Each January, the education technology community gathers in Orlando, Florida, for the Future of Education Technology Conference, a four-day event that sets the tone for innovation in teaching and learning. Taking place Jan. 14–17, the annual FETC conference is the largest gathering of K12 education leaders and decision-makers exploring cutting-edge technologies to enhance student achievement and reimagine education.
With over 460 exhibitors, hundreds of interactive workshops and content sessions, and an all-star lineup of speakers, FETC 2025 promises to deliver an unparalleled experience tailored to the needs of today’s educators and administrators. Whether you’re a district leader, school administrator or classroom educator, here’s what you can expect at this year’s conference.
Personalized learning opportunities
FETC’s content is masterfully curated, offering attendees a highly personalized professional development experience. Sessions and workshops are organized into eight role-based tracks, ensuring participants can tailor their schedules to align with their professional responsibilities and interests. These tracks include:
- District Leaders
- School Leaders
- Information Technology Leaders
- Classroom Leaders
- Library Leaders
- Inclusive Leaders
- Coach Leaders
- Esports Leaders
By using the conference’s “My Planner” web-based tool, attendees can design a schedule that matches their learning goals while identifying opportunities to network with peers. The content selection is simplified by using the search function and filters on the FETC webpage where attendees can search by keyword, curriculum, content, speaker, track, topic or registration type. The tracks each feature expert presenters sharing real-world strategies and innovative implementations from across the country.
With up to 35 hours of professional development credit available, participants can choose from an array of learning formats to meet their needs, including:
- Traditional lecture-style sessions
- Thought leadership panels
- Two-hour hands-on workshops
- Leadership roundtables
- Poster sessions
- Mobile mega share sessions
- Expo Theater microsessions
FETC’s mission is clear from the content provided for attendees: empower administrators and educators with the knowledge, skills and connections needed to integrate transformative technologies into their districts to improve teaching and learning outcomes for all students.
Dynamic keynote presentations and Mega Sessions
FETC 2025 boasts an all-star lineup of keynote speakers who will inspire and challenge attendees to think beyond traditional education models:
- Guy Kawasaki will kick off the conference with his keynote, “Be Remarkable.” Known for his widely popular podcast and influential books, Kawasaki will share remarkable stories that inspire. Attendees who registered early for FETC will receive 3,000 free copies of his latest book.
- Sabba Quidwai, a leading expert in design thinking and artificial intelligence, will deliver the Jan. 16 keynote, showcasing how schools can revolutionize learning through innovative technologies. Highlighting programs like those in Texas’ Forney Independent School District, Quidwai will provide actionable strategies for embracing AI in modern classrooms.
- The conference will conclude on Jan. 17 with the highly anticipated Tech Share Live!, featuring Leslie Fisher, Adam Bellow and Dr. Adam Phyall. This fast-paced session will spotlight the latest apps, gadgets and technologies ready for immediate implementation in schools.
These keynotes exemplify the high-quality content that FETC attendees can expect, equipping them with tools and ideas to drive meaningful change in their districts. The keynote stage will also feature Mega Sessions highlighting the brightest minds and latest technologies. Don’t miss hearing from Holly Clark, Matt Miller, Ron Chandler, Carl Hooker and Ken Shelton on the main stage.
Expo hall excitement
The FETC expo hall is a vibrant hub of activity, hosting over 460 companies showcasing the latest educational technologies. Step into the FETC Expo Hall and immerse yourself in the latest edtech innovations transforming education. Attendees can explore groundbreaking products and solutions to address pressing challenges in their schools.
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The expo hall officially opens on Jan. 15 with a dedicated three-hour reception, offering an engaging atmosphere for educators and administrators to network and discover new tools. All attendees can explore the Expo hall over three days, additionally, FETC provides an Expo-Only Pass for free access to the hall’s mini-learning opportunities, which include:
- Four theaters featuring curated content on information technology, esports, and emerging technologies
- An Innovation Hub hosting professional learning sessions and a Pitchfest for startups
- Poster presentations
- Leadership roundtables
- Meet the Author booth to have one-on-one conversations with over 180 speaker-authors
- An Esports Arena highlighting the growing role of competitive gaming in education
A standout feature are the Expo Hall Tours led by FETC’s featured speakers. These tours help attendees navigate the hall, spotlighting the top 10 booths and providing insights on building relationships with edtech vendors. Whether you’re searching for cutting-edge classroom tools or district-wide solutions, the Expo Hall is a must-visit destination.
Building meaningful connections
FETC prioritizes human connections, offering countless opportunities for attendees to network and build lasting relationships. The conference begins with a Track Orientation Session on Jan. 15 at 8 a.m., where attendees can meet others facing similar challenges and seeking similar solutions.
Newcomers are encouraged to attend the First-Time Attendee Session, designed to help them navigate the conference and maximize their experience. Networking continues with a reception in the expo hall on Wednesday, morning coffee breaks on Thursday and Friday, and a dedicated lunch break on Jan. 16 for attendees to reflect and exchange ideas with colleagues.
In addition, attendees can participate in numerous after-hours social events hosted by FETC partners. A full list is curated by speaker Eric Curts.
Beyond the in-person experience, FETC supports year-round professional growth through a monthly webinar series and a weekly technology newsletter in partnership with District Administration magazine. These resources ensure that attendees stay connected and informed long after the conference ends.
Attendee advice: Come early, stay to the end
What are the best tips for maximizing your FETC experience from previous attendees? First of all, wear comfortable shoes. The event is held in the South and North Orange Country Convention Center, which is very large and there will be lots of walking.
Start your event on Jan. 14th. This pre-conference day boasts over 130 hands-on workshops for all-access registrants and a series of special events that all attendees can participate in with a Sessions Registration Pass including:
- Inclusion Summit, in partnership with CAST
- IT Leaders Summit
- Safety and Security Technology Summit
- Executive Summit
- Coach Leaders Summit
- Library Leaders Summit, in partnership with Future Ready Schools
- Cybersecurity trainings by cyber.org
- Computer Science Firehouse
- Mobile Mega Share
Make sure to stay until the end to see if you have won the grand prize. On Jan. 17, there will be several Expo Hall giveaways including the grand prize: five lucky winners will win a Caribbean vacation courtesy of the giveaway sponsored by LX Aer.
Plan your conference experience now
Now is the time to register for FETC 2025 and start planning your personalized schedule. The conference’s mobile app and “My Planner” webpage-based tool are invaluable resources for aligning your professional development goals with the event’s offerings.
Attendees can access presentation materials through the app, ensuring a seamless and productive experience. FETC’s bring-your-own-device approach encourages participants to engage fully with the content, making it easier to implement new tools and strategies in their schools.
Join us for a FETC preview webinar entitled “FETC 2025 Preview: Maximize Your Experience! Swag, Sessions, Speakers, Social Events and More!” on Jan. 7 at 4 p.m. to learn all about this year’s event with speakers Leslie Fisher, Adam Bellow, Victoria Thompson and Adam Phyall.
All registered attendees will get a recording of the event and a CEU certificate post event. Register for free.
FETC 2025 is more than a conference—it’s a movement toward a brighter future in education. With its blend of innovative content, hands-on experiences and unmatched networking opportunities, this event is a can’t-miss for educators and administrators striving to improve outcomes for their students and communities.
Register now and make plans to join your peers in Orlando this January. Together, let’s reimagine the possibilities of teaching and learning through the power of technology.
