Connecting Futures:
Building a Cohesive Education Data Ecosystem
March 19-21, 2025
Venue
HILTON ARLINGTON NATIONAL LANDING
2399 Richmond Highway
Arlington, VA 22202 USA
Discounted hotel rates through PESC have expired.
Contact Information
Jennifer V. Kim
Director of Membership Services
info@PESC.org
- About
- Program
- Register
- Travel
- Sponsor
This event has concluded. A big thanks to our terrific speakers and attendees for their participation!
Join us at the PESC March 2025 Data Summit, where education, data, and innovation converge! This in-person Summit gathers leaders, educators, and innovators to explore the latest trends, technologies, and standards shaping the future of educational data.
Our Expert Lineup
The PESC March 2025 Data Summit features leading experts and visionaries in the field of education data. Our speakers represent a diverse range of perspectives, from higher education institutions to technology providers and policy organizations. They will share their insights on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in data management, interoperability, and the use of data to improve student outcomes.
Associate Registrar, University of Southern CA
Vice Provost – Strategy,
University of Phoenix
Vice President,
AEM Corporation
CEO & FOUNDER,
iQ4
_
Sr Director of Product Management,
Liaison International
CEO & Founder, BardicSystems
_
Chief Creative Officer, The Art of Place
_
Executive Director,
AACRAO
_
Sr Director of Program Employment,
University of Phoenix
Director,
The Education Cooperative (TEC)
Manager – eTranscripts,
Ontario Univesities’ Application Centre (OUAC)
Chief Technology
Services Officer,
Credential Engine
Technology Director, Access 4 Learning (A4L)
Community
Sr Consultant & CLR/LER Coordinator, AACRAO
_
CEO & Founder,
AcademyOne
_
BD Manager,
Public Consulting
Group (PCG)
Vice President of Product Management,
AcademyOne
Founder &
Chief Strategy Officer,
CedarLabs
Director of Admissions & Evaluation Document Processing ,
University of Phoenix
President & Founder,
DegreeData
_
Partner,
F3 Law
_
Why Attend?
Develop Data-Driven Strategies
Stay ahead of the curve with keynote presentations and panel discussions from industry pioneers. Discover emerging technologies, and innovative practices that are transforming education.
Connect with Industry Leaders
Share ideas, build partnerships, and expand your professional network by connecting with a diverse community of higher ed technology and data specialists.
Further Your Professional Development
Hear from thought leaders who are driving change in the education sector. Gain valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing educational data today and tomorrow.
Experience a Culture of Collaboration
Participate in interactive conversations designed to provide practical skills and knowledge. Learn from experts in data interoperability, transcripts, microcredentials, and more.
Register Today
Be at the forefront of educational data innovation and register now!
Navigate the evolving landscape of student data exchange. The PESC March Data Summit offers 2 days packed with interactive General Sessions, with topics that may include transcripts (LER/CLR, JSON-LD, etc), transfer articulation, AI, data standards & privacy, GEO Code, CanPESC, partner updates, best practices, and more!
PROGRAM COMMITTEE MEMBERS
- Hillary Halpern, Program Committee Chair and Sr. Director of Program Deployment, University of Phoenix
- Mark Cohen, Product Manager for Infrastructure & Data Services, California Community Colleges Technology Center
- Bryant Faust, Associate Dean & Registrar, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
- Roberta Hyland, Chief Data Officer, National Student Clearinghouse
- Alex Jackl, CEO & Founder, Bardic Systems
- Jennifer Kim, Director of Membership Services, PESC
- Michael Sessa, President Emeritus, PESC
- Monterey Sims, Director of Admissions & Evaluations, University of Phoenix
- Francisco Valines, Director of Financial Aid, Florida International University
- Cathy van Soest, Director or Client Relations, EducationPlannerBC
Program
More sessions to be announced. Sessions and schedule are subject to change.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 2025
1:00-2:00pm – Registration
2:00-2:15pm – Welcome / Introductions to the A4L-PESC Joint Sessions
2:15-3:15pm – NATIONAL DATA PRIVACY AGREEMENT (NDPA) FOR HIGHER ED
Speaker:
- Mark Williams, Partner, F3 Law
The National Data Privacy Agreement has seen great success in K12. This session will explore and share the work to date on expanding the NDPA model into higher education.
