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AI Literacy in Education

Join us October 16-17 at the GMU Science and Technology Campus

We'll see you soon!

 

We'll update this page with the latest information and need-to-know data for the conference this weekend! Like parking!

But for the best experience, find our event in the Conf App! Instructions are in your email!

Click here to view the LIVE AGENDA

🅿️ Parking Information

Parking is free in the King, Occoquan, and Discovery lots, all on George Mason Circle. No parking tag needed. Use the address above for directions.

Campus map

Sessions will be in Verizon Auditorium, Colgan Hall, and Katherine G. Johnson Hall.

JOIN US THIS FALL

The CS Innovators Conference, presented by CodeVA in partnership with the Virginia Department of Education, brings together educators from across the Commonwealth for two days of hands-on learning, expert-led sessions, and practical tools for integrating computer science and AI literacy into every classroom.

Who Should Attend
Virginia K–12 educators, university faculty, instructional coaches, curriculum specialists, pre-service teachers, and school and division leaders interested in computer science and AI education.

 

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Sponsor a Teacher. Change a Classroom.

Registration CLOSED

Date:
October 16-17, 2026

Location:
George Mason University
Science and Technology Campus

Address:
10900 University Boulevard
Manassas, VA 20110

Cost:
$100

Please save the date for next year's conference! Oct. 15-16

 

Payment alone does not complete registration. After payment, you will then be redirected to a brief information form. 

Call for Proposals Open

We invite educators, practitioners and leaders to submit proposals for the CS Innovators Conference 2026.  We're looking for sessions that are practitioner-driven, hands-on, and directly useful to K-12 educators.  The conference supports a range of formats designed to honor different ways of sharing and learning. 

Ready to present?

Submit a Proposal!

Ready to present?

SUBMIT A PROPOSAL
Standard Learning Sessions
Share strategies, lessons, or case studies from your classroom or program. Demonstrate instructional approaches and provide practical takeaways educators can use immediately. (~50 min)
Deep Dive Workshops
Extended hands-on learning with guided micro:bit activities, collaborative lesson design, or exploration of new tools. Participants experience learning as students before adapting for their own classrooms. (~90 min)
Lightning Talks and Quick Strategies
Short, focused sessions highlighting tools, tips, or quick classroom strategies. Ideal for showcasing a single idea, technique, or tool. (~30 min)
Posters and Project Demonstrations
Present student projects, classroom initiatives, or research in a visual format. Engage participants in informal conversation about your work during the Walkabout / Playground time.

Sponsor & Innovation Alley Exhibitor

We invite you to partner with CodeVA and Virginia Department of Education to connect directly with K-12 educators eager to ignite  classroom creativity through physical computing. Your partnership powers the future of computer science education, whether you are making an impact as a Sponsor by championing educator scholarships and high-visibility branding, or showcasing your hands-on tools live as an Exhibitor in Innovation Alley.

SPONSOR & EXHIBITOR PROSPECTUS PDF

Get in Touch

For inquiries regarding partnership, sponsor  investments, or Innovation Alley exhibitor packages, please reach out to:

Megan Graybill
Corporate Partnerships Lead
megangraybill@codevirginia.org

SCHEDULE A MEETING

Join Innovation Alley

Lock in your space to showcase hands-on tools live in our interactive, gamified learning environment.

Secure your spot using the direct payment portal below to instantly select your package.

BE PART OF INNOVATION ALLEY

Make an Investment

Secure your spot using the direct payment portal below to instantly lock in your package.

Anchor key ecosystem tracks, power vital activations, and secure
high-visibility branding.

SPONSOR CS INNOVATORS

Power an Activation

Choose a $250–$2,000 activation, standalone or as a sponsorship add-on.

Elevate the experience, create meaningful connections, and build community.

ACTIVATION SPONSORSHIP

Meet our Partners!

Our valued partners and CS Innovators Conference Innovation Alley leaders of learning are prepared for the 2nd annual gamified Code and Conquer Challenge to extend your exploration beyond the sessions and into our untraditional competitive hands-on CS & AI integration and application experience.  Click their logos to find out more and be a step ahead of the competitiion! 

What is Innovation Alley?

AI Quest turns Innovation Alley into an interactive game of discovery. Activate your quest by taking on AI challenges led by our partners. Complete each level to unlock prizes from the Prize Booth, with challenges growing in depth and difficulty and rewards getting bigger and better along the way. Explore. Learn. Level up! 

Thank you Prize Booth Contributors!

Thank you for your kind donation to the AI Quest prize booth, helping to build community, deepen learning and celebrate educators!

Want to Donate?

Click to Connect

Ready to present?

SUBMIT A PROPOSAL
FUTURISE
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Conference Hotels

The hotel block for the conference has closed, but below is a list of a few of the hotels where other CS Innovators Conference attendees have booked (while supplies last).  Prices vary, and the list is ordered based on proximity to the GMU Sci-Tech campus conference venue.

Tempo by Hilton Manassas

Tru by Hilton Manassas 

Holiday Inn Manassas - Battlefield

Hilton Garden Inn Manassas 

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Manassas

Courtyard by Marriott Manassas Battlefield Park 

Conference Agenda

Day 1 Agenda
Day 2 Agenda-Sep-24-2026-01-26-11-5425-PM

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Jered Borup

Keynote Topic:

Teaching and Learning with GenAI: Pitfalls, Promise, and Practice

Generative AI brings exciting opportunities and new challenges for teaching and learning. in this keynote we will examine the pitfalls and promise of AI in education, exploring how AI can either undermine learning or serve as a powerful partner in helping students to engage with their hands, heads, and hearts. We will consider how educators can move towards intentionally to using GenAI to create more engaging and meaningful learning experiences.

Dr. Jered Borup is a Professor in George Mason University’s College of Education and Human Development’s Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning program. He also serves as an Associate Director of George Mason’s Global Online Teacher Education Center. A third-generation educator, he has over 20 years of teaching experience, including six years as a junior high school social studies teacher. His work focuses on preparing teachers to design and facilitate supportive and engaging digital learning environments, and his research examines the support structures learners need to fully engage in online and blended education.

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Post-Conference Learning Opportunities

hosted by our valued Partners

CONTINUED PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

Explore flexible, affordable online degree programs at American College of Education and take the next step toward your goals.

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CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
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11th Anniversary Spooky Mad Science Expo

A fun, family-friendly science event featuring spooky experiments, hands-on activities, and mad-science-inspired entertainment. 

  

FIND EVENT DETAILS HERE
Spooky Mad Science Expo 2026