The Alliance for Learning Innovation (ALI) team is gearing up for SXSW EDU 2026, a gathering that brings together education leaders, innovators, and advocates from across the country. This will be ALI’s fourth year attending SXSW EDU, and we’re looking forward to the 2026 conference being the best one yet. Here are the top five reasons we’re especially excited to be in Austin next week.
1. We can’t wait to build community with coalition members, partners, and new friends.
SXSW EDU presents opportunities to build relationships, share, and learn. We’re excited to connect with the education R&D community at our annual SXSW EDU cocktail hour and other gatherings throughout the week. These are the connections that help strengthen the community driving evidence-based innovation. We’re eager to catch up with coalition members, partners, and fellow innovators in Austin.
2. We’re hosting our first SXSW EDU workshop.
ALI is thrilled to host a 90-minute workshop, States Matter: Using Ed R&D to Drive Student Outcomes, to help state leaders create the conditions for a thriving education R&D ecosystem. This interactive session will be facilitated by Sara Schapiro (Alliance for Learning Innovation), Andrew Smith (Policy Advisor to the NC Senate Majority Leader), and Leslie Colwell (Transcend). Together with workshop attendees, they’ll explore how states can leverage data and research to improve student outcomes, support innovation, and strengthen community engagement. Drawing on insights from ALI’s State Education R&D Playbook, this session offers a roadmap for states looking to make evidence-based decisions that benefit students and communities. Join us on Monday, March 9, 2026, from 4:00–5:30 PM CT at the Courtyard Marriott (Room: Brazos I-III).
3. We’re lifting up state and district voices.
We’re also excited about our panel discussion, Prioritizing Ed R&D: Voices from States and Districts. Moderated by Timothy Michalak (Alliance for Learning Innovation), this conversation with Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green (Rhode Island Department of Education), and Cady Ching (Summit Public Schools) will share how R&D informs policies and programs at both state and district levels, ensuring that innovation meets the needs of educators and learners. This session underscores the value of grounding R&D in the voices of those closest to students. We hope to see you on March 11, 2026, from 9:00–9:45 AM CT at The Westin Austin Downtown (Room: Paramount I-II).
4. We’re putting a spotlight on how R&D can improve career-connected learning.
In Building an Evidence-Base for Workforce Readiness, we shift the focus to preparing learners for their next stage: the workforce. Melissa Moritz (Alliance for Learning Innovation) will interview Nick Moore (U.S. Department of Education, Office of Career, Technical, & Adult Education) to explore how research and innovation strengthen career-connected learning and equip students with the skills they need for success. This conversation highlights how R&D can bridge classroom learning and workforce preparation, ensuring that students are ready for the demands of the modern economy. Join us on March 10, 2026, from 2:00–2:45 PM CT at Austin Marriott Downtown (Room: Waterloo Ballroom 1-2).
5. We’re eager to learn from featured speakers, including ALI coalition members.
Beyond ALI-organized sessions, many coalition members are taking the stage to share their work and insights. From exploring how emerging technologies can enhance instruction to equipping educators with the tools and networks they need to lead effectively, these sessions reflect the breadth and impact of coalition members’ endeavors. To see the full lineup of sessions featuring ALI members, check out ALI’s Guide to SXSW EDU 2026.
SXSW EDU isn’t just a conference; it’s a catalyst for a year of collaborative action. The ideas sparked, relationships formed, and conversations started in Austin will extend beyond the event itself – informing ALI’s advocacy, strengthening our community, and helping to advance our mission to build the conditions for a more effective, innovative, community-centered education R&D movement.
If you’re heading to Austin next week, we hope you’ll “favorite” and join our sessions, support ALI coalition members speaking on panels, and engage with us throughout the conference. We’re excited to see you at SXSW EDU 2026!
