From Interoperability to Intelligence
October 28-29, 2026
GOLD SPONSOR
BRONZE SPONSORS
Venue
Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town
7142 E 1st St
Scottsdale, AZ 85251 USA
$279 USD / night
+1 (480) 590-3864 (hotel)
+1 (800) 445-8667 (reservations)*
*The PESC hotel room block is not yet open for reservations. Once the room block opens, if calling in, be sure to mention the PESC October 2026 Data Summit when booking to receive the discounted group rate.
PESC has reserved a limited number of rooms at the discounted group rate. We encourage you to reserve your room as soon as the block opens, as availability is limited and the discounted rate cannot be guaranteed once the PESC room block is filled.
The PESC group rate is available through October 6, 2026, or until the room block is sold out, whichever comes first.
Questions?
Email info@PESC.org for assistance.
- ABOUT
- PROGRAM
- FEES & POLICIES
- TRAVEL
- SPONSOR
Building What Comes Next
Join us for the PESC October 2026 Data Summit, taking place in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona, on October 28–29, 2026 — a focused, collaborative gathering of leaders and practitioners working to shape the future of education data.
For years, interoperability has been at the heart of PESC’s work: creating the standards and connections that allow trusted data to move across systems, institutions, and organizations. But interoperability has never been only about connecting systems. It’s about helping information move with the people it represents — making educational records, credentials, and achievements more accessible and meaningful; reducing barriers between institutions and organizations; and giving the education community better information to support learners and make informed decisions.
Today, that foundation is opening the door to something more. As AI, automation, digital credentials, and other technologies reshape education, trusted, connected data can become more than information exchanged between systems — it can become a source of insight, understanding, and action.
Under the theme From Interoperability to Intelligence, this fall’s Data Summit will bring our community together to explore how we build on the standards and connections already in place to create greater value for learners, institutions, and the education ecosystem as a whole.
The Voices Shaping Education Data
The PESC Data Summit brings together experts, innovators, and practitioners from across the education data community. Representing higher education institutions, technology providers, standards organizations, and other leaders across the ecosystem, our speakers bring diverse perspectives and practical experience to the conversations that matter now.
Through presentations, panels, and collaborative discussions, they’ll explore how trusted data and interoperability can support the next generation of education technology — from AI and automation to digital credentials, data governance, and beyond.
Sr. Director of Program Deployment, University of Phoenix
.
Chair, Data Standards United (DSU),
CEO & Founder, Bardic Systems
Founder & CEO
AcademyOne, Inc.
.
More speakers to be announced.
Why Attend the PESC October 2026 Data Summit?
Explore What’s Next
Discover how AI, automation, digital credentials, and other emerging technologies are changing what’s possible with connected education data — and why trusted standards and interoperability matter more than ever.
Connect with the PESC Community
Exchange ideas and build relationships with education technology and data leaders who are solving real-world challenges across institutions, organizations, and systems.
Turn Ideas Into Practice
Learn from peers and experts who are putting standards, data, and emerging technologies to work. Take home perspectives and approaches you can apply within your own organization.
Be Part of What’s Next
PESC Data Summits are built around collaboration. Bring your experience, questions, and ideas to conversations about where education data is headed — and how we can move the ecosystem forward together.
Navigate the evolving landscape of student data exchange at the PESC October Data Summit. This program features interactive general sessions designed to spark discussion and share practical insight across the community. Topics include electronic transcripts (LER/CLR, JSON-LD, and related frameworks), credentials, artificial intelligence, data standards, PESC and partner updates, emerging best practices, and more.
Share Your Expertise – Become a Summit Speaker
Community submissions for the October 2026 Data Summit are now being accepted through Friday, September 11th. PESC is seeking dynamic and informative in-person sessions that address a variety of topics related to student data, including:
- Open Standards and Standards Alignment
- Emerging Technologies
- The Future of Work and Education
- Privacy, Security, and Compliance
- Institutional and Policy Perspectives
- Trends and Future-Focused Topics
We encourage submissions from the following and more:
- Higher education professionals
- Education technology providers
- Data experts and analysts
- Policymakers and researchers
Benefits of presenting at the October Data Summit:
- Share your expertise with an international audience of education leaders.
- Network with colleagues and potential partners in the field.
