Polytechnic Summit 2025
May 18-21, 2025
The Annual Global Polytechnic Summit is returning to the University of Wisconsin-Stout, Wisconsin's Polytechnic University. The 2025 theme for the event is: Education Designed for the Future. Tracks will include:
- Industry/Business Engagement Best Practices
- Designing for Humanistic and AI Partnerships
- Future-Focused University Systems and Infrastructure
- Entrepreneurship on a Polytechnic Campus
- Polytechnic Learning
Registration Information
- General Attendee (After March 17, 2025): $400
- Presenter (After March 17, 2025): $320
- Student: Free
Featured Keynotes
Monday, May 19, 2025
Matt Kirchner
Matt Kirchner (“Kirk-ner”) is an international speaker, author, and podcast host focused on education, workforce development, and public policy. He is President of ATS/LAB Midwest and hosts the weekly TechEd Podcast™. A former industrial CEO, he led three manufacturing companies over a 20+ year career and later authored Teaching the Industrial Internet of Things: Preparing Students and Learners for Industry 4.0. Kirchner serves on multiple corporate and educational boards and writes monthly leadership columns for Products Finishing and Production Machining magazines. Each year, he provides annual predictions about trends that will shape technical education, industry, and workforce development in the year to come.
Opening Keynote: Hands-On Higher Ed and How AI Will Transform the University Experience
Some see advancing technology, shifting demographics, and changing attitudes toward post-secondary learning as acute threats to higher education. Might these present our greatest opