Change Happens. EXPERTISE WINS

 

LIVE EVENT

Shaping the Future of Learning with A.I.

FETC Conference
January 11–14, 2026

Orange County Convention Center
Meeting Room #W222B
Orlando, FL 32869

Connection is hosting a series of high-impact K–12 sessions at FETC 2026 focused on modern teaching, AI readiness, district data, and funding strategy. These sessions are designed to help educators, CIOs, and district leaders take actionable steps toward future-ready learning environments.

What You’ll Find:

  • TEACH Agent and Copilot classroom enhancement
  • Hands-on prompting labs
  • Free AI tools from Intel
  • E-Rate strategy for 2026
  • Microsoft Surface and Learning Accelerator innovations
  • AI governance for unified district data

Check out our full agenda below to learn more!  

Agenda

SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 2026

 

9:00–9:45 a.m.

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Power up your Pedagogy: Mastering the TEACH Agent in Copilot
Cindy Daniels, MSA, Professional Learning Specialist, Connection
Nicole Caldwell, M.Ed, Professional Learning Specialist, Connection

Join us for an engaging, hands-on training designed to empower educators with the latest AI-driven teaching assistant—TEACH Agent in Copilot.

 

1:00-3:00 p.m.

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AI101: Leveraging AI in the Classrooms of Tomorrow, Today
Jason K. Dunn-Potter, Sr. Executive – Solutions Architect, Intel
Snow White, Director, Global K12 Education Strategy & Customer Outreach, Intel

Come learn how to leverage FREE AI tools that you can use today to enhance your classrooms, from theory to practical application.

 


 

MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026

10:30-11:15 a.m.

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Education in the Meaning Economy: Reimagining Learning for an AI-Shaped Future Part One

Jamal Khan, Chief Growth & Innovation Officer, Connection

Artificial intelligence is transforming education from a focus on knowledge to a focus on meaning.

11:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

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Preventing the Permanent Record No Institution Wants
Joe Sykora, CEO, Coro Cybersecurity

Explore how data breaches can follow students past graduation.

1:00-1:45 p.m.

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Efficiency and Excellence: A Leadership Brief on AI and Google for Education in K–12
Tom Driscoll, CEO, EdTechTeacher

This presentation explores how AI and Google for Education can drive efficiency, equity, and excellence across K-12 learning environments.

2:00-2:45 p.m.

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E-Rate Essentials for 2026: A CIO’s Guide to Strategic Planning
Thomas Halberda, Sales Director, Public Sector Solutions, Connection

This session offers a concise, easy-to-understand look at the major E-Rate updates coming in 2026 and what they mean for district technology planning.

3:00-3:45 p.m.

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Popcorn and Prompting: Reimagine Educational Leadership with Microsoft Copilot
Cindy Daniels, MSA, Professional Learning Specialist, Connection
Nicole Caldwell, M.Ed, Professional Learning Specialist, Connection

Reimagine educational leadership with AI-powered productivity. This dynamic, hands-on session reveals how Microsoft Copilot and strategic prompting can streamline decision-making, boost creativity, and empower your teams.



 

TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2026

9:30–10:15 a.m.

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Bagels and Breakthroughs: Fueling Innovation with Microsoft Learning Accelerators
Cindy Daniels, MSA, Professional Learning Specialist, Connection
Nicole Caldwell, M.Ed, Professional Learning Specialist, Connection

Start your day with fresh ideas and even fresher bagels! This engaging session blends the irresistible appeal of breakfast with strategies for maximizing Microsoft Learning Accelerators.

10:30–11:15 a.m.

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Education in the Meaning Economy: Reimagining Learning for an AI-Shaped Future Part 2
Jamal Khan, Chief Growth & Innovation Officer, Connection

Artificial intelligence is transforming education from a focus on knowledge to a focus on meaning.

1:00–1:45 p.m.

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Innovating the Future in Education with Microsoft Surface
Nick Parise, Business Development Specialist, Microsoft Surface, Connection

This session explores how Microsoft Surface devices, paired with Windows 11 and Microsoft 365, are transforming education and business environments.

2:00–2:45 p.m.

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Innovation with Integrity: Using AI to Connect District Data and Empower Educators
Jeff Minushkin, Vice President, CNXN Helix Center for AI and Robotics, Connection

Technology is innovating—and finding its way into classrooms—faster than districts can keep up, leaving student and operational data scattered across dozens of systems and unofficial tools.

3:00–3:45 p.m.

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Popcorn and Prompting: Unlock Classroom Potential with Microsoft Copilot
Cindy Daniels, MSA, Professional Learning Specialist, Connection
Nicole Caldwell, M.Ed, Professional Learning Specialist, Connection

Transform your teaching with AI-powered tools that save time and spark creativity.



 

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026

 

8:00–8:45 a.m.

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Bagels and Breakthroughs: Accelerating Literacy for Every Learner
Cindy Daniels, MSA, Professional Learning Specialist, Connection
Nicole Caldwell, M.Ed, Professional Learning Specialist, Connection

Start your day with fresh ideas and even fresher bagels! This engaging session blends the irresistible appeal of breakfast with strategies for maximizing Microsoft Learning Accelerators.

10:00–10:45 a.m.

Add To Calendar ›

Power Up your Pedagogy: Mastering the TEACH Agent in Copilot
Cindy Daniels, MSA, Professional Learning Specialist, Connection

Nicole Caldwell, M.Ed, Professional Learning Specialist, Connection

Join us for an engaging, hands-on training designed to empower educators with the latest AI-driven teaching assistant—TEACH Agent in Copilot.

K–12 EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS AND SERVICES 

 

Empower Students and Staff for Success
with Modern K–12 Education Technology

K–12 schools are faced with staffing and budget challenges, increasingly sophisticated cybersecurity threats, and AI responsibility for students and staff alike. Connection provides comprehensive K–12 education technology solutions and services to mitigate these challenges and empower students, educators, and staff for modern, high-quality, and equitable education experiences.
 

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

 

IntelGoogleMicrosoft SurfaceCoro

Discussion Topics

AI and Automation

Connected Campus

Structured Data and Predictive Analytics

Campus Safety

Thought leadership on the Current State of AI in K–12


FEATURED SPEAKERS

Jamal Khan


Jamal Khan

Chief Growth and Innovation Officer, Connection
Head of CNXN Helix Center for Applied AI and Robotics

Learn about Jamal ›

 

Paul Sun

President, IronYun, Inc.

Learn about Paul ›

 

Ketula Patel

Command Control, Communication, and Intel (C3I) Deputy Portfolio Director, DASA (R&T)

Learn about Ketula ›

Privacy Statement

Due to the confidential nature of this event and the open discussion format, we will make every possible effort to respect the privacy of attendees, including limiting the publication of any comments or information related to your participation. Please note that static photography and video recording will be conducted during select portions of the event. If you do not wish to have your likeness recorded in photos or video, please let a member of our Events Team know within the registration process.

Learn more about the CNXN Helix Center for Applied AI and Robotics at
www.cnxnhelix.com