Unplugged and Engaged: How Platte-Geddes Eliminated Cell Phone Distractions

Presenters: Platte-Geddes Superintendent Joel Bailey & 6-12 Principal Calvin Hunhoff

Thursday, 10:30 to 11:20 a.m. in Rooms 8-9-10

Learn how Platte-Geddes School District successfully created a cell phone-free school day using Yondr pouches and NuGerm cases. This session will highlight the implementation process, community response, and the positive impact on student focus, behavior, and school culture.

Playing Good Defense to Create a Better Offense

Presenters: ASBSD Executive Director Heath Larson & Director of Communications Tyler Pickner

Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. in Rooms 13-14

The 2025 legislative session saw public education playing a lot of defense against detrimental bills and this breakout session will take a look at some of those pieces of legislation and the debates around them to prepare you locally to go on the offensive in advocating for better legislation our schools in 2026.

Embracing The Continuous Improvement Journey

Presenter: Douglas Superintendent Kevin Case

Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. in Rooms 11-12

Douglas 51-1 School District, with support from our strategic partner Studer Education, is striving to be an organization that embraces the concept of continuous improvement. Participants will gain an understanding of strategic leadership moves that have been intentionally implemented to support our strategic direction while growing and strengthening our organization. Interactive conversations around four of the nine principles, Commit to Excellence; Measure the Important Things; Build a Culture Around Service; and Recognize and Reward Success will be discussed.

Board Governance Issues and Practical Tips from School Attorneys

Presenters: Kaufman Law Office Attorney Gerry Kaufman, Churchill, Manolis, Freeman & Burns Law Office, L.L.C. Attorney Rodney Freeman, Jr. and Lynn, Jackson, Schultz & Lebrun Law Office Attorney Sam Kerr

Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. in Rooms 13-14

School attorneys are often contacted by districts concerning a wide range of school board governance issues. These issues range from board/superintendent relations to serving as quasi-judicial bodies. Oftentimes, such issues can develop into potential litigation matters but can be avoided by application of legal and practical considerations. A panel of school attorneys will share their thoughts and keen insights from many years of experience in dealing with some of these types of board governance issues.

Right-Sizing for the Future: Restructuring and Innovating for Student Success

Presenter: Watertown Assistant Superintendent Derek Barrios

Thursday, 4:00 to 4:50 p.m. in Rooms 11-12

The Watertown School District had to make some tough decisions with declining enrollment in order to become more efficient as a district. In doing so we were able to better utilize staff and expand and create a better Early Childhood program for the community of Watertown. We were also able to bolster our transportation options for families and expand partnerships with the Boys and Girls Club of Watertown and Lake Area Tech’s “Educare” Daycare program.

Power Down to Level Up: Enhancing Student Engagement by Limiting Distractions

Presenter: Gettysburg Superintendent Amber Mikkelsen

Friday, 9:00 to 9:50 a.m. in Rooms 13-14

Learn about the benefits of becoming a phone-free school. Hear feedback from staff, students, and parents after the first year of implementation at Gettysburg School District.

Section 504 vs. IDEA: What’s the Difference & Why It Matters for School Leaders

Presenters: Douglas Director of Special Services Monica Waltman & Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney, P.A. Shareholder Christian Shafer

Friday, 10:00 to 10:50 a.m. in Rooms 8-9-10

Understanding the differences between Section 504 and IDEA is essential for school leaders. This session, led by an attorney and a special education director, clarifies eligibility, accommodations, and legal obligations. Presenters will highlight key distinctions between a 504 Plan and an IEP, address common compliance issues, and provide guidance on student support. Through real-world scenarios and discussions, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of their role in ensuring equitable education for all students.

Safe2Say South Dakota and the Student Ambassador Program: Student Led Projects that Raise Awareness about Youth Mental Health and Safety Issues that Concern Them

Presenter: S.D. School Safety Center School Safety Specialist Angela Waldner

Friday, 10:00 to 10:50 a.m. in Rooms 6-7

With mentorship from the South Dakota School Safety Center, student-led teams will collaborate to create projects and outreach centered around Safe2Say South Dakota, with the goal of enhancing youth-centered safety practices in schools and communities.  Since 2022, Safe2Say South Dakota has positively impacted hundreds of students’ lives by receiving and delivering tips that have led to positive interventions. This student-driven program will make a lasting impact in their school and community.

