2026 West CIO Congress

Hyatt Regency Santa Clara, CA
October 4th
- 6th
2026

Event will start in:

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
Today!

About The Program

The RTM West CIO Congress is a premier gathering of K-12 technology leaders, uniting around 75 Chief Information Officers, Assistant Superintendents, and Technology Directors from across the nation. 
 
Our congress addresses critical challenges and opportunities in technology leadership, covering topics such as digital equity, AI, online student safety, emergency management, budgeting, and talent recruitment in educational technology.
 
Join us for actionable strategies and collaborative discussions to tackle these pressing challenges and the most current issues facing K-12 technology leaders today. Together, we’ll navigate complexities and shape the future of technology integration in education. Don’t miss this transformative opportunity to engage with fellow leaders and drive impactful change.

Past Topics Of Discussion

We have two sides of the house. Educators, who shoulder the responsibility of shepherding students through the learning process. Preparing them for the challenges that lie ahead. The other side, Information Technology Professionals; Innovators who wield technological tools like a double-edged sword seeking to engage and empower young minds to use these advancements to climb higher and higher. Let’s meet in the middle!! Let’s work together to normalize the impossible.

As artificial intelligence platforms increase in number, specialization, and authenticity, educators need to have a game plan to proactively respond to the changing landscape of educational opportunities. This presentation will explore how to achieve effective AI policies and practices for K12 school districts that are rooted in collaboration, consensus, and clarity

The roundtable discussion will discuss the differences and similarities of various classroom management solutions. What issues arise due to students constantly looking for ways around these programs? What additional measures can be put in place to keep students on task and remove any options for students to find ways to deviate from classroom instruction? How can we equip teachers and building admin to resolve these discipline issues before sending requests to the IT department to block every website? 

This workshop is designed to equip educational leaders with practical strategies and insights for fostering inclusive environments and resilient workforces. Participants will explore the principles of intersectional leadership, equity-based hiring and retention practices, and the significance of representation in improving educational outcomes. Through interactive discussions attendees will learn how to create a more inclusive and supportive culture within their organizations.

Staff onboarding and student enrollment now involve the issuance of digital accounts and technology equipment – two critical facilities for student learning and employee performance. How can educational leaders make this happen quickly and efficiently? How does this process relate to inter-department collaboration, data management, and strategic planning? Learn from our district and share your district’s strategy for automating account provisioning processes and efficient technology access distribution.

0
Overall Experience
0
Level of Content
0
Value of time OOO

88% of delegates said this is the best event they’ve attended all year

Past Keynote Speakers

A dynamic roster of keynote speakers drives innovation at our congress events. Discover thought leaders and game-changers whose invaluable insights foster growth and excellence in each of our delegates.

Antonio Vigil
Director of Innovative Classroom Technology,
Aurora Public Schools, Colorado
Dr. David Smith
Chief Technology Officer,
Tustin Unified School District, California
Dr. Jesús Rodríguez
Deputy Superintendent,
Aurora Public Schools, Colorado

Past Speakers

Susan Beltz
Chief Technology Officer,
Oakland Unified School District, California
Jon Castelhano
Chief Technology Officer,
Gilbert Public Schools, Arizona
Audrey Cisneros
Sr. Director of Instructional Technology,
IDEA Public Schools, Texas
Sharo Dickerson
Director of Digital & Learning Resources,
El Paso Independent School District, Texas
Kristy Espino
Chief Technology Officer,
Glendora Unified School District, California
Marlo Gaddis
Former CTO & CEO,
Gaddis Education Consulting
Matt Holley
Director of Emerging Technologies,
Lubbock-Cooper Independent School District, Texas
Mike Lawrence
Director of Information & Technology,
ABC Unified School District, California
Amy Liang
Director of Technology, Assessment & Accountability,
Los Gatos Union School District, California

The Schedule

10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Event Registration

12:20 pm - 1:20 pm

Opening Keynote

1:30 pm - 3:15 pm

Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings

3:15 pm - 3:35 pm

Afternoon Refreshments & Networking

3:35 pm - 5:45 pm

Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings/Roundtable Discussions/Workshops

