Composing Smarter Data Solutions
April 22-23, 2026
Venue
Hilton New Orleans Riverside*
Two Poydras St.
New Orleans, LA 70130 USA
+1 (504) 561-0500
*Reservations are managed via the AACRAO room block. You will see their name on hotel confirmations for the April Data Summit. Discounted rooms are available on a first-come basis until the allotment is sold out, or until March 31, 2026.
Questions?
Email info@PESC.org for assistance.
- ABOUT
- PROGRAM
- REGISTER
- TRAVEL
- SPONSOR
The Future of Data Starts Here
Join us in New Orleans on April 22–23, 2026, for the PESC April 2026 Data Summit — a focused, collaborative gathering of leaders and practitioners working to advance trusted data exchange across education. Taking place immediately following the AACRAO Annual Meeting, the Summit offers a unique opportunity to continue the conversation, deepen connections, and explore the innovations shaping our data ecosystem. Set in a city known for its rhythm and creativity, the Summit offers the perfect setting to exchange ideas, spark innovation, and keep our collective work moving forward in harmony.
The Voices Shaping the Education Data
The PESC Data Summit brings together a dynamic group of experts and thought leaders from across the education data community. Representing higher education institutions, technology partners, standards leaders, and policy organizations, our speakers offer diverse perspectives and real-world experience. Through their sessions, they explore emerging trends, shared challenges, and new opportunities in data exchange, interoperability, governance, and the effective use of data to support student success and institutional innovation.
Chief Student
Affairs Officer,
Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS)
Sr. Director of Program Deployment, University of Phoenix
.
Chair, Data Standards United (DSU),
CEO & Founder, BardicSystems
.
Director of Admissions & Evaluation Document Processing ,
University of Phoenix
Group Vice President,
Oracle Higher Education
.
Stay tuned for more speaker announcements.
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.
Navigate the evolving landscape of student data exchange at the PESC April Data Summit. This program features interactive general sessions designed to spark discussion and share practical insight across the community. Topics may include electronic transcripts (LER/CLR, JSON-LD, and related frameworks), credentials, artificial intelligence, data standards and privacy, PESC and partner updates, emerging best practices, and more.
Featured Speakers & Sessions
More session details to come. Program and schedule subject to change.
Welcome & Opening Remarks
SPEAKERS:
- Hillary Halpern, Sr. Director of Program Deployment, University of Phoenix and PESC Program Committee Chair
- Monterey Sims, Director of Admissions, Evaluations, University of Phoenix and PESC Board Chair
Kick off the PESC April Data Summit with a warm welcome from Program Committee Chair, Hillary Halpern, and PESC Board Chair, Monterey Sims. This opening session will introduce the goals of the Summit, recognize the collaborative efforts of our community, and prepare attendees for two days of shared learning and meaningful engagement.
Beyond Records: Higher Ed in the AI Era – From Systems of Record to Event-Driven Systems of Outcomes
SPEAKER:
- VIVAN WONG, Group Vice President, Oracle HIgher Education and PESC Board Member
Artificial Intelligence is accelerating a fundamental shift in how higher education institutions operate and innovate. As traditional systems of record evolve, institutions are increasingly exploring event-driven, outcome-focused models that enable more responsive, personalized, and data-informed decision-making.
In this forward-looking session, Vivian Wong, Group Vice President, Oracle Higher Education and PESC Board Member, will examine how the AI era is reshaping institutional strategy, technology ecosystems, and the way outcomes are defined and delivered. Attendees will gain perspective on emerging trends, practical considerations, and the broader implications for the future of higher education.
AMY CABLE, Chief Student Affairs Officer, Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS)
We’re pleased to announce that Amy Cable, Chief Student Affairs Officer for the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS), will be speaking at the PESC April Data Summit.
As a senior leader within one of the nation’s community and technical college systems, Amy brings extensive experience in student affairs leadership, system-level coordination, and data-informed strategy.
Session details and topic information will be announced soon.
ALEX JACKL, Data Standards United (DSU) Chair, CEO & Founder, BardicSystems, PESC Board Member
Join PESC Board Member and Data Standards United (DSU) Chair Alex Jackl for an update on current PESC initiatives and the ongoing work of Data Standards United. This session will provide insight into emerging priorities, standards collaboration efforts, and the collective progress shaping the future of education data exchange.
Share Your Expertise – Become a Summit Speaker
PESC is seeking dynamic and informative in-person sessions for the April Data Summit 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, & Compliance
- Institutional & Policy Perspectives
- Trends & Future-Focused Topics
We encourage submissions from:
- Higher education professionals
- Education technology providers
- Data experts and analysts
- Policymakers and researchers
Benefits of presenting at the April 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, March 20, 2026.