School Safety, Threat Assessments, & Special Education: Balancing Student Rights & Security

Presenters: Douglas Director of Special Services Monica Waltman & Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney, P.A. Shareholder Christian Shafer

Friday, 11:00 to 11:50 a.m. in Rooms 8-9-10

Ensuring school safety while protecting the rights of students with disabilities presents legal and ethical challenges. This session, led by an attorney and a special education director, guides school leaders on threat assessments, crisis management, and safety plans under IDEA and Section 504. Presenters will share legal requirements, real-world scenarios, and best practices for balancing student support with security. Attendees will gain strategies to navigate complex situations while fostering a safe, inclusive environment.

The 13 Essential Elements for Schoolwide Success

Presenters: Compass Literacy Specialist Dr. Kim Buechler & Learning Specialist Chris Snyder

Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. in Room 3

Explicit instruction is a research-backed approach that ensures all students—regardless of age, grade level, or content area—have access to clear, structured, and effective learning experiences. In this session, we’ll explore the 13 foundational elements of explicit instruction. From setting clear learning objectives to providing systematic feedback, each element plays a critical role in fostering student achievement and closing learning gaps. Designed for school administrators, this session will provide you with the knowledge and tools to support teachers in implementing explicit instruction schoolwide. Learn how to observe, evaluate, and coach educators in using these strategies to create engaging, accessible, and impactful lessons that drive student success across all subjects and grade levels.

Building Success Through School & Community Partnerships

Presenters: Eagle Butte Superintendent Kara Four Bear & The Keya Foundation, Inc. Director Jaylynn Farlee

Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. in Rooms 8-9-10

2024 SASD Community Helping Hands Award: Discover how the Eagle Butte School District 20-1 and The Keya Foundation Inc. have built a strong, five-year partnership to support youth development. This session will explore how collaboration enhances student skill-building, recognition efforts, and programming designed to increase protective factors while reducing risks. Attendees will gain insight into the mutual benefits of school-community partnerships and practical strategies for fostering positive opportunities that empower students and strengthen the community.

Science of Reading – Unpacking the Research and Its Impact on Instruction

Presenter: Compass Literacy Specialist Dr. Kim Buechler

Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. in Room 3

The “Science of Reading” has become a cornerstone of modern literacy education, but what does it truly entail, and how can it transform classroom practice? In this session, we’ll explore the latest research on how students learn to read and the most effective methods for teaching reading. We’ll break down the critical differences between balanced literacy and structured literacy, highlighting the evidence-based practices that align with the Science of Reading. From phonemic awareness to fluency and comprehension, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the key components that drive successful reading instruction. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or new to the concept, this session will provide you with actionable insights and strategies to align your teaching with the Science of Reading and support every student’s journey to becoming a confident, capable reader.

Building a Strong RTI Framework: Key Elements for Student Success

Presenters: Compass Literacy Specialist Dr. Kim Buechler & Learning Specialist Chris Snyder

Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. in Room 3

Response to Intervention (RTI) is a proven, multi-tiered approach to identifying and supporting students’ academic and behavioral needs—but where do you start? In this session, we’ll break down the essential components of an effective RTI framework, including data collection systems, data-driven decision-making processes, intervention protocols, scheduling strategies, and the role of monthly PLC meetings. Whether you’re focusing on reading/ELA or math, this session will provide you with a clear roadmap to design and implement an RTI system that meets the unique needs of your students. Through real-world examples and practical guidance, you’ll learn how to create a structured, responsive, and equitable framework that ensures every learner has the opportunity to succeed.

Rethinking Math Interventions: Fluency Beyond Memorization

Presenters: BHSSC-Compass Learning Specialists Nicole Bisgaard & Jenna Stephens

Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. in Room 2

Does it feel like your math interventions aren’t working? A common misconception about fluency may be the reason. True math fluency means being flexible with numbers—this means as educators we may need to push ourselves to understand models we didn’t learn or using strategies that may not feel intuitive. True fluency goes beyond memorization; it requires targeted interventions, not just “more practice.” This session will explore how to shift math instruction to build confident, capable learners through meaningful, flexible mathematical thinking.