3:15-3:30pm – Afternoon Break
3:30-5:00pm – DATA STANDARDS UNITED (DSU) DIGITAL FREEWAY PROJECT
Speaker:
- Alex Jackl, Chair, Data Standards United (DSU) and CEO & Founder, Bardic Systems
Join us for an in-depth update on the progress of the Data Standards United Digital Freeway project. We’ll showcase current initiatives, including advancements in Learning and Employment Records (LER), Special Education Data, and the CEDS Ontology projects. This session will also engage participants in identifying key priorities, gathering input on desired next steps, and pinpointing barriers that Data Standards United can address.
Additionally, we’ll share insights from the recent unification of PESC and A4L under our new Joint Venture Agreement, “Education Data Unlimited,” highlighting what this collaboration means for the future of education data.
6:00-7:00pm – Reception
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2025
7:30-8:30am – Registration & Continental Breakfast
8:30-9:00am – Opening Remarks
9:00-10:00am – LEADERSHIP IN TURBULENT TIMES
Speaker:
- Jim Campbell, Vice President, AEM Corporation
Education is facing a period of rapid change, with new policy shifts under the current administration impacting everything from funding to data governance. This session will provide an overview of the evolving education landscape, with a particular focus on the status of the Common Education Data Standards (CEDS). In this session, we will discuss how the community is adapting to these changes, mobilizing efforts to ensure continued progress, and navigating the challenges ahead. Join us for an insightful discussion on leadership, collaboration, and the future of education data standards.
10:00-10:30am – Refreshment Break
10:30-11:15am – LEVERAGING THE CLR/LER INFRASTRUCTURE TO GIVE STUDENTS VALUE TODAY
Speaker:
- Marc Booker, PhD, Vice Provost of Strategy, University of Phoenix
With CLR/LER standards and use-cases in flux some institutions are hesitating on taking next steps, but with the rich data being collected opportunity exists for schools to get value now. The process the University of Phoenix is using to build their CLR/LER while also providing students opportunities to get value today for artifacts tied to learning outcomes and skill obtainment outside of the traditional transcript will be shared and will be used as a basis to drive further conversations on how organizations can take actionable steps to see returns in the credentialing space.
11:15am-12:00pm – AI IN EDUCATION: TOOL, RESOURCE, AND ASSISTANT
Moderator:
- Marc Booker, PhD, Vice Provost of Strategy, University of Phoenix
Partipants:
- Alex Jackl, CEO & Founder, Bardic Systems
- Anne Valentine, President & Founder, DegreeData
AI is more than just a buzzword—it’s a powerful tool, resource, and assistant that is reshaping education, from execution to management. Its impact extends beyond hype, driving a fundamental shift in how humans interact with technology and how work gets done.
Join moderator Mark Booker as Alex Jackl and Anne Valentine explore AI’s influence on EdTech companies, industry standards, and learning experiences. They’ll discuss practical ways AI can enhance your role in education, helping you work smarter and more effectively. No matter your position, this conversation will offer valuable insights into AI’s transformative role in our ecosystem. Don’t miss this engaging and thought-provoking discussion!
12:15-1:15pm – Luncheon
1:30-2:20pm – DIGITIZING TRANSFER AGREEMENTS: ANALYSIS AND MAPPING TO THE CREDENTIAL TRANSPARENCY DESCRIPTION LANGUAGE (CTDL)
Speakers:
- Wayne Gafford, Chief Creative Officer, The Art of Place
- Jeanne Kitchens, Chief Technology Services Officer, Credential Engine
- Erik Shepski, Vice President of Product Management, AcademyOne
Join us for an insightful session on revolutionizing Transfer Articulation Agreements (TAAs) with cutting-edge digital integration and automation. Traditional TAAs often face challenges like outdated information, limited transparency, and high review costs. This session explores how data-driven strategies and the Credential Transparency Description Language (CTDL) can transform TAAs into dynamic, real-time tools for evaluating institutional partnerships and linking credentials to completion rates. Discover how integrating TAAs into institutional data ecosystems, with CTDL already in use across 30 U.S. states, can enhance clarity, accessibility, and functionality—paving the way for a seamless, learner-focused education ecosystem. Be a part of this critical conversation to advance transparency and equity in education pathways.
