Technology Awareness Day

Technology Awareness Day (Tech A-Day) is an annual event that brings together students, educators, technology experts and vendor partners to showcase new education technology and collaborate on innovative ways for schools to advance instruction and improve district operations.

37th Annual Regional Technology Awareness Day

The 37th Annual Regional Technology Awareness Day will take place at the Albany Capital Center on Friday, Dec. 11, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s theme, Think • Design • Lead, highlights the role of human-centered skills in shaping learning environments that encourage agency, curiosity, and purpose in an AI-powered world.

As emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, continue to shape education, Tech A-Day focuses on the human side of innovation and learning in an increasingly digital world. Through engaging sessions and collaborative discussions, attendees will explore how human-centered approaches and thoughtful technology integration can design learning experiences that foster independent thinking and postive student outcomes.

Attendees will also discover the latest trends in cybersecurity, data systems, accessibility, digital tools and instructional innovations. These evolving technologies and practices empower schools to enhance learning experiences and streamline district operations.

Registration

Registration for Tech A-Day is now open! Be sure to register early to secure your spot at NERIC’s premier event.

Keynote Speaker

This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Sabba Quidwai, speaker, author, and AI advisor who helps visionary leaders design human-centered systems that thrive in an AI-powered world. As the CEO of Designing Schools and a lecturer at the University of California, Irvine, Sabba blends research-backed strategy with real-world application.

A former Education Executive at Apple, Sabba has been researching the future of learning and AI since 2014. Her book and documentary Designing Schools explore how design thinking helps people lead through change with confidence and creativity. She believes cultures of innovation begin with cultures of empathy, where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to grow.

Dr. Quidwei will present an engaging keynote on the human advantage in the age of AI. She will explore how human qualities such as empathy, imagination, critical thinking, and leadership remain our greatest advantage in an AI-driven world. Dr. Quidwai challenges audiences to rethink traditional approaches to education and leadership while embracing AI as a tool to enhance, rather than replace, human potential.

Through keynotes, coaching, and courses, she helps organizations build AI teams that work with humans, not around them, streamlining workflows, unlocking innovation, and building a future where leadership is both bold and deeply human.

Presentation Proposals

Tech A-Day offers several breakout sessions on various topics currently relevant to K-12 education. We encourage districts, BOCES and RICs to share expertise on how you’re working toward this year’s theme, as well as any other successful activities or projects that have engaged students through educational technology integration.
If you’re interested in presenting a breakout session this year, please submit your proposal before Thursday Oct. 1, 2026. Session presenter openings are limited. Submitters will be contacted with a decision once the Tech A-Day Committee has made its final selections.

Event Schedule

A detailed event schedule will be available closer to the event.

Collaboratorium

The Collaboratorium is where learning comes to life. Teachers, students, leaders and partners will experience, create and celebrate intentional learning in a hands-on exploratory space. Designed to nurture agency, curiosity, and purpose, the Collaboratorium showcases innovative approaches to learning and the thoughtful integration of technology.

If you have an exhibit, demonstration, or activity that highlights the intersection of intentional learning design and thoughtful use of technology, please reach out to Tyler Korb at tyler.korb@neric.org.

Student Participation & Attendance

Students from districts around the state are encouraged to attend Tech A-Day. In previous years, students have presented sessions, performed musical arrangements, attended the event with district personnel and much more. To learn how to involve your students in Tech A-Day, please email awarenessday@neric.org.

Vendor Showcase

More than 70 national and regional vendors participated in last year’s Vendor Showcase. The Vendor Showcase offers an opportunity for attendees to discuss the latest technological trends and innovations available with industry experts. If you’re interested in being a vendor at this year’s event, please be sure to register as soon as possible. Space on the vendor floor will fill quickly. Email awarenessday@neric.org to secure your spot as a vendor at Tech A-Day.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Tech A-Day sponsors receive visibility to a broad audience, including an opportunity to connect directly with K-12 school educators, administrators and expert technology leaders. There are multiple sponsorship opportunities available for this year’s event. If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, email awarenessday@neric.org.

CTLE Credits

To receive CTLE credits for attending Tech A-Day, you must also register through Frontline. Event staff will provide CTLE credit assistance at the event.

Parking & Directions

The Albany Capital Center is located in downtown Albany at 55 Eagle Street, Albany, NY 12207.

Free parking will be available at the Albany Capital Center and MVP Arena parking garages with your event parking pass ($10 without). The parking pass will be sent via email to registered attendees before the event. You will need to download and print your parking pass from the email and present it to the parking garage attendant for free parking. Presenting your event ticket to the garage attendant is the only way to receive free parking in the MVP Arena and Albany Capital Center parking garages. The parking pass must be presented in physical copy. No digital parking passes will be allowed. Parking will cost $10 if you do not have your event ticket at the time of parking.