From Classroom to Community: Empowering Social Entrepreneurs through Experiential Learning

Presenters: TEEEM Executive Vice President Taylor (DeMaio) D’Alessio & BHSSC Community & Family Services Deputy Director Morgan VonHaden

Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. in Room 3

TEEEM is proud to partner with the Statewide Family Engagement Center to bring the Poverty Escape Game to classrooms as a powerful tool for experiential learning. This interactive simulation challenges students to navigate the complexities of poverty, fostering empathy, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving. Through this shared experience, students gain a deeper understanding of global and local challenges while identifying their own capacity to drive change. The partnership bridges classroom learning with real-world impact, encouraging students to take on the role of social entrepreneurs. Together, TEEEM and the Statewide Family Engagement Center are empowering youth to transform empathy into action—within their schools, communities, and beyond.

Building the Bridge: Aligning Early Childhood & K-12 Education for Lifelong Success

Presenter: SDPB Educational Consultant Kevin Nelson

Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. in Rooms 11-12

The earliest years of a child’s life are a time of extraordinary growth—and what happens during these years lays the foundation for everything that follows. In this session, we’ll explore the compelling science behind early childhood development and why investment in the early years is one of the most impactful ways to influence academic success, lifelong health, and economic mobility. We’ll also examine why alignment between early childhood education and the K–12 system is critical. A well-integrated approach ensures that children experience a smooth, supportive educational journey from preschool through graduation—without gaps or missed opportunities. Finally, learn how organizations across South Dakota are stepping up to fill critical gaps in access, equity, and quality. From community-based initiatives to statewide collaborations, these efforts are ensuring that families and communities have what they need to give every young learner a strong and fair start. Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or community leader, this session will offer both inspiration and practical strategies to help build a seamless, supportive system for our youngest citizens.

Unlocking Student Success with Qualitative Insights

Presenters: BHSSC Evaluation Director Dr. Ryan Young & Compass Director Dr. Kyle Laughlin

Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. in Room 2

Our session helps administrators and leadership teams analyze both quantitative and qualitative data to identify strengths and improvement opportunities. We’ll guide teams through root cause analysis to support data-informed decision-making for their building. The process culminates in developing meaningful improvements, goals, and actionable steps based on a comprehensive understanding of the data.

Immersive STEAM Engagement: Unleashing Creativity and Collaboration in the Classroom

Presenter: BHSSC Community & Family Services Learning Specialist Jeff Sebern

Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. in Rooms 11-12

Step into your students’ shoes and discover effective STEAM engagement strategies in this interactive session. Through role-playing and dynamic discussions, explore best practices for lesson facilitation and building an inspiring STEAM learning environment. Learn about BHSSC’s STEAM Immersion programs and gain valuable insights to create interdisciplinary learning experiences.

SPED 101 for Board Members

Presenters: KSB School Law Attorneys Tyler Coverdale & Sara Hento

Thursday, 10:30 to 11:20 a.m. in Rooms 11-12

This session offers school board members a high-level overview of how special education works in schools. Learn the legal foundations, the roles of staff and families, and what IEPs are (and aren’t). This session equips you with the language (FAPE! IEP! PPWN! FERPA!) to better understand an area of law schools deal with every day—without needing to become an expert.

Pain in the App, v. 3.0

Presenters: KSB School Law Attorneys Tyler Coverdale & Sara Hento

Thursday, 11:30 to 12:20 p.m. in Rooms 11-12

KSB is back for another year to discuss digital citizenship! Come join the KSB attorneys for the latest and greatest in legal and practical developments around social media, technology, cell phones and other key topics for administrators and board members

S.D. Open Meetings Laws and Practical Tips

Presenters: Kaufman Law Office Attorney Gerry Kaufman, Churchill, Manolis, Freeman & Burns Law Office, L.L.C. Attorney Rodney Freeman, Jr. and Lynn, Jackson, Schultz & Lebrun Law Office Attorney Sam Kerr

Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. in Rooms 13-14

The 2025 SD Legislature amended the SD Open Meetings Law. Learn from three experienced school law attorneys about the current open meetings laws, the changes to the law which took effect on July 1, 2025, what the Open Meetings Commission has ruled in recent cases, and how to be in compliance with the law. This should be a “must-attend” session for all new and veteran school board members, superintendents and business managers.

