.png "October 24-25, 2025 Harrisonburg, VA (14)")
Conference Schedule
Friday, October 24
| Time | Session | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00–9:00 | Registration & Coffee | Badge pick-up and light breakfast. |
| 9:00–10:45 | Concurrent Sessions A | 30, 60 and 90 minute sessions |
| 10:45–11:30 | Innovation Alley | Snacks, demos, networking, and try-it tables. |
| 11:30–12:30 | Keynote | Mainstage talk with big-picture inspiration. |
| 12:30–1:15 | Lunch & Learn | Grab-and-learn session with exhibits/playground open. |
| 1:15–3:00 | Concurrent Sessions B | 30, 60 and 90 minute sessions |
| 3:00–3:15 | Walkabout | Snacks, playground, networking. |
| 3:15-4:15 | Concurrent Sessions C | 30 and 60 minute sessions |
| 6:00–8:00 | Friday Optional Social: Happy Hour |
Evening community hang-out at Pale Fire Brewery. 2 Drink tickets are included for all participants and live music begins at 7:00 |
Saturday, October 25
| Time | Session | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30–9:00 | Registration & Coffee | Badge pick-up and light breakfast. |
| 9:00–10:45 | Concurrent Sessions A | 30, 60 and 90 minute sessions |
| 10:45–11:30 | Innovation Alley | Snacks, demos, networking, and try-it tables. |
| 11:30–12:30 | Keynote | Mainstage talk with big-picture inspiration. |
| 12:30–1:15 | Lunch & Learn | Grab-and-learn session with exhibits/playground open. |
| 1:15-3:00 | Concurrent Sessions B | 30, 60 and 90 minute sessions continue. |
| 3:00–4:00 | Innovation Alley | Drop-in tinkering with micro:bits and materials. |
Additional Information
Lodging Options
Hotel Madison 710 S. Main Street, Harrisonburg VA 22801
- Deluxe Double Queen $169/night
- Studio King Suite $169/night
- Breakfast not included
- .7 miles to Conference location
- Deadline to reserve room: 9/23/25
- Click here to reserve your room!
Comfort Inn & Suites 262 Neff Avenue, Harrisonburg, 22801
- Double Queen rooms $140/night
- Breakfast included
- 1.4 miles to Conference location
- Deadline to reserve room: 10/8/25
- Click here to reserve your room!
Doubletree by Hilton Harrisonburg
- Room Type/Cost $149 half king half queens
- 1400 East Market Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
- .9 miles to Conference location
- Deadline to reserve room: 10/10/25
- Click here to reserve your room!
Keynote Speakers
.png?width=400&height=500&name=September%20Social%20Content%20(6).png)
Pat Yongpradit is the Chief Academic Officer for Code.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting AI and computer science education, and the lead of TeachAI, a global initiative that guides education leaders in reimagining education in the age of AI. Pat has influenced each stage of the education system, from policy to practice, in the legislature and the classroom. He was featured in the book, “American Teacher: Heroes in the Classroom,” and has been recognized as a Microsoft Worldwide Innovative Educator. Although Pat now spends most of his time in policy conversations, he still finds ways to sneak into the classroom :)
Local Attractions
Restaurants
- Bella Luna Wood-Fired Pizza
– farm-fresh Neapolitan pizza and handmade pasta (Downtown) - Mashita
– creative Korean fusion like bibimbap and kimchi fries - Magpie Diner
– hearty brunch and bakery fare like Southern poutine - Sage Bird Ciderworks
– craft ciders and light bites in a relaxed cider house - Rocktown Kitchen
– farm-to-table comfort food in a rustic-chic setting - Capital Ale House
– casual pub fare with local brews - Joshua Wilton House
– slightly fancier, yet reasonably priced American fare - The Friendly Fermenter
– low-key brewery and eatery - Pale Fire Brewing Co.
– solid local brewery, approachable prices - Jimmy Madison’s
– Southern favorites like pulled pork and chicken & waffles - Grilled Cheese Mania
– Fun and creative grilled-cheese sandwiches—simple and affordable comfort food - Local Chop & Grill House
– Savory grilled meats and organic sides in a lively, mid-range spot - Vito’s Italian Kitchen
– Family-friendly Italian with generous portions without breaking the bank - Cuban Burger LLC
– Tasty, creative burgers in a casual, affordable setting - Jack Brown Beer & Burger
– Local favorite for juicy burgers and casual eats
Activities
- Blue Ridge Axecade- Axe throwing + arcade games + bar
- Ruby’s Arcade– Duckpin bowling, billiards, arcade, pizza
- Restless Moons Brewing– Local beer, trivia nights
- Three Notch’d Valley Collab House
– Beer & events - Pale Fire Brewing – Brewery with board games & live music
- Hotel Madison’s Quills Lounge
– Cocktails & live piano - Sage Bird Ciderworks
– Trivia & music nights - Lakeview Golf Club Golf course w/ evening dining
- Escapism Escape Room Harrisonburg- Interactive escape room experience
Session Types — What to Expect
-
Keynote: Inspiring talk for all attendees with time for Q&A.
-
Concurrent Session (60 min): A focused, classroom-ready talk or interactive session.
-
Workshop (90 min): Hands-on build time with strategies you can take back to your setting.
-
Mini-Session (10–30 min): Quick, practical microbursts of teaching strategies or resources.
-
Innovation Alley: Open, interactive time to explore resources, meet vendors, and network.
-
Makerspace (Open Lab): Drop-in play with micro:bits, textiles, sensors, and creative materials.
From beginner to pro, This Conference is for YOU!
Not all sessions will be micro:bit-focused, but every session will celebrate computer science education.
You can expect a variety of sessions to accommodate experience levels for all learners!
Beginner / New to micro:bit
- Limited or no prior experience with micro:bit.
- May have done little to no coding with students.
- Interested in learning the basics: setup, block-based programming (MakeCode), and classroom integration ideas.
Intermediate / Classroom Implementer
- Has used micro:bit in lessons or small projects.
- Familiar with MakeCode and possibly Python.
- Looking for ways to deepen student engagement, integrate with cross-curricular projects, and troubleshoot classroom challenges.
Advanced / Innovator
- Comfortable programming micro:bit in multiple languages (MakeCode, Python, JavaScript).
- Experienced in leading student projects, competition teams, or advanced integrations (e.g., sensors, IoT, robotics).
- Interested in pushing boundaries—custom hardware, advanced data collection, or contributing to open-source projects.