2:20-2:50pm – ADVANCING INTEROPERABILITY: AN UPDATE ON PESC GEO CODE
Speaker:
- MATT BEMIS, Sr. Associate Registrar, University of Southern CA (USC)
Discover the latest advancements in the PESC GEO Code standard and its impact on global data interoperability in education. This session provides an update on how institutions are leveraging the GEO Code to streamline data exchange, enable international credential verifications, and improve student mobility. Learn about recent developments, use cases, and how the GEO Code continues to foster collaboration and innovation across the education ecosystem. Join us to stay informed and explore how this trusted standard can enhance institution data processes.
2:50-3:05pm – CANPESC: WORKING TOGETHER FOR BETTER DATA EXCHANGE
Speaker:
- DOUG HOLMES, Manager – eTranscripts, Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC)
Join us for a quick but informative update on the CanPESC (Canadian PESC) User Group! In just 15 minutes, we’ll cover key activities, recent accomplishments, and upcoming initiatives. This session will provide a snapshot of how CanPESC is fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among Canadian PESC members. Learn how you can get involved and contribute to the growth and success of the CanPESC community. Whether you’re already a member or simply curious, this brief update will give you valuable insights into the group’s impact and future direction.
3:05-3:30pm – Snack Break
3:30-4:15pm – DRIVING GLOBAL EDUCATION MOBILITY: GRONINGEN DECLARATION NETWORK (GDN) UPDATE
Speaker:
- Melanie Gottlieb, Executive Director, American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) / Board President, Groningen Declaration Network (GDN)
Join us for an update on the latest developments from the Groningen Declaration Network (GDN), a global initiative dedicated to enabling digital learner mobility. This session will explore recent progress, partnerships, and strategies driving cross-border recognition of academic credentials. Discover how GDN is shaping the future of secure, interoperable data exchange to support students and institutions worldwide.
4:15-5:00pm – LEADERSHIP IN TURBULENT TIMES – PART II
Session Lead:
- Alex Jackl, CEO & Founder, Bardic Systems
In an era of unprecedented change, how do we, as a community, take ownership of shaping the education ecosystem for learners, institutions, and society? Throughout this summit, we will have explored the challenges and opportunities ahead—now it’s time to focus on action. This open discussion will bring together leaders to discuss tangible steps we can take collectively to drive meaningful progress. Join us as we translate insights into action and define the path forward.
FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2025
7:30-8:30am – Continental Breakfast
8:30-9:15am – LER 101 AND CEDS
Speakers:
- Frank Cicio, Founder & CEO, iQ4
- Greg Nadeau, BD Manager, Public Consulting Group
In this session, we will provide an overview of the IEEE 1484.2 Learning and Employment Record (LER) Ecosystem standard, its relationship to other relevant standards, and invite participation in efforts underway to document an LER Conceptual Model and unified data schema in the Common Education Data Standards (CEDS).
9:15-10:00am – INFUSE: EMPOWERING INSTITUTIONS, ENABLING LEARNERS THROUGH DIGITAL CREDENTIALS
Speaker:
- Mark McConahay, Sr Consultant & Innovative Credential Coordinator, American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO)
Discover how the groundbreaking Infuse initiative seeks to democratize access to innovative digital credentials in higher ed, particularly supporting institutions and learners with limited resources. The collaborative project, led by AACRAO, aims to convert legacy records into structured, interoperable credentials and enhance their value through AI-driven validation of learning outcomes and competencies. Join us to explore how Infuse may open doors for learners and institutions.
10:00-10:30am – Refreshment Break
10:30-11:15am – SIMPLIFYING ACADEMIC SUMMARIES FOR TRANSCRIPTS (AND MORE)
Speakers:
- Justin Crowley, Sr. Director of Product Management, Liaison International
- John Lovell, Technology Director, Access 4 Learning (A4L) Community
The PESC Community has an exciting opportunity to streamline and simplify the way we model academic data by leveraging the flexibility and efficiency of RDF and JSON-LD. This session will explore how these technologies enable us to consolidate overlapping structures in our data models (i.e. Program Summary & Academic Summary), creating more unified and intuitive representations while maintaining compatibility with existing standards.
Join us to reimagine how academic summaries are modeled, simplify workflows, and embrace the advantages of modern data standards!
11:15am-12:00pm – Closing Remarks
12:00pm – Adjourn
Share Your Expertise – Become a Summit Speaker
The submission deadline has now passed. Many thanks to those who participated!
