Legacy Traditional Schools

Process and Data Analysis Using AI
2026-06-17 10:45 - 11:45 (America/Phoenix) | Talking Stick Resort Hotel – Conference Room Quail D, 9800 East Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ, 85256, US
Presented by: Cora Howell and Autumn Barber
Turn data into decisions that matter. This session helps you move beyond dashboards to uncover real insights, avoid misleading averages, and identify root causes. Learn a clear framework to transform questions into actionable strategies, craft compelling data stories, and drive smarter decisions that make a measurable impact across your organization.

Shifting Instinct to Evidence in Decision Making
2026-06-17 10:45 - 11:45 | Talking Stick Resort Hotel – Conference Room Road Runner C, 9800 East Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ, 85256, US
Presented by: Toral Kadakia
Stop guessing—start deciding with data. In this interactive workshop, experience how instinct can mislead and how structured analysis leads to better outcomes. Through hands-on scenarios and team challenges, you’ll learn to identify real signals, avoid common pitfalls, and build simple, defensible data strategies that drive smarter decisions.

The SWARM Framework: Solving Problems Together
2026-06-17 10:45 - 11:45 | Talking Stick Resort Hotel – Conference Room Road Runner B, 9800 East Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ, 85256, US
Presented by: Madison Carillo
This session introduces the SWARM framework—a structured, repeatable approach to solving complex problems through cross-functional teamwork. Explore a real case study and learn how to bring diverse perspectives together, strengthen collective ownership, and drive more innovative, effective outcomes across your teams.

Winning the Community Before You Serve the Community
2026-06-17 10:45 - 11:45 | Talking Stick Resort Hotel – Conference Room Road Runner A, 9800 East Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ, 85256, US
Presented by: Jennifer Turney
This session equips school leaders with practical strategies to establish credibility, connect with families, and define their school’s identity in a new market. Learn how to overcome skepticism, build community partnerships, and create early momentum that drives enrollment, engagement, and long-term success.

RAMP 101: A Better Way to Manage Spending
2026-06-17 10:45 - 11:45 | Talking Stick Resort Hotel – Conference Room Red Bird K, 9800 East Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ, 85256, US
Presented by: Corey Francis
Transform how your schools manage spending with the rollout of RAMP. This session explores what to expect during implementation, how the platform streamlines accounts payable processes, and the value it brings to schools. Gain insight into key features, benefits, and practical considerations to ensure a smooth, successful transition.

Beyond Compliance: How Great Leaders Inspire Action and Ownership
2026-06-17 10:45 - 11:45 | Talking Stick Resort Hotel – Conference Room Red Bird J, 9800 East Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ, 85256, US
Presented by: Stephanie Martinez
Why do change efforts stall—even with a clear strategy? Because motivation goes beyond logic. In this session, explore how to engage both the rational and emotional drivers of change. Learn practical strategies to overcome resistance, build momentum, and inspire lasting action through autonomy, mastery, and purpose.

How to use Power Query in Excel
2026-06-17 10:45 - 11:45 | Talking Stick Resort Hotel – Conference Room Quail F, 9800 East Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ, 85256, US
Presented by: Stefan Sharpensteen and Chris Lim
Unlock the power of Excel with Power Query and transform how you manage data. This session introduces essential tools, real-world use cases, and practical best practices to streamline your workflow. Whether you’re new or looking to level up, discover how to clean, combine, and analyze data with confidence and efficiency.

The Charter Landscape: What Every Vertex Teammate Should Know
2026-06-17 10:45 - 11:45 | Talking Stick Resort Hotel – Conference Room Quail E, 9800 East Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ, 85256, US
Presented by: Corey Kennedy
Vertex operates within a uniquely complex and highly relational ecosystem that includes school boards, authorizers, regulators, and community stakeholders. Some Vertex roles engage more directly with these groups than others, but all of us are impacted by them in one way or another.
This session provides a practical overview of the charter school landscape and the dynamics that shape our work. The goal is not to turn participants into experts, but to build shared context that leads to to stronger collaboration, better decision-making, and greater organizational alignment.