5:45 pm - 6:45 pm

Free Time

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Welcome Reception & Dinner

7:00 am - 8:00 am

Networking Breakfast

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Morning Keynote/Panel Session

9:00 am - 10:30 am

Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings

10:30 am - 11:00 am

Morning Refreshments & Networking

11:00 am - 11:45 am

Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings

11:45 am - 12:30 pm

Workshops/Roundtable Discussions

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Networking Luncheon

1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Roundtables/Business Meetings/Workshops

3:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Afternoon Refreshments & Networking

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings

5:00 pm - 5:45 pm

Closing Day Keynote

5:45 pm - 6:45 pm

Free Time

6:45 pm - 8:30 pm

Networking Reception & Dinner

8:00 am - 8:15 am

Morning Refreshments & Networking

8:20 am - 9:05 am

Workshops/Roundtable Discussions

9:10 am - 9:55 am

Brunch

10:05 am - 11:05 am

Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings

11:15 am - 12:00 pm

Closing Keynote

If you have access to the full schedule, click here. Otherwise, click here to get access.

Our Commitments to You

Maximized Networking Opportunities

Cultivate meaningful relationships with peers and thought leaders via networking opportunities and functions, strategically designed and planned by our team ahead of the event.

A personal, customized itinerary

Participants customize their schedule by selecting from various sessions, tracks and private meetings that align specifically with their business needs and goals.

Exclusive qualified attendance

In order to facilitate the most optimal networking and meeting opportunities, participation is invitation only and strictly limited to Senior Level Administrators & Executives.

return on time and objective

Your time and the objectives you have set are our top priority. We strive to facilitate the right meetings and introductions to ensure your time with us is being justified with real value.

Delegate Testimonials

Kevin Mcmillian
Administrator for Information Technology, Beaverton School District (OR)

The RTM events provide a great opportunity to meet with other district leaders and solution partners to provide insight on how to improve the experience for your students and staff.

 

 

Audrey Cisneros
Sr. Director of Instructional Technology, IDEA Public Schools (TX)

My first RTM conference was a fantastic, personalized experience, with an agenda perfectly aligned to my priorities. I’m leaving with a stronger support network, new friendships, and renewed excitement to lead, thanks to the RTM team’s thoughtful planning.

 

 

Kristy Espino
Chief Technology Officer, Glendora Unified School District (CA)

RTM provides space for level-alike collaboration without the chaos of the typical large-scale conference.

 

 

David D. Smith, Ed.D
Chief Technology Officer, Tustin Unified School District (CA)

RTM is a great opportunity to network with district colleagues and uncover new information about upcoming trends in technology The event moves fast and is over quickly but the information that you gain can be a game changer.

 

 

Mike Hipwell
Director of Technology, Ogden School District (UT)

The impact of attending RTM really comes from its unique structure. The larger conference sessions give me broad exposure to current trends, while the smaller group meetings allowed for deeper, more specific conversations with peers facing the similar challenges. That mix of vendor insight and peer-to-peer learning helped me walk away not just with product knowledge but with potential strategies that could be applied in our district.

Attending RTM events has been a truly rewarding experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend these events to anyone seeking top-notch learning. Thank you, RTM, for your commitment to excellence and for exceeding my expectations every step of the way.

 

 

Delegate Testimonials

Kevin Mcmillian
Administrator for Information Technology, Beaverton School District (OR)

The RTM events provide a great opportunity to meet with other district leaders and solution partners to provide insight on how to improve the experience for your students and staff.

 

 

Audrey Cisneros
Sr. Director of Instructional Technology, IDEA Public Schools (TX)

My first RTM conference was a fantastic, personalized experience, with an agenda perfectly aligned to my priorities. I’m leaving with a stronger support network, new friendships, and renewed excitement to lead, thanks to the RTM team’s thoughtful planning.

 

 

Kristy Espino
Chief Technology Officer, Glendora Unified School District (CA)

RTM provides space for level-alike collaboration without the chaos of the typical large-scale conference.

 

 

David D. Smith, Ed.D
Chief Technology Officer, Tustin Unified School District (CA)

RTM is a great opportunity to network with district colleagues and uncover new information about upcoming trends in technology The event moves fast and is over quickly but the information that you gain can be a game changer.

 

 

Skip to content