- Gain recognition as a thought leader in student data exchange.
- Contribute to shaping the future of education.
Join the Program Committee
Help shape the direction and impact of future PESC Data Summits by joining the Program Committee. Committee members collaborate to guide session topics, review proposals, and ensure the program reflects the needs and priorities of the education data community. This committee meets for one hour weekly, with light collaboration in the interim. If you’re interested in contributing your expertise and helping build a meaningful and engaging Summit experience, we invite you to get involved — please contact us at info@pesc.org to learn more.
PROGRAM COMMITTEE MEMBERS
- Hillary Halpern, Program Committee Chair and Senior Director of Program Deployment, University of Phoenix
- Melissa Buckley, Senior Director of Strategy and Market Insights, National Student Clearinghouse
- Mark Cohen, Product Manager for Infrastructure and Data Services, California Community Colleges Technology Center
- Bryant Faust, President, IV Consulting Enterprises, AACRAO Representative
- Alex Jackl, Founder & CEO, Bardic Systems, Data Standards United Chair
- Jennifer Kim, Senior Director of Operations, PESC
- Michael Sessa, President Emeritus, PESC
- Monterey Sims, Director of Admissions and Evaluations, University of Phoenix
- Jodi Tavares, Executive Director, ARUCC MyCreds | MesCertif
- Vivian Wong, Group Vice President, Oracle Higher Education
Program
The October Data Summit program is taking shape, with sessions designed to move beyond the big ideas and into the conversations, challenges, and practical applications that matter across the education data community. Expect a mix of expert perspectives, real-world examples, community updates, and collaborative discussion — all with an eye toward where education data is headed and what it will take to get there.
Additional sessions and speakers will be announced as the program develops.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2026
7:30-8:30 AM MST – Continental Breakfast
8:30-10:00 AM MST – General Sessions
10:00-10:30 AM MST – Beverage Break
10:30 AM-12:00 PM MST – General Sessions
12:00-1:30 PM MST – Luncheon
1:30-3:00 PM MST – General Sessions
3:00-3:30 PM MST – Snack Break
3:30-5:00 PM MST – General Sessions
5:15-6:15 PM MST – Networking Reception
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2026
7:30-8:30 AM MST – Continental Breakfast
10:00-10:30 AM MST – Beverage Break
10:30 AM-12:00 PM MST – General Sessions
12:00 PM MST – ADJOURN
All Summit registration payments must be received by Wednesday, October 14, 2026. Registrations submitted after this date must be paid by credit card at the time of registration.
PESC October 2026 Data Summit Registration Fees
PESC Members receive discounted rates! Learn more about joining PESC.
PESC Members:
- Early Bird: $850 — through September 25
- Standard: $995 — September 26–October 13
- Final: $1,095 — beginning October 14
Non-Members:
- Early Bird: $995 — through September 25
- Standard: $1,195 — September 26–October 13
- Final: $1,295 — beginning October 14
The Summit Package includes:
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2026
- Interactive General Sessions and Networking
- Continental Breakfast
- Mid-Morning Refreshment Break
- Luncheon
- Afternoon Snacks and Refreshments
- Networking Reception
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2026
- Interactive General Sessions and Networking
- Continental Breakfast
- Mid-Morning Refreshment Break
CANCELLATION POLICY
All cancellation and refund requests must be submitted to PESC in writing (e.g. email) and will be processed 30 calendar days after the October 2026 Data Summit concludes. Any person who registers and decides not to attend MUST submit a formal cancellation request – otherwise full payment is due. Cancellation and refund requests made by September 30, 2026 may be considered for a refund. Any cancellation and refund request made after September 30, 2026 is not eligible for a refund regardless of whether the registrant attends the Summit. All cancellation and refund requests must be submitted to Jennifer Kim at jennifer.kim@pesc.org.
REGISTRATION POLICY
PESC requires that all speakers, moderators, chairs, and attendees of Data Summits register and remit registration fees to attend Data Summits. PESC thanks all speakers, moderators, and chairs and is truly grateful for their efforts in volunteering to provide updates and presentations at Data Summits. Only in rare instances, however (that is if a speaker is only attending a Data Summit for a specific session or presentation), can registration fees be considered for waiver and only by the PESC office.