Unilateral 45-Day Placements: A Deep Dive Session

Presenter: Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney, P.A. Shareholder Christian Shafer

Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. in Rooms 8-9-10

The unilateral 45-day placement is an often misunderstood tool school districts can use to respond to certain significant behaviors by IDEA eligible students. From determining whether a student’s conduct authorizes the school to implement a unilateral placement to the required procedure, this presentation will explore the legal ins and outs of the 45-day placement process. An experienced school attorney will guide attendees through recent legal updates, practical considerations, and nuances that may make the difference if a unilateral placement is challenged.

Board Governance and Digital Meetings: Enhancing Transparency, Improving Governance, and Increasing Efficiency

Presenters: Sparq Data Solutions Client Service Managers Nicole Kobus & Darion Miller

Thursday, 10:30 to 11:20 a.m. in Room 2

Join us to explore how Quorum Meetings through the Associated School Boards of South Dakota can help school districts improve board governance. In this session, we’ll dive into how digital, paperless meetings can boost transparency, streamline operations, and make decision-making more efficient. Whether you’re a superintendent, board member, or administrative staff, you’ll gain practical insights and tools to lead with clarity and confidence in today’s digital-first world of school governance.

When AI Becomes a Student’s Therapist: The Chatbot Crisis Schools Can’t Ignore

Presenter: Compass Learning Specialist Andrew Ley

Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. in Rooms 6-7

Students are increasingly turning to AI chatbots for mental health support—often before seeking help from counselors or teachers. These AI companions are always available, never judge, and to some, feel “safer” than real conversations. But what happens when AI replaces human connection? How accurate or harmful are these responses? This session explores the hidden risks, ethical dilemmas and what schools must do before chatbots become the default counselors of the next generation.

Unveiling the OSEU GPT Lesson Builder: A Revolutionary Tool for Culturally Responsive Teaching in South Dakota

Presenters: Compass Learning Specialists Dr. Scott Simpson & Sharla Steever

Thursday, 3:00 to 3:50 p.m. in Room 2

Discover how the new OSEU GPT Lesson Builder empowers South Dakota educators to connect any grade level or content area with the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings (OSEU) and Wolakota Project Elder interviews and transcripts. This session will demonstrate how to use AI to create culturally responsive lesson plans and resources that honor and integrate Indigenous knowledge.

Combating SPED Teacher Burnout with AI

Presenters: Compass Learning Specialist Andrew Ley & Kylie Steever

Thursday, 4:00 to 4:50 p.m. in Rooms 6-7

Discover how AI can streamline special education paperwork and enable educators to focus more on students. Learn best practices for human-centered AI implementation that empowers your team, protects against burnout, and keeps educators at the heart of the process while maintaining special education compliance.

Harnessing the Power of AI to Improve Your Routine Tasks

Presenter: Meade School Board Member & WDT Assessment Coordinator Justin Jutting

Friday, 9:00 to 9:50 a.m. in Rooms 11-12

Educational institutions are constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance the learning experience for both students and faculty, while also ensuring academic integrity. Artificial intelligence (AI) presents an opportunity to help staff improve routine practices, which enhance their duties and frees up time to accomplish other essential tasks.

Using AI to be a More Efficient Leader

Presenter: DSU Dean of the College of Education & Human Performance Dr. David De Jong

Friday, 11:00 to 11:50 a.m. in Room 3

Bring your laptop to this hands-on session where you’ll see different AI tools modeled and then have time to explore each tool. Learn to use ChatGPT, MagicSchoolAI, NoteBookLM, Suno, Diffit, CharacterAI, and HeyGen. We’ll discuss how to use these tools to be more efficient, which frees up time to invest in the important human relationships around us.

