2026 West CIO Congress

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

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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.

Topics Of Discussion

Before AI can deliver on its promise, districts need the right foundation – from network infrastructure and data governance to staff readiness and clear policies that guide responsible use.

Cyber threats targeting K-12 districts are growing in frequency and sophistication, making it more critical than ever for leaders to strengthen defenses, protect student data, and build a culture of security awareness across the organization.

With budgets tightening and federal funding in flux, technology leaders are being asked to deliver more with fewer resources – requiring smarter prioritization, creative funding strategies, and stronger advocacy with district leadership.

Even the best technology initiatives can fall flat without staff support. Building genuine buy-in, reducing resistance, and creating conditions where new tools actually stick are just as important as the technology itself.

Most districts are managing a sprawling collection of disconnected tools that overwhelm teachers and drain budgets. Auditing the EdTech landscape and making smarter procurement decisions is key to building a more streamlined, effective ecosystem.

As technology use in schools grows, so does community scrutiny. Proactive communication with families, thoughtful approaches to screen time, and transparent messaging are essential to maintaining the public trust needed to move initiatives forward.

Many districts are running 21st century programs on outdated networks and aging facilities. Strategic infrastructure upgrades – from wireless and switching to physical security – are essential to supporting modern learning environments without disrupting instruction.

The policy landscape around AI, data privacy, and digital learning is evolving faster than most districts can keep up with. Staying ahead of emerging regulations and building sound AI governance frameworks is becoming a core leadership responsibility.

Districts are sitting on more data than ever, but turning it into actionable insights remains a challenge. Breaking down data silos, improving cross-system integration, and making data accessible to the right people at the right time is what separates informed districts from reactive ones.

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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 & Current Speakers

Joe Ayala
Director of Technology,
Santa Clara Unified School District, California
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
Wade Jackson
IT - Enterprise Architect,
Fort Worth Independent School District, Texas

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.

 

 

Become a Partner

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