The Untapped Potential of Conferences to Drive HQIM Adoption

Educational conferences are a cornerstone of the K-12 ecosystem, yet disconnects between the supply and demand sides of the marketplace often limit their impact. District leaders are frequently seeking late-stage validation and evidence of impact from districts similar to their own, while vendors often lean toward generalized pitches that emphasize product features. 

In this webinar, EdSignals Studio sat down with leaders from across the field to explore these friction points and highlight opportunities to improve the conference experience. We discussed strategies to build trust, the importance of teacher buy-in, and how to better connect the right people at the right time with the right information. 

Key Takeaways:

• Conferences have shifted from discovery spaces for new tools to high-stakes environments for validation, relationship-building, and informed decision-making.
• Trust and long-term partnership matter more than sales pitches, with districts prioritizing vendors who demonstrate reliability and understanding of their needs.
• A critical disconnect exists between those who purchase products (district leaders) and those who use them (teachers), weakening implementation outcomes.
• Research and evidence only influence district decisions when they are communicated simply, clearly, and in a way that is easy to apply.
• Conferences reflect a broader systemic challenge in education procurement, where districts face overwhelming choice, noise, and limited capacity.
• Emerging best practices—such as pre-conference planning tools, pilot programs, and collaborative approaches—can significantly improve alignment and outcomes.

Watch the Recording:

Review the Presentation:

Meet Our Panelists:

• Natasha Rachell, Ed.D, Director of Education Technology at Atlanta Public Schools
• Brandon Olszewski, PhD, Senior Director of Research at ISTE ASCD
• Mary Styers, PhD, Director of Evidence and Learning Strategy at Instructure
• Christine Fox, Chief Growth and Innovation Officer at CAST

Moderators:

• Maraki Kebede, Education Project Lead at EdSignals Studio
• Anna Moskow, Education Consultant at EdSignals Studio

Key Resources From Panelists and Hosts:

• EdSignals Studio 2025 Annual Report: https://edsignals.org/edsignals-studio-annual-report-2025/
• EdSignals Studio Evidence Uptake Framework: https://edsignals.org/uptake-framework/
• HQIQ App: https://www.hqiq.app/
• CalCurriculum Math List Hub: https://calcurriculum.org/math-framework-hub-copy/
• CAST’s UDL Product Certification: https://www.cast.org/resources/udl-product-certification/
• IDEA Title II Accessible Digital Content Updates: https://www.cast.org/connect/events/aeming-for-access-webinar-meeting-ada-title-ii-requirements-april-2026/
• Accessibility and Inclusive Technology Considerations: https://www.cast.org/what-we-do/accessibility-inclusive-technology/
• ISTE Seal framework: https://iste-ascd.org/edtech-evaluation
• Instructure 2026 Evidence Report:https://www.instructure.com/resources/research-reports/2026-edtech-evidence-report

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