Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The MAEDS Fall Conference 2026 is a premier event for educational technology professionals, taking place from October 28 to 30 at the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City, Michigan. This conference brings together educators, IT leaders, and vendors to explore the latest trends and solutions in educational technology.
Attendees can participate in interactive sessions, network with peers, and gain insights to enhance their practices in K-12 education. MAEDS Fall Conference 2026 takes place in.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The MAEDS Fall Conference 2026 takes place from October 28 to 30 at Grand Traverse Resort, Traverse City, Michigan.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is a key gathering for educational technology professionals in Michigan, featuring diverse sessions and networking opportunities.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by the Michigan Association for Educational Data Systems (MAEDS), dedicated to advancing educational technology.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include educators, administrators, and technology specialists from K-12 schools and higher education.
- 5Entry Information: Registration is open for MAEDS members, with a fee of $250 that includes meals and session access.
Why visit
Attending the MAEDS Fall Conference offers valuable opportunities for professional development, networking with peers, and discovering innovative solutions in educational technology. Participants can engage in sessions that cover critical topics such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and digital equity, ensuring they stay at the forefront of the field.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the MAEDS Fall Conference provides companies with direct access to key decision-makers in the education sector. Attendees include educators, administrators, and technology specialists from K-12 schools and higher education. The MAEDS Fall Conference 2026 is a premier event for educational technology professionals, taking place from October 28 to 30 at the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City, Michigan.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
K-12 district data coordinators and student information system (SIS) administrators
School technology directors, CIOs and network managers
Michigan intermediate school district (ISD) data and reporting specialists
State education agency staff working on data collections, accountability and reporting
School business officials and finance/HR system managers
Data privacy, security and compliance leads for districts
Assessment, curriculum and instruction leaders who use data dashboards
Education service agencies and regional data support teams
District superintendents and assistant superintendents responsible for technology and data strategy
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Student information system (SIS) and ERP vendors serving K-12 districts
Education data analytics, dashboard and reporting platforms
Data integration and interoperability providers, including Ed-Fi and API/ETL specialists
Cybersecurity, identity management and data privacy vendors
Assessment, LMS and instructional technology companies
IT infrastructure, cloud hosting and device management providers
School finance, HR and business operations software vendors
Education data consultancies, implementation partners and regional service agencies
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Student information systems and ERP: District-grade platforms for enrollment, scheduling, grades, attendance, parent portals and state reporting.
Education data analytics and dashboards: Tools that turn assessment, attendance and demographic data into district and school-level dashboards for Michigan educators.
Data interoperability and Ed-Fi: API, ETL and Ed-Fi-based integration services that connect SIS, LMS, assessment and reporting systems.
Data privacy, security and compliance: FERPA and COPPA-aligned privacy tools, identity management, role-based access and cybersecurity services for districts.
Assessment and learning management: Assessment platforms, LMS and LXP tools, and instructional data workflows used by K-12 educators.
State and federal reporting: Solutions for Michigan state data collections, accountability reporting and federal compliance submissions.
IT infrastructure and cloud: Cloud hosting, network management, device management and managed IT services for school districts.
School business and HR systems: Finance, payroll, HR and operations software integrated with district data systems.
AI and data governance: Responsible AI, data governance and master data management pilots for K-12 agencies.
Data services and consulting: Implementation, training and managed data services from education-focused consultancies and service agencies.
Location & Facilities
Venue
Grand Traverse Resort
Traverse City, United States
Facilities
Parking
Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Grand Traverse Resort for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Traverse City, United States
Why it matters
Attending the MAEDS Fall Conference offers valuable opportunities for professional development, networking with peers, and discovering innovative solutions in educational technology. Participants can engage in sessions that cover critical topics such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and digital equity, ensuring they stay at the forefront of the field.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Travelodge by Wyndham Traverse City MI
budget
Traverse City3.6
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Traverse City, MI
midscale
Grand Traverse Village Boulevard4.1
Sleep Inn & Suites Bay View Acme - Traverse City
midscale
Acme / Bay View4.2
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Traverse City
midscale
Traverse City4.3
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Traverse City
midscale
Traverse City4.4
Residence Inn by Marriott Traverse City
upscale
Traverse City4.2
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Flight
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from ORD to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forChicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Grand Traverse Resort
Google Flights listed 11 results for 28 Oct 2026 departures, with a cheapest round-trip fare from USD 369; nonstop ORD-TVC options run about 1 hr 15 min to 1 hr 30 min (American Eagle).
Flight
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from DFW to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forDallas/Fort Worth (DFW) to Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)
Google Flights returned 8 results for 28 Oct 2026; fastest options connect via ORD (about 4 hr 26 min total) or DTW (about 4 hr 19 min on Delta).
Flight
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from TVC to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forNew York JFK to Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)
Google Flights returned 5 results for 28 Oct 2026; Delta options connect via DTW in about 4 hr 20 min to 5 hr 10 min.
Flight
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from TVC to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forLos Angeles LAX to Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)
Google Flights returned 9 results for 28 Oct 2026; itineraries connect via DEN, ORD or DTW with total travel time around 6 hr to 9 hr.
