This conversation will focus on how rapidly evolving technologies and social media are shaping young people's mental health, and how families, educators, and policymakers can best respond. The session will explore the science behind mental wellbeing and examine how digital platforms, emerging technologies, and algorithm-driven systems can both support and undermine children's and families' mental health. Attendees will learn about common-sense guardrails to advocate for improving young people's mental wellbeing in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

This conversation will focus on an urgent question: how are rapidly evolving technologies and social media shaping young people's mental health, and how can families, educators, and policymakers best respond? We'll, first, explore the science behind mental wellbeing. Building on this foundation, we'll examine how digital platforms, emerging technologies, and algorithm-driven systems can both support and undermine children's and families' mental health -- and how policymakers should respond. Attendees will emerge with an understanding of common-sense guardrails we can all advocate for to improve young people's mental wellbeing in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

A keynote presentation focusing on the intersection of artificial intelligence and youth mental wellbeing, presented at SXSW 2026.

Keynote presentation by Laurie Santos focusing on improving young minds and mental wellbeing in the AI era. Part of SXSW programming.

Millions of teachers are experimenting with AI tools, discovering new ways to save time, avoid burnout and enhance student learning. A former educator who has created the most-used AI platform in schools will share unfiltered insights on what's working and what's not and how to prepare students for an AI future responsibly. Learn actionable strategies to harness AI in the classroom effectively, while always keeping educators at the center - because 'teachers are magic,' not the AI.

Keynote presentation focusing on the role of teachers in AI integration within educational settings.

Keynote presentation by Jennifer B. Wallace at SXSW. Wallace is an expert on achievement culture, mattering, and student well-being. She serves as Special Advisor to University Health & Counseling at the University of Michigan and is on the Advisory Board for Making Caring Common at Harvard Graduate School of Education.

A keynote presentation about facing the challenge of AI in cybersecurity careers, using the metaphor of Paul Bunyan and the steam-powered saw. The presentation explores how cybersecurity professionals can adapt to and leverage AI technology rather than compete against it. Focuses on finding your place in the new AI-driven cybersecurity landscape and using AI as a tool to secure the digital frontier.

Opening keynote session for education technology conference featuring superintendents and education leaders discussing the future of education technology.

Second keynote session focusing on supporting youth in digital environments, including CoSN organizational updates.

Closing keynote session focused on artificial intelligence applications in K-12 education and leading future educational technology initiatives.

In this transformative keynote, Erin delivers a powerful framework in her signature entertaining and high-energy style, designed to help leaders and teams unlock next-level performance while maintaining balance and resilience. Packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories drawn from her hyper-growth leadership background and decades of research with CEOs, Fortune 100 leaders, Olympians and celebrities, Erin empowers audiences to move beyond hustle culture and embrace strategies that drive exceptional results without burning out. Takeaways include learning how to maintain energy and focus while achieving ambitious goals, identifying high-leverage actions that drive results and fulfillment, inspiring teams to perform at their best, and developing sustainable habits that keep you and your team at the top of your game.

Mark Rober has spent his career proving that when learning feels like play, the impact lasts a lifetime. From landing rovers on Mars to launching CrunchLabs, he has mastered the art of 'hiding the vegetables' using jaw-dropping spectacle to sneak in real science. In this talk, Mark will share how teachers can harness the same magic in the classroom. He will also give an exclusive look at the most ambitious project he's ever taken on, one designed to inspire millions of future problem solvers.

The STEM Best Practices Conference featuring keynote speakers 'The Erins' from 'This Podcast Will Kill You' podcast. Conference theme: Building STEM Identity. Full day schedule from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM with sessions, networking, and prize drawings. Re-licensure points available (8 points). Registration opens in February 2026.