Do you have a passion for arts education? Do you want to share that work with others? If the answer is yes, we want to collaborate with you! AEP invites you to share a session proposal for our 2026 Annual Convening, taking place from Sept. 1-4 in Jacksonville, Florida. Breakout sessions will assist leaders in gaining the knowledge and insights to ensure that all learners receive an excellent arts education. This includes dance, folk arts, indigenous arts, media arts, music, theatre and visual arts.
Agenda
Day - 01
09:00
Sample: Future of Artificial Intelligence
Dr. Allison Martinez
Chief AI Ethics Officer, NeuroLink Labs
Dr. Allison Martinez
Chief AI Ethics Officer, NeuroLink Labs
Dr. Allison Martinez is an accomplished researcher and thought leader in artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction. With over 12 years of experience in academia and industry, she has contributed to groundbreaking work in ethical AI, machine learning interpretability, and user-centered design. Dr. Martinez is passionate about ensuring technology serves humanity responsibly—bridging the gap between innovation and ethical impact. She frequently speaks at international conferences and advises organizations on building trustworthy AI systems.
13:00
Sample: Blockchain Beyond Cryptocurrency
Day - 02
11:00
Sample: vFairs - Host Amazing Virtual Events
Sarah Johnson
Head of Global Marketing, BrightWave Media Group
Sarah Johnson
Head of Global Marketing, BrightWave Media Group
Sarah Johnson is a results-driven marketing strategist and brand storyteller with over a decade of experience in helping global brands connect with their audiences through data-driven campaigns and creative innovation. Her expertise spans digital marketing, customer experience, and content strategy, with a strong focus on building meaningful brand engagement in the digital age. Sarah is passionate about empowering teams to blend creativity with analytics to deliver measurable business impact.
15:00
Sample: Smart Cities and IoT
Mark Anderson
Director of Digital Innovation, TechNova Solutions
Mark Anderson
Director of Digital Innovation, TechNova Solutions
In this session, Mark Anderson will share insights on how organizations can accelerate their digital transformation journey by embracing AI-driven automation and data intelligence. He’ll discuss real-world use cases, key challenges, and proven strategies that empower teams to innovate faster and stay competitive in an ever-evolving tech landscape.
Speakers
Dr. Allison Martinez
Chief AI Ethics Officer, NeuroLink Labs
READ BIODr. Allison Martinez
NeuroLink Labs
Dr. Allison Martinez is an accomplished researcher and thought leader in artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction. With over 12 years of experience in academia and industry, she has contributed to groundbreaking work in ethical AI, machine learning interpretability, and user-centered design. Dr. Martinez is passionate about ensuring technology serves humanity responsibly—bridging the gap between innovation and ethical impact. She frequently speaks at international conferences and advises organizations on building trustworthy AI systems.
Sarah Johnson
Head of Global Marketing, BrightWave Media Group
READ BIOSarah Johnson
BrightWave Media Group
Sarah Johnson is a results-driven marketing strategist and brand storyteller with over a decade of experience in helping global brands connect with their audiences through data-driven campaigns and creative innovation. Her expertise spans digital marketing, customer experience, and content strategy, with a strong focus on building meaningful brand engagement in the digital age. Sarah is passionate about empowering teams to blend creativity with analytics to deliver measurable business impact.
Mark Anderson
Director of Digital Innovation, TechNova Solutions
READ BIOMark Anderson
TechNova Solutions
In this session, Mark Anderson will share insights on how organizations can accelerate their digital transformation journey by embracing AI-driven automation and data intelligence. He’ll discuss real-world use cases, key challenges, and proven strategies that empower teams to innovate faster and stay competitive in an ever-evolving tech landscape.
Event Sponsors
TechNova Solutions
TechNova Solutions is a global leader in cloud infrastructure and enterprise software. As a Platinum Sponsor, TechNova supports innovation by empowering organizations with cutting-edge AI and automation tools that drive digital transformation across industries.
Omnex Connect
Omnex Connect delivers seamless communication infrastructure for large-scale digital events. Their sponsorship powers reliable connectivity and meaningful interactions among attendees, exhibitors, and speakers alike.
HelixCore Technologies
HelixCore Technologies leads the charge in next-generation analytics, automation, and data security. Their role as Innovation Partner reflects their passion for redefining what’s possible through intelligent systems.
Lunaris Digital
Lunaris Digital crafts immersive digital ecosystems for enterprises seeking innovation at scale. As the Gold Sponsor, they champion creativity, technology, and collaboration across the global tech landscape.
Aureon Dynamics
Aureon Dynamics pioneers intelligent automation platforms that blend data, design, and decision-making. Their Platinum Sponsorship underscores their mission to empower industries with smarter, faster, and more sustainable technologies.
Verdantia Labs
Verdantia Labs develops eco-smart technologies that connect innovation with sustainability. As the Bronze Sponsor, they promote responsible tech design and environmentally conscious innovation.
QuantumEdge Solutions
QuantumEdge Solutions develops advanced software and infrastructure systems designed to enhance performance, scalability, and security. As the Technology Partner, they bring cutting-edge innovation and technical expertise that power the digital backbone of the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you’ll need to fill out our registration form to gain access to the event. Please fill in the registration form with some basic information to get started.
The information you provide upon registration will only be used to establish you as a user on the platform and to create your login credentials. It will not be used for any other purposes.
Yes, the vFairs platform is compatible with any computer or mobile device and any browser.
Yes, this event is completely free to attend. We encourage you to login and have a look around at your convenience.
The event will be on demand indefinitely, however we may make updates and changes to the platform periodically. Make sure to keep checking back in to see our newest features in action!
Submission Process
Submit your session proposal by following these three steps:
- Read the proposal guidelines for information about our audience, priority areas, important dates and proposal criteria.
- Plan your session. We recommend using this session worksheet or a separate document to develop your session and then copy and paste your responses into the submission form.
- Before you submit a session proposal, you will be prompted to create an account. Once you have registered, you will select the button that says “+ Add Abstract” to begin your submission. Please note that under “session host and speakers,” you will be prompted to add an author—this is where you will add details about speakers.
- Submit your session proposal through the online submission form by Friday, April 10 at 5 p.m. PDT.
Optional Proposal Office Hours
AEP is excited to answer your questions about leading a breakout session. Join us on Wednesday, April 1 from 3-4 p.m. EDT to learn some tips from the AEP team on how to craft a competitive proposal.
At the end of the session, participants can ask any additional questions they have about the proposal process. Click here to register for this session. If you are unable to join the office hours but have questions or seek additional support on your proposal, please don’t hesitate to email Mary Dell’Erba at mdellerba@ecs.org or set up a time to meet.
Submission Checklist
✔ Session Title
✔ Session Description
✔ Session Objectives
✔ Host and Speaker Information
✔ Session Plan Questions 1-4
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