PESC is seeking dynamic and informative in-person sessions for the March Data Summit that address a variety of topics related to student data, including:
- Open Standards and Standards Alignment
- Data Analytics and Reporting
- The Future of Work and Education
- The Ethical Use of Student Data
- Innovative Uses of Student Data
- Case Studies and Best Practices
We encourage submissions from:
- Higher education professionals
- Education technology providers
- Data experts and analysts
- Policymakers and researchers
Benefits of presenting at the March 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.
Submission deadline: Friday, February 21, 2025.
Registration Fees
PESC Member Early Bird Rate: USD $795
($950 after February 28, 2025)
Non-Member Rate: USD $950
($1,100 after February 28, 2025)
All payments for Summit registrations must be received by Friday, February 28, 2025.
This Summit is in-person only. The Conference Package includes:
- Evening Reception (on Wednesday, March 19th)
- Breakfast on 2 Mornings
- Refreshments on 2 Mornings
- Luncheon (on Thursday, March 20th)
- Refreshments and Snacks on 2 Afternoons
- All General Sessions
CANCELLATION POLICY
All cancellation & refund requests must be submitted to PESC in writing (e.g. email) and will be processed 30 calendar days after the March 2025 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 February 21, 2025 may be considered for a refund upon request. Any cancellation and refund request made after February 21, 2025 is not eligible for a refund regardless of the attendance of the registrant. All cancellation and refund requests must be submitted to Jennifer Kim at [email protected].
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 & 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 & 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
Hilton Arlington National Landing
2399 Richmond Highway
Arlington, VA 22202 USA
Check In: 3pm EST
Check Out: 12pm EST
Discounted hotel rates through PESC have expired.
AMENITIES
- Complimentary shuttle service to and from Washington National Airport beginning at 4:30am daily. The last shuttle leaves the airport at 11:45pm EST.
- On-Site Restaurant/Cafe: Landing Kitchen and Bar, The Marketplace, grab-and-go items, and Starbucks – No room service available
- 24 hr Fitness Center
- Pet-friendly rooms available (please contact the hotel for more details)
- Sleeping Room Highlights:
- Coffee maker
- Hairdryer
- Bathroom amenities
- Air conditioning
- Mini refridgerator
- LCD TV
- Iron/ironing board
PESC invites you to stay with us at the newly-renovated Hilton Arlington National Landing. We have arranged a discounted room rate for our attendees, available until February 21, 2025 or until the PESC room block is fully booked. Space is limited, please reserve your room as early as possible to ensure your stay at the Summit hotel.
Parking & Transportation
Discounted Self-Parking Rate: USD $20/night
AREA AIRPORTS & SHUTTLE SERVICE
Complimentary shuttle service is available to and from Washington National Airport beginning at 4:30am daily. The last shuttle departs the airport at 11:45pm EST.
- Washington National Airport (DCA) – 1 mile
Complimentary shuttle service available. - Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – 30 miles
- Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) – 36 miles
Explore the D.M.V. (DC, Maryland, and Virginia)
Discover the exciting possibilities of exploring Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia during the PESC March 2025 Data Summit! These neighboring regions offer a unique combination of history, culture, and innovation, all within easy reach of one another. Whether you’re here for the summit or want to explore in your downtime, you’ll find a wealth of activities and attractions just moments away.
Top attractions to explore in the DC, MD, and VA areas:
- Washington, D.C.
- Visit iconic landmarks like the U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, and the Smithsonian Museums.
- Take a walk along the National Mall and explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Georgetown and Dupont Circle.
- Maryland
- Explore the charming waterfront towns of Annapolis and St. Michaels.
- Enjoy outdoor activities at the Chesapeake Bay or visit the National Harbor.
- Virginia
- Discover Arlington’s Memorials and the renowned Air and Space Museum.
- Explore the vibrant tech scene and innovative hubs in Northern Virginia, such as Tysons Corner.
The DC-MD-VA region offers something for everyone—history, innovation, and scenic beauty. Register for the PESC March 2025 Data Summit and take advantage of everything this dynamic region has to offer!
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
Partnering on a PESC Data Summit at the Silver or Gold Level markets your organization to 2,000+ higher ed data and technology specialists. 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. Build lasting relationships and foster strong relationships within the PESC Community.
Please contact [email protected] 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,
5-minute Opening session welcome remarks and company information relating to data standards
Evening networking event named sponsor recognition
Company Material Dissemination
One complimentary Summit registration
Annual Sponsors
Annual Sponsorship Opportunities are also available. Learn more