AI Innovation Lab Day 2 AM Work Block
2026-06-17 09:15 - 12:00 | Talking Stick Resort Hotel – Conference Room Salt River, 9800 East Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ, 85256, US
Presented by: Erick Grady, Cody Bell, Lleyton Ito, Janet Hernandez, and OBIS
The AI Innovation Lab is an interactive session designed to help participants explore how we can enhance day-to-day work, improve efficiency, and support innovative thinking across teams. Attendees will learn about practical AI tools, real-world applications, and strategies for integrating AI into workflows to solve problems, streamline processes, and generate new ideas. Whether participants are new to AI or already experimenting with it, this session will provide actionable insights, examples, and opportunities to think creatively about how AI can support both individual and organizational success.

Keynote Led: Pixar Creative Collaboration and Storytelling Session (2 hour)
2026-06-17 09:15 - 11:30 | Talking Stick Resort Hotel – Conference Room Dove G, 9800 East Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ, 85256, US
Presented by: Dennis Henderson – Wednesday Keynote Speaker
This keynote session will bring attendees together for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation centered on leadership, innovation, and the future of education services. Participants can expect high-level insights, shared experiences, and practical perspectives that encourage collaboration, growth, and continuous improvement across teams and organizations. This session is designed to inspire new ideas, challenge current thinking, and energize attendees as they continue supporting schools, students, and one another through meaningful work.

Unleashing the Power of Data Driven Coaching (2 hour leader only workshop)
2026-06-17 09:15 - 11:30 | Talking Stick Resort Hotel – Conference Room Red Bird L, 9800 East Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ, 85256, US
Presented by: Gail from Predictive Index
Coach with greater clarity and impact using behavioral data and insights from the Predictive Index (PI). Learn how to personalize coaching, deliver more effective feedback, and adapt your approach to different working styles. Walk away with practical tools to set clear goals, measure progress, and lead more confident coaching conversations. *This session will require all teammembers to take the PI assesment (5 min) before the workshop.

Managers Taking Action
2026-06-17 09:15 - 10:15 | Talking Stick Resort Hotel – Conference Room Road Runner B, 9800 East Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ, 85256, US
Presented by: Michelle Gutierrez
Strong teams don’t happen by accident. This session focuses on three practical actions managers can take to improve performance: creating clarity, investing in coaching, and building accountability with psychological safety. Walk away with simple, actionable strategies you can apply immediately to strengthen your leadership and team results.

Automation without AI - The Case for Microsoft's Power Automate Desktop
2026-06-17 09:15 - 10:15 | Talking Stick Resort Hotel – Conference Room Quail F, 9800 East Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ, 85256, US
Presented by: Chris Lim
Learn how Power Automate Desktop streamlines repetitive tasks, reduces errors, and boosts efficiency through automation.

Getting the Most Out of SharePoint
2026-06-17 09:15 - 10:15 | Talking Stick Resort Hotel – Conference Room Quail E, 9800 East Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ, 85256, US
Presented by: Cody Bell and Seth Watts
Unlock the full potential of SharePoint to organize, collaborate, and manage information with ease. This session provides a practical introduction to key features, best practices, and everyday use cases. Learn how to streamline document management, improve team collaboration, and make SharePoint a more effective tool in your daily work.

Interactive Brain Break: Virtual Games
2026-06-17 09:15 - 10:15 | Talking Stick Resort Hotel – Conference Room Quail D, 9800 East Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ, 85256, US
Presented by: Lauren Miller
Take a break, connect, and recharge together. This fun, interactive session brings everyone in person for games, trivia, and team-building activities. Enjoy a well-deserved “brain break” that boosts energy, builds relationships, and strengthens connections across teams in a relaxed, engaging environment.

Creating Connection: Simple Strategies for Stronger Teams
2026-06-17 09:15 - 10:15 | Talking Stick Resort Hotel – Conference Room Red Bird K, 9800 East Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ, 85256, US
Presented by: Lindsay Heather
Build stronger teams through intentional connection. In this interactive session, experience simple, practical activities that foster trust, engagement, and collaboration. Learn how to use structured prompts and shared moments to help colleagues connect beyond their roles, creating a more cohesive, energized team culture you can easily bring to your own meetings.

Theory of Constraints Simulation and Exercise
2026-06-17 09:15 - 10:15 | Talking Stick Resort Hotel – Conference Room Red Bird J, 9800 East Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ, 85256, US
Presented by: Cora Howell
Learn to identify what’s really holding your work back. This session introduces the Theory of Constraints and brings it to life through an interactive business simulation. Test improvement strategies, tackle bottlenecks in real time, and walk away with practical tools to drive efficiency and better results.
