Policymakers & Government Leaders at SXSW EDU 2024

As a policymaker or government leader, you play a critical role in education. The laws, regulations, and programs that you help shape affect the lives of not only students but their communities as well.

With challenges in education, which include providing quality education for all students, achievement gaps among student populations, strategic allocation of resources, and more, there is no shortage of goals you hope to achieve.

At SXSW EDU, education thought leaders from all over the world convene to participate in dynamic discussions to gain insights into current trends and challenges in education. By participating, you can learn from diverse perspectives, use them to inform policy decisions, and influence the advancement of education locally, nationally, and around the world.

Top Sessions to Attend for Policymakers & Government Leaders

Explore how laws banning discussions of gender and sexuality in classrooms perpetuate inequitable economic outcomes for the LGBTQ community in the Podcast Horizons: Banning LGBTQ Education Means Banning LGBTQ Educators.

Discuss the 2024 election and candidates’ policy proposals regarding education and workforce and the potential impacts on students, educators, and families in the Conversation How Will 2024 Elections Impact Education & Workforce Policy?

Join the Conversation Meaningful & Safe AI: Policy & Research Perspectives where speakers will share insights from major research initiatives addressing efficacy, equity, and ethics of generative AI.

Learn how Colorado’s READ Act leveraged professional learning based on evidence-based instruction to provide the freedom promised by literacy for every child in the Panel Policy to Practice: Literacy Equity Through the CO READ Act.

Browse the Full Schedule

Connect With Your Peers at an Interactive Meet Up

Join members of the Federal Games Guild (FGG) for the interactive Meet Up, STEAM Meet Up with the Federal Games Guild!, focused on the impact and potential of serious games for STEAM education and come away with an expanded network and an understanding of how federal agencies can be a resource for creative learning initiatives in and out of the classroom.

Mentors to Meet for Policymakers & Government Leaders

Meet with leaders in your field in one-on-one mentor sessions to receive advice and insight on the legislative process, systems-level change and so much more:

• Aleta Margolis - talk to Aleta about engaging funding partners who understand and support your mission, and more.
• Alyscia Raines - talk to Alyscia about implementing a strategic plan for your office focused on equity and inclusion, and more.
• Aquanita McClaney - talk to Aquanita about equitable learning practices and more.
• Audrey Spencer - talk to Audrey about universal design for learning and assessment and more.
• Cole Wilson - talk to Cole about ensuring your voice resonates at local and state levels and more.
• Coretta Martin - talk to Coretta about special education programs and policy design, and more.
• D Thompson – talk to D about education policy development and more.
• Elizabeth Chu - talk to Elizabeth about the governance of democratic institutions in a time of distrust and uncertainty and more.
• Jessica Thorne - talk to Jessica about policy and legislation related to school funding and more.
• JoLisa Hoover - talk to JoLisa about how teachers can influence education policy and more.
• Ruth Mercado-Zizzo - talk to Ruth about creating citywide systems-level change and more.
• Shannon Terry - talk to Shannon about navigating EdTech procurement at the state and district levels and more.

Roundtable Discussions to Join for Policymakers & Government Leaders

Meet with mentors and peers in a group discussion setting:

• Improving Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners
• Supporting Multilingual Learning & Learners
• Leading DEI Efforts

Want to Explore More Content for Policymakers & Government Leaders?

Explore More Programming Opportunities:

• 30 Years & Beyond: AmeriCorps’ Impact on Education
• Addressing Inequity in Rural Education Through Collaboration
• Hand Me the Keys: Together We Can Unlock Human Potential
• How America Will End Legacy Admissions
• How Federal Partnerships Are Transforming ED R&D
• Latino Voters, Education & the 2024 Election
• Making Afterschool Learning Count
• Mapping the Assault on Critical Race Theory (CRT)
• NAF Research & Tech Talks: Why the Future of Work Needs a Work-based Learning Movement
• One Mayor’s College Promise in the Heart of the Deep South
• Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is: Trust BIPOC Parents
• Redefining Success in a Changing Higher Education Landscape
• Savior or Disruptor?: Non-Degree Credentials & Higher Ed
• Strength in Borders: Sourcing Global Data Science Innovation
• Sustainable Bites: How Ur Campus Meal Fights Climate Change
• Transforming Education by Elevating Youth in R&D

Browse the Full Schedule

Browse These Tags:

Diversity & Inclusion | Funding | Implementation | Social Justice

Browse These Tracks:

Community Initiatives | Equity & Justice | Global Initiatives | Policy & Civic Engagement

Join Your Community of Policymakers & Government Leaders:

At SXSW EDU, you have a platform to explore innovative strategies and best practices among your peers. Once you register to attend the 2024 event, you will receive access to EDU Social, a networking platform that you can use to see who else is coming and start building your network before you arrive.

How to Save on Attending SXSW EDU 2024:

• Get approval from your boss – use the “make your case” email template to convince your boss to provide funding and approval for your attendance at SXSW EDU 2024.
• Register early – save on the walk-up rate when you register to attend early.
• Attend with a team – take advantage of discounted rates when registering with a team of 10 or more.

Don’t Miss Out On SXSW EDU 2024

Register and book your hotel today to break new ground in education through compelling sessions, in-depth workshops, mentorship, film screenings, trailblazing competitions, a dynamic expo, networking opportunities, and so much more at SXSW EDU from March 4-7, 2024.

Be the first to know of any information leading up to the event through Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Threads, and our newsletter.

Photo by Tico Mendoza