School Libraries at the Crossroads: Policies, Challenges, and the Path Forward

Presenter: S.D. State Library School Library Coordinator & Meade School Board Member Scottie Bruch

Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. in Rooms 13-14

School libraries play a vital role in student success, yet their full impact is not always well understood. This session will equip school board members and administrators with insights into the role of school librarians, the policies that shape their work, and strategies to support strong library programs. Participants will explore best practices for collection development, book reconsideration policies, legislative trends, and actionable steps to ensure libraries remain essential, well-supported resources for students and educators

Talkin’ About My Generation: The Teachers You’ll Meet

Presenter: Watertown Middle School Principal Todd Brist, Ed.D.

Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. in Rooms 6-7

From Boomers and Gen Z to teacher induction and career wind-down, you’ll meet a wide variety of educators. With a better understanding of how generations in the workplace and the career cycle of teachers impact the perspective, attitude, and motivation of staff, school leaders can better differentiate coaching, mentoring, and professional development to improve the culture and climate of their school. Come learn about the teachers you’ll meet so you can better lead them!

Do Trauma-Informed Training teaching strategies increase staff well-being?

Presenter: Elk Point-Jefferson Superintendent Dr. Philip Schonebaum

Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. in Rooms 6-7

Over the course of 4-weeks the staff of the EPJ school district trained in Strong Resilient Youth a training founded on Trauma-informed practices. Follow up interviews were conducted to see the impacts the training had on staff.

Maximizing Opportunities and Simplifying Management – Grants, Scholarships and School Foundations

Presenters: S.D. Community Foundation Development Director Jeff Veltkamp & Community Development Coordinator Patrick Gallagher

Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. in Room 2

Managing school foundations and scholarship funds can be overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. The South Dakota Community Foundation supports schools, organizations, and donors with investment management and administrative services and can connect them with valuable grant opportunities. Learn how SDCF can help your school access funding while reducing the burden of managing scholarships, donor contributions, and IRS reporting. Hear from SDCF experts and fund holders about how this partnership can benefit your school.

Rethinking Classroom Evaluations

Presenter: Harrisburg High School Principal Ryan Rollinger

Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. in Rooms 8-9-10

Whether you are a new administrator just starting to evaluate, or a veteran who has been evaluating for decades, it is always prudent to rethink how we help shape instruction through the evaluation process.  We will discuss different ways schools evaluate, and then new “walk-in” philosophy used at HHS.  This will include strength and weaknesses.

Resources to Support the Well-Being of School Aged Youth

Presenters: S.D. DOE School Counseling & Student Support Administrator Andrea Effling, S.D. DPS School Safety Specialist Angela Waldner, S.D. DOH School Health Coordinator & Public Health Nurse Lacey Wieczorek, S.D. Center for Disabilities BEAM-SD Program Coordinator Nikki Eining & S.D. DSS-DBH Suicide Prevention & Crisis Service Program Manager Jordan Mounga

Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. in Rooms 8-9

The growing need for school-based mental and behavioral health services requires schools to engage in systematic prevention and responses. This session provides an overview of a multi-tiered framework designed to help schools effectively implement programming. These resources can provide tools for staff and students to identify and refer youth in need; training opportunities for students, educators, and families; school safety tools; and treatment services.

Empowering After-School Programs: A Data-Driven Evaluation Approach to Success

Presenter: BHSSC Community and Family Services Project Manager & S.D. AfterSchool Network Executive Director Billy Mawhiney

Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. in Room 3

Transform after-school programs with BHSSC’s multi-year evaluation process. In this interactive session, explore real-world data through observations, interviews, focus groups, and surveys to uncover actionable insights. Engage in a simulated data retreat to identify issues, root causes, and improvement steps. Experience a proven approach that drives program success.

Preventing Violence in Schools by Recognizing Behaviors on the Pathway to Violence

Presenter: S.D. School Safety Center Director Brett Garland

Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. in Rooms 6-7

Targeted Violence in schools can be prevented. Learn how to recognize behaviors on the pathway to violence, beginning with lower-level concerns (e.g., self-harm, depressed mood, bullying) to imminent or direct threats of violence. The South Dakota School Safety Center provides the number one tool to prevent violence in schools-behavioral threat assessment, with a focus on robust interventions to those posing a threat to themselves or others.