Help Shape the Summit Program
Help shape the direction and impact of the PESC April Data Summit 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 & Sr. Director of Program Deployment, University of Phoenix
- Dennis Becker, Registrar, University of Denver
- Melissa, Buckley, Sr. Director of Strategy and Market Insights , National Student Clearinghouse
- Mark Cohen, Product Manager for Infrastructure & 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, Sr. Director of Operations, PESC
- Michael Sessa, President Emeritus, PESC
- Monterey Sims, Director of Admissions & Evaluations, University of Phoenix
- Cathy van Soest, Director of Client Relations, EducationPlannerBC
- Jodi Tavares, Executive Director, ARUCC MyCreds | MesCertif
- Vivian Wong, Group Vice President, Oracle Higher Education
Schedule
Details coming soon. Program and schedule subject to change.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2026
12:30pm-1:30 pm – Registration
1:30pm-3:00 pm – Welcome & General Sessions
3:00pm-3:30pm – Snack Break
3:30pm-5pm – General Sessions
5:30pm-6:30pm – Reception
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2026
7:30am-9:00 am – Continental Breakfast & Registration
10:00am-10:30am – Refreshment Break
12:00pm-1:30pm – Luncheon
1:30pm-3:00pm – General Sessions
3:00pm-3:30pm – Snack Break
3:30pm-5:00pm – General Sessions
5:00pm – Adjourn
All Summit registration payments must be received by Friday, April 3, 2026. Registrations submitted after this date must be paid by credit card at the time of registration.
Registration Fees
PESC Member Early Bird Rate: USD $795
($950 after March 20, 2026)
Non-Member Early Bird Rate: USD $950
($1,100 after March 20, 2026)
This Summit is in-person. The Conference Package includes:
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2026
- Interactive General Sessions & Networking
- Afternoon Snacks & Refreshments
- Evening Reception
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2026
- Interactive General Sessions & Networking
- Continental Breakfast
- Mid-Morning Refreshment Break
- Luncheon
- Afternoon Snacks & Refreshments
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 April 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 April 17, 2026 may be considered for a refund upon request. Any cancellation and refund request made after April 17, 2026 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 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 & 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 New Orleans Riverside*
Two Poydras St.
New Orleans, LA 70130 USA
+1 (504) 561-0500 (mention the AACRAO block)
$269/night++
Check In: 4pm CT
Check Out: 11am CT
Parking: $50/day (self-parking); $58/day (on-site valet)
*Reservations are managed via the AACRAO room block. You will see AACRAO on hotel confirmations for the April Data Summit, NOT PESC. Discounted rooms are available on a first-come basis until the allotment is sold out, or until March 31, 2026.
AMENITIES & SERVICES
- Indoor tennis court
- HealthClub by Hilton
- 2 outdoor heated pools
- Indoor pickleball
- FedEx Business Center
- Avis on-site car rental
- Ringletts Salon
- Eateries, restaurants, and lounges
- Gift shop
- Direct access to Riverwalk Outlets
Area Airport
The closest airport near the Hotel is the Louis Armstrong New Orleans National Airport (MSY), approximately 13 miles from the hotel.
Explore New Orleans
Located along the Mississippi River, the Hilton New Orleans Riverside places attendees in the heart of one of America’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities. Just outside the hotel, the Riverwalk offers scenic waterfront views, shopping, and dining, while the nearby French Quarter invites visitors to stroll historic streets, explore local galleries, and experience landmarks such as Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral. The city’s distinctive architecture, lively atmosphere, and rich traditions make it an unforgettable destination.
New Orleans is equally celebrated for its cuisine and music. Visitors can enjoy renowned Creole and Cajun dishes — from gumbo and jambalaya to fresh seafood and the iconic beignets at Café du Monde. Live jazz and local performances can be found throughout the city, particularly along Frenchmen Street, showcasing the musical heritage that defines New Orleans. Beginning April 23, the city also hosts the renowned New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, bringing world-class performances, local culture, and cuisine together in one of the region’s signature annual events.
Additional attractions include the National WWII Museum, riverboat cruises on the Mississippi, and guided tours highlighting the city’s history and culture. Whether discovering local flavors, visiting historic sites, or taking in the unique character of the city, New Orleans offers many opportunities to enhance your stay.
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 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
Evening networking event named sponsor recognition
Company Material Dissemination
One complimentary Summit registration
Annual Sponsors
Annual Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Learn more