NOTICE OF FILMING AND RECORDING
By participating in this event, you agree that you may be filmed, photographed, and recorded, and you grant PESC and our affiliates the right to use, publish, and copyright your picture, likeness and/or name and/or audio recording in videos and/or photos taken during this event for use by PESC and our affiliates throughout the world, in perpetuity, and through media.
Hotel
Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town
7142 E 1st St
Scottsdale, AZ 85251 USA
+1 (480) 590-3864 (hotel)
+1 (800) 445-8667 (reservations)*
Check In: 4pm
Check Out: 12pm
Self-Parking: $25/day
The PESC hotel room block is not yet open for reservations. Once the room block opens, if calling in, be sure to mention the PESC October 2026 Data Summit when booking to receive the discounted group rate.
PESC has reserved a limited number of rooms at the discounted group rate. We encourage you to reserve your room as soon as the block opens, as availability is limited and the discounted rate cannot be guaranteed once the PESC room block is filled.
The PESC group rate is available through October 6, 2026, or until the room block is sold out, whichever comes first.
AMENITIES AND SERVICES
- Free WiFi
- On-site restaurant
- Outdoor pool
- Fitness center
- Pet-friendly rooms
- Concierge
- Boutique
- EV charging
- Streaming entertainment
- Room service
Getting Here
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is the primary airport serving the Scottsdale area and is approximately 9 miles from the Canopy Scottsdale Old Town. Rideshare, taxi, and rental car options are available for transportation between the airport and Old Town Scottsdale. The hotel does not provide airport shuttle service.
Explore Old Town Scottsdale
WHAT’S NEARBY
- Western Spirit: Museum of the West – 0.10 miles
- Scottsdale Civic Center – 0.20 miles
- Civic Center Park – 0.70 miles
- Scottsdale Stadium – S.F. Giants Spring Training – 0.80 miles
- Scottsdale Historical Museum – 0.90 miles
- Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall – 1.60 miles
Make the most of your time in Scottsdale! Just steps from the PESC Data Summit, Old Town offers a lively mix of Southwestern character, arts and culture, dining, shopping, and nightlife — all within a compact, walkable area. Explore local galleries and public art, discover Scottsdale’s Western history, browse unique shops and boutiques, or unwind over dinner and drinks with fellow attendees.
Whether you have a few hours between Summit activities or decide to extend your stay, there’s plenty to discover beyond the conference room.
Sponsorship Opportunities
PESC Data Summits bring together experts, thought leaders, and enthusiasts to explore the intersection of technology and data in the higher education sector.
Audience
PESC Data Summit participants are often C-Level, VP, and/or Directors with direct responsibility for buying and influencing the purchase of new tech solutions:
- President, CEO, Founder, Executive Director, Principal
- CIO, CTO, COO, CPO
- Vice President, Director
- Project Lead, Manager, Supervisor
- Registrar, Associate Registrar
- Technologist, Analyst, Developer, Architect
Silver and Gold sponsorships provide visibility for your organization among PESC’s network of 2,000+ higher education data and technology professionals. The earlier you become a sponsor, the more exposure your brand will receive through our various social media, email, and in-person events.
Why Sponsorship Matters
- Showcase Expertise: Position your organization as an industry authority in data exchange and interoperability within the education sector.
- Enhance Brand Visibility: Increase your brand’s visibility and recognition among an engaged audience.
- Community Leadership: Share insights, solutions, and best practices with Summit attendees while contributing to improving educational data practices.
- Long-Term Engagement: Connect with decision-makers, influencers, and potential clients in the education technology space while building lasting connections across the PESC community.
Please contact Jennifer.Kim@PESC.org with all sponsorship inquiries.
Bronze
$1,000
Org. name and logo on event web page
Organization name and logo promoted on site at the Summit
Recognized at Opening Session
Silver
$2,500
All the benefits of Bronze Sponsorship &
Named as Sponsor (with logo) in October Summit communications and social media posts before and after the event
Introductory remarks at designated group session during the Summit
Gold
$5,000
All the benefits of Silver Sponsorship PLUS,
10-minute Opening session welcome remarks and company information relating to data standards
Named sponsor recognition for the Summit luncheon or evening networking reception
Company Material Dissemination
One complimentary Summit registration
Annual Sponsors
Annual Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Learn more