25 Years of UEN Tech Summit: A Statewide Connection That Still Delivers

Celebrating 25 years, the UEN Tech Summit unites educators and tech leaders across Utah to share tools, build skills and spark lasting connections.

When Jeremy Cox first attended the UEN Tech Summit, he was looking to grow—both professionally and personally. Today, as the CIO of Washington County School District and this year’s keynote speaker, he can confidently say the summit played a vital role in shaping his career.

“Over the years, UEN Tech Summit significantly improved my skills,” Cox said. “That growth in skills and confidence opened the door to new professional opportunities.”

Bringing people together to share knowledge, tools and real-world experiences is exactly what the UEN Tech Summit has done for 25 years. What began as a low-budget gathering in a parking lot at Eccles Broadcast Center on the campus of the University of Utah has evolved. Now the annual event is one of Utah’s most trusted and impactful technology events for education, drawing hundreds of participants from K-12, higher ed, libraries, government and charter schools.

“We didn’t even know what we were starting back then,” said Barry Bryson, UEN Associate Director, who’s been part of the Summit since day one and over the last few years the chairman of the organizing committee. “But we knew people needed a space to talk, to listen and to build trust. That’s still the heart of the summit today.”

Over the years, the impacts have added up in meaningful ways. Techs who once sat in the back now lead sessions. Attendees who showed up to learn are now CIOs and directors. People like Cox prove that when you give professionals the tools and connections they need, they rise to meet the moment.

AI was a hot topic at the UEN Tech Summit. Here Dr. Darren Draper, Director of Innovative Learning for Alpine School District, leads a session at the Summit.

Laurie Williamson, IT Director/Network Administrator for the Academy for Math, Engineering & Science (AMES) agrees. “The UEN Tech Summit over the years has been helpful for my role,” she said. “It provided me with insights into navigating state regulations and leveraging opportunities, enabling me to align our technology strategies with broader policy frameworks effectively.”

Even when the COVID pandemic forced the UEN Tech Summit to go virtual, the community stayed strong. Robert Gordon, IT Director at Box Elder School District, didn’t skip a beat. He reserved multiple rooms at his location, set up screens, and made sure every member of his team participated. It wasn’t just another virtual conference—it was a full-day learning experience for his staff and others. And Gordon has made it a priority ever since.

“This is the best opportunity for my team to collaborate with others in the state,” Gordon said. “It’s perfect timing and a great price.”

The event has grown to include a leadership track, hands-on technical sessions and timely topics like AI, cybersecurity and school safety tools. But it’s not all business: this year featured a presenter showing off a self-driving, motorized couch.

More than anything, the summit is built around accessibility and relationships. As the summit looks to the future, it’s staying nimble by traveling to rural communities in different parts of the state, from Richfield to Farmington. Organizers hope to make it easier for rural teams to attend, many of whom don’t have the budget or time to travel far.

“We want to take it (the conference) to the people,” Bryson said. “Some folks won’t come if it’s not close to home. So, we go to them.”

This year’s summit, held over two days, featured 28 vendors and a wide range of presentations, continuing the tradition of high-quality, hands-on learning. The Bob Potts Award, honoring outstanding contributions to educational technology, was presented to Troy Lunt, IT Director of Technology for Iron County School District.

Now, with attendees from across the country and even other countries, the UEN Tech Summit remains deeply rooted in its original mission: convene the people doing the work, celebrate what’s working and inspire what’s next.

“It’s not about the size of the conference,” said Bryson. “It’s about the connections people walk away with. That’s what lasts.”

 

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