenters are expected to be sent in early September.

PRESENTER TIMELINE

May 1 - August 5

  • Submit proposal(s)

August - September

  • Submissions go through a blind review process
  • Selection Saturday
  • Receive your acceptance or regret email mid-September
  • If accepted - complete confirmation form by September 27.

October - January

  • Prepare your presentation
  • Complete tasks in the Speaker Resource Center
  • Register to attend IDEAcon
  • If contributing a virtual session, submit recording by January 17.

February

  • Finalize your presentation
  • Join us at IDEAcon (in-person or virtually)


Exhibit at IDEAcon

The IDEA team recognizes how important our exhibitors are, and we show this value in a number of ways:

  • Opportunities for exhibitor sessions in the exhibit hall.
  • Opportunities for additional sponsorships.
  • Dedicated time for attendees to experience the exhibit hall including a Monday night “Welcome” social that takes place IN the exhibit hall.
  • Hands-on/Experiential stations IN the exhibit hall that offer programming throughout each day of the conference.
  • Attendees can experience your product first-hand our DEMOcon Playground


IDEA believes that all of these things highlight how important our exhibitors are to a successful and well-rounded conference, but this is also the time to give you the, “But wait, there’s more!” line. Because there is more. IDEAcon also gives exhibitors the opportunity to select their ideal booth location in the exhibit hall. Does your product fit best with IDEA Exchange? Pick a booth near that space!


All of this customization allows you to take an even more targeted and personal approach in the exhibit hall and lets attendees know how you’re a necessary part of their story. We’d love to welcome you to the IDEAcon exhibitor family!

2025 IDEAcon Planning Committee

Scherrie Davis - Elementary School District 159

Sarah Enger - Berwyn South School Distrist 100

Andy Fekete - Community Consolidated School District 93

Caren Kimbarovsky - Libertyville School District 70

Mike McGowan - Sunnybrook School District 171

Susan O'Day - Prairie-Hills School District 144

Li-Wei Peng - Governors State University

Dallas Turner - Rockford Public Schools

Bill Witkowsky - Will County School District 92

Past IDEAcon Keynotes

Stephen Reid (2024)

Our Voice Alliance (2024)

Briana Morales (2024)

Katie Klein & iO Theater Chicago (2023)

Pierre Paul (2023)

Evan Struck (2023)

Stephanie Evergreen (2023)

Barute Kafele (2022)

Kat Cho (2022)

Bellen Woodard (2022)

Kate Biberdorf (2022)

Past IDEAcon Thought Leaders

Dr. Desiree Alexander (2024)

Jed Dearybury (2024)

Dr. Shaniqua Jones (2024)

Dee Lanier (2024)

Donnie Piercey (2024)

Rachelle Dene Poth (2024)

Abeer Ramadan-Shinnawi (2024)

Carly Spina (2024)

Carrie Baughcum (2023)

Dr. Marcus Belin (2023)

Scott Bricker (2023)

Sallee Clark (2023)

eTwinz (2023)

Jeni Long (2023)

Michael Matera (2023)

Dr. Adam Phyall (2023)

Lainie Rowell (2023)

Julie Smith (2023)

Dr. Mandi Tolen (2023)

Yaritza Villalba (2023)

Jordyn Zimmerman (2023)

Nyree Clark (2022)

Carole Collins Ayanlaja (2022)

Jaime Donally (2022)

Sheldon Eakins (2022)

Ali Hearn (2022)

Alberto & Mario Herráez

Coach Victor Hicks (2022)

Sawsan Jaber (2022)

Kerry Magro (2022)

Courtney Orzel (2022)

Sarah Said (2022)

Ken Shelton (2022)

Victoria Thompson (2022)

Jorge Valenzuela (2022)

Evan Whitehead (2022)


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