Airport transfer
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from TVC to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forCherry Capital Airport (TVC) to Grand Traverse Resort
Public transport options from TVC to the resort were not returned in captures; plan on a taxi, rideshare or resort shuttle and confirm service with the venue.
taxi
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forDetroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) to Grand Traverse Resort
Weather
Late October in Traverse City, Michigan is cool and changeable; daytime temperatures sit in the low teens Celsius with colder mornings and evenings, and rain showers are possible. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket for the Grand Traverse Resort campus.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Business casual is standard at MAEDS; many attendees wear school-district or vendor polo shirts. Bring a layer because session rooms can be cool.
Tipping
US tipping norms apply: 15-20% at sit-down restaurants, USD 1-2 per drink at bars, and USD 2-5 per day for hotel housekeeping.
Weather
Late October in Traverse City is cool and changeable. Daytime temperatures sit in the low teens Celsius, with colder mornings and evenings and a chance of rain; pack layers and a waterproof jacket.
Local setting
The Grand Traverse Resort is in Acme on East Grand Traverse Bay, a short drive from downtown Traverse City. Allow extra time for taxi or rideshare around peak session start and end times.
Data etiquette
Sessions may include Michigan district examples that reference student or staff data. Ask before photographing slides and follow district privacy policies when sharing examples.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Google Flights samples for 28 Oct 2026 arrivals show TVC as the destination airport; Chicago ORD offered nonstop service, while Dallas, New York and Los Angeles routings connect through ORD, DTW or DEN. Prices are per adult including taxes and fees and change with booking date.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Traverse City; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Grand Traverse Resort: Traverse City: Travelodge by Wyndham Traverse City MI; Grand Traverse Village Boulevard: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Traverse City, MI; Acme / Bay View: Sleep Inn & Suites Bay View Acme - Traverse City.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Traverse City; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: BATA (Bay Area Transportation Authority) operates local bus service in Traverse City and Grand Traverse County, but routes to the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme are limited compared with downtown Traverse City. Check BATA schedules for the US-31 and East Bay corridor and plan a taxi or rideshare for the final leg if timing is tight. Approx. local bus fare is USD 1.50-2.00 per single ride; confirm current fares with BATA.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Grand Traverse Resort; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Temperature: Cool late-October conditions: expect roughly 4-14 C (about 40-57 F) across the conference days, with colder mornings near the resort.
Seasonality: Autumn in northern Michigan brings frequent cloud cover and passing rain showers; October is wetter than mid-summer, so an umbrella and water-resistant shoes are useful for moving between Grand Traverse Resort buildings.
Packing: Cool late-October conditions: expect roughly 4-14 C (about 40-57 F) across the conference days, with colder mornings near the resort. Autumn in northern Michigan brings frequent cloud cover and passing rain showers; October is wetter than mid-summer, so an umbrella and water-resistant shoes are usef
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at MAEDS Fall Conference 2026 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm registration and badge pickup
T-2
Book or confirm lodging
T-3
Map your sessions
T-4
Arrange travel to Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)
T-5
Plan the airport-to-resort transfer
T-6
Check BATA and taxi options
T-7
Prepare district data questions
T-8
Pack for cool weather
T-9
Download materials and charge devices
T-10
Leave buffer time for Acme travel
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Grand Traverse Resort
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2MAEDS Fall Conference 2026 registration concourse
Grand Traverse Resort
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Grand Traverse Resort
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether MAEDS Fall Conference 2026 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For MAEDS Fall Conference 2026, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Conference solutions and benchmarking suppliers at MAEDS Fall Conference 2026 in Traverse City.
Min. budget
$500.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Conference products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,250.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Traverse City show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- SIS (Student Information System)
- The core district system for enrollment, scheduling, grades, attendance, parent portals and state reporting.
- Ed-Fi
- An education data standard and tool suite used to connect SIS, assessment and reporting systems through a common data model.
- Data warehouse
- A central store that combines district data from multiple systems for reporting, dashboards and longitudinal analysis.
- ETL
- Extract, transform and load - the process of pulling data from source systems, cleaning it and loading it into a warehouse.
- API
- Application programming interface - a defined way for software systems to exchange data, often used for real-time SIS and LMS integration.
- FERPA
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act - the US federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.
- COPPA
- Children's Online Privacy Protection Act - the US law governing online collection of personal information from children under 13.
- PII
- Personally identifiable information - data that can identify a specific student, family member or staff member, directly or indirectly.
- Interoperability
- The ability of district systems to exchange and use data without manual re-entry or custom one-off integrations.
- Data governance
- The policies, roles and controls that determine who can access, change and share district data.
- LMS (Learning Management System)
- A platform for delivering course content, assignments and learner activity data, often integrated with the SIS.
- State reporting
- The data collections and accountability submissions that Michigan districts send to state and federal agencies.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- MAEDS Fall Conference 2026 Traverse City
- MAEDS Fall Conference Traverse City 2026
- MAEDS 2026
- MAEDS Traverse City 2026
- Traverse City United States
- Traverse City trade fair
- Traverse City trade show 2026
- Conference Conference Traverse City
Trust footer
Sources
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References
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Publishers
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Date checked
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MAEDS
- event_website
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.