Leading Educator Wellness: Six Critical Actions to Support All Staff

Presenter: Erin Lehmann of the University of South Dakota

Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. in Room 2

Leaders and teachers are navigating more stress than ever — but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this interactive session, I’ll share Six Critical Actions to Support All Staff and show how a shared vision for wellness can strengthen educator performance, boost student success, and drive districtwide improvement. You’ll learn how regulated leaders empower educators to thrive and build sustainable school culture. Join me as we prioritize the wellness of those who care for our students!

Building Trauma-Informed Schools: Strategies for Administrators

Presenter: Aurora Plains Academy – Intensive Psychiatric Residential Treatment Director of Education Josh Rolling, MAE

Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. in Rooms 13-14

This session will equip school administrators with the knowledge and tools to build trauma-informed schools that support students’ academic and emotional well-being. Participants will explore the effects of trauma on learning, understand key principles of trauma-informed care, and learn practical strategies to create a safe and supportive school environment. Through real-world examples and interactive discussions, attendees will leave with actionable steps to implement trauma-sensitive policies and foster resilience in both students and staff.

Update on the South Dakota Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway

Presenter: DSU Dean of the College of Education & Human Performance Dr. David De Jong

Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. in Room 3

The South Dakota Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway (SD TAP) launched in Fall 2023 and is designed for paraprofessionals to earn their bachelor’s degree while working full-time in a classroom in South Dakota. This pathway is designed to follow a grow-your-own-teacher program model while paraprofessionals earn while they learn. When enrolled in the pathway program, paraprofessionals become teacher apprentices while completing coursework until their degree is completed. Come ready to dive into the SD TAP data!

From Crisis to Care: Navigating Mental Health Resources and Programs in South Dakota

Presenter: Aurora Plains Academy – Intensive Psychiatric Residential Treatment Director of Education Josh Rolling, MAE

Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. in Rooms 13-14

This session will explore statewide resources, programs, and funding to support students facing behavioral and mental health challenges in South Dakota. Participants will learn about behavioral intervention programs, school-based mental health initiatives, community partnerships, and funding sources, including grants and state services. Experts will share strategies for navigating referral processes and collaborating with local mental health agencies and crisis response teams.

Communities Win with Farm to School

Presenter: S.D. DOE Child and Adult Nutrition Services Farm to School Program Specialist Janelle Peterson

Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. in Rooms 6-7

Locally sourced food benefits entire communities. Local producers see economic benefits, and kids eat food that is fresh, healthful, and better tasting. Learn about the Culinary Kit for the Classroom, developed by South Dakota’s Farm to School Program. These kits, aligned to SD content standards, offer an engaging way to teach elementary students about local foods, from seed to plate. Each 30-minute lesson includes instruction along with a kid-friendly cooking activity and taste-testing.

Teens As Teachers, Leadership and Scholarship

Presenter: S.D. Youth Foundation, Inc. Program Leader Carol Birgen

Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. in Room 2

This session will showcase Teens As Teachers, a program in which high school students are trained as teachers and mentors to elementary students in their community. Two complete curriculums are provided:  CHARACTER COUNTS! and Healthy YOUth. After teaching, teens submit an electronic portfolio and then receive scholarship for any post-secondary training they choose. Funded by the South Dakota Youth Foundation Inc and its donors, it provides real word teaching experience and leadership skills.

Leveraging AI to Boost Your Procurement Efficiency

Presenters: Equalis Group Marketing & Engagement Manager Nancy Burns & Midwest Regional Director Zach Heidmann

Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. in Room 1

AI is transforming industries, including public procurement. The question isn’t if AI will reshape procurement, but how we’ll adapt to it. Procurement professionals face critical challenges: selecting the right AI tools, training AI for effective use, and identifying where AI delivers the greatest impact. Equalis Group, a national cooperative purchasing organization, has spent over a year collaborating with public agencies to explore AI’s role in procurement. We’ve tested platforms, refined prompts, and developed strategies to streamline RFP development and sourcing. Join us for a live demonstration showcasing how AI can help you create better solicitations faster, secure necessary products and services, and navigate complex procurements with ease. Whether tackling complex procurements, managing heavy workloads, or navigating unfamiliar categories, AI can be a game-changer. See it in action and learn how to apply AI in your procurement process today!