Updated: High Impact Technology Exchange Conference (HI-TEC) 2026
2026-07-27 08:00 - 2026-07-30 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Updated to add concurrent sessions you don’t want to miss!!! Scroll down.
High Impact Technology Exchange Conference (HI-TEC)
July 27-30, 2026
Austin, TX
HI-TEC is a national conference highlighting advanced technological education, workforce development, and industry–college partnerships. Supported by the National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education program, the conference brings together secondary and postsecondary educators, counselors, industry professionals, and technicians to explore emerging technologies and workforce education models across areas such as advanced manufacturing, AI, biotechnology, cybersecurity, and energy technologies.
Website: https://www.highimpact-tec.org/

Monday, July 27 8:30-Noon (local)

WORKSHOP: Using Arduino Microcontrollers in the Classroom – $150
Using Arduino Microcontrollers in the Classroom Workshop will provide participants with basic microcontroller theory and operation, a curriculum and lab guidebook review and a series of hands-on laboratory activities with some tips and tricks for classroom usage. Participants will learn how to write and modify Arduino code, interface sensors and output devices, and build, test, and troubleshoot circuits. Participants will receive a Sparkfun Inventor’s Kit ($106 value) and will perform several of the hands-on laboratory activities. Laptops and software will be provided for workshop use. This workshop is sponsored by the Micro Nano Technology Education Center (NSF DUE #2000281, #2454155). Space is limited. Laptops will be provided.
Facilitators: Greg Kepner, Consultant, Micro Nano Technology Education Center, Pasadena City College, Pasadena, CA; Mel Cossette, Co-PI, Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC), Pasadena City College, Pasadena, CA
https://www.highimpact-tec.org/preconference-2026/

Thursday, July 30 11:15–Noon (local)

CONCURRENT SESSION: Collaborating for Success: Industry Engagement and Grant Development
In this session, MNT-EC and MNT-EC mentees will share proven practices for working with industry and engaging various partners, including community colleges and their academic programs or grants. Participants can ask questions, get feedback, and hear how other institutions are teaming up with industry. MNT-EC will also be on hand to help institutions interested in learning more about the development of a grant idea, the writing of a grant proposal, identification of potential partnerships, and the overall proposal development process. MNT-EC will provide the information and support needed on how to get started.
Facilitators: Billie Copley, Center Director, Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC), Pasadena City College, Pasadena, CA; Jared Ashcroft, PI, MNT-EC, Micro Nano Technology Education Center, Pasadena City College, Pasadena, CA; Mel Cossette, CO-PI, MNT-EC, Edmonds College, Edmonds, WA
https://www.highimpact-tec.org/sessions-2026-concurrent/

ACTE Postsecondary CTE Summit 2026
2026-09-16 08:00 - 2026-09-18 17:00
ACTE Post-secondary CTE Summit 2026
September 16–18, 2026
Arlington, VA
The ACTE Post-secondary CTE Summit is a national convening focused on post-secondary career and technical education (CTE) policy, practice, and workforce alignment. The summit brings together educators, administrators, researchers, and professionals from community colleges, technical schools, universities, and industry to share strategies, explore emerging trends, and engage in collaborative solutions for advancing CTE programs.
Website: https://www.acteonline.org/postsecondarycteevent/

National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC) Conference 2026
2026-09-30 08:00 - 2026-10-02 17:00
National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC) Conference 2026
September 30–October 2, 2026
Clover Park, WA
The NCATC 2026 Conference brings together advanced technology centers to share strategies for workforce education, industry engagement, and applied training. The event includes keynote sessions, presentations, networking opportunities, and an exhibit hall, providing a forum for educators and industry partners to explore innovations and best practices in advanced technology education.
Website: https://ncatc.org/ncatc-2026-conference

ACTE Best Practices Conference 2026
2026-10-06 08:00 - 2026-10-08 17:00
ACTE Best Practices Conference 2026
October 6–8, 2026
Denver, CO
The ACTE Best Practices Conference showcases effective career and technical education (CTE) programs, instructional strategies, and workforce partnerships. Hosted by the Association for Career and Technical Education, the conference brings together CTE administrators and education leaders to share innovative practices, explore professional learning opportunities, and strengthen program quality and student outcomes across K–12, postsecondary, and workforce systems.
Website: https://www.acteonline.org/bestpractices

SAVE the DATE: ATE Principal Investigators Conference 2026
2026-10-21 08:00 - 2026-10-23 17:00
ATE Principal Investigators Conference 2026
October 21–23, 2026
Washington, DC
Please save the date for the 2026 ATE Conference to take place October 21-23, 2026 in Washington, D.C.
The ATE Principal Investigators Conference is an annual convening of NSF Advanced Technological Education (ATE) project leaders focused on project leadership, impact, and collaboration. The conference provides a forum for principal investigators, educators, and industry partners to share best practices, discuss research outcomes, and explore strategies that advance technical education and workforce development.
Website: https://www.aacc.nche.edu/programs/advanced-technological-education/

2025 Details: The American Association of Community Colleges, with the support of the National Science Foundation (NSF), hosted the 32nd national ATE Principal Investigators’ Conference on October 29-31, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The conference brought together more than 800 NSF ATE grantees and their project partners to focus on the critical issues related to advanced technological education. Conference participants represented ATE projects and centers across the U.S. including community colleges, business and industry, secondary school systems, and four-year colleges covering projects in a wide variety of areas, such as information technology, cybersecurity, engineering technology, advanced manufacturing technologies, and biotechnology.

Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Annual Conference 2026
2026-10-31 08:00 - 2026-11-02 17:00
Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Annual Conference
October 31–November 2, 2026
Chula Vista, CA
The HACU Annual Conference is a national convening focused on Hispanic-serving institutions, student success, workforce development, and higher education policy. The event provides a forum to showcase exemplary programs, foster partnerships between member institutions and public- and private-sector organizations, highlight graduate education opportunities, and discuss emerging trends in higher education, including distance learning, student-centered learning, and outcomes assessment. Participants also engage in deliberations on policy issues, scholarships, internships, and other initiatives supporting student achievement at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs).
Website: https://hacu.net/annual-conference/

Four State Regional Technology Conference (FSRTC) 2026
2026-11-13 08:00 - 2026-11-14 17:00
Four State Regional Technology Conference (FSRTC) 2026
November 13–14, 2025
Pittsburg, KS
The Four State Regional Technology Conference is a professional development event highlighting technology education, applied workforce training, and industry partnerships. Educators participate in hands-on workshops, presentations, and collaborative sessions covering topics such as engineering and design, manufacturing and construction, power and energy, graphic communications, leadership, and supporting diverse learners. The conference provides practical strategies and tools to enhance classroom instruction and student success.
Website: https://www.pittstate.edu/technology/events/fsrtc-conference.html

ACTE CareerTech VISION Conference 2026
2026-12-02 08:00 - 2026-12-05 17:00
ACTE CareerTech VISION Conference 2026
December 2–5, 2026
New Orleans, LA
The ACTE CareerTech VISION Conference is the flagship event for career and technical education (CTE) professionals, focused on workforce trends, policy, and innovative CTE practices. The conference brings together educators, administrators, and industry partners to explore strategies, share best practices, and engage in professional development through sessions, presentations, and an expo.
Website: https://www.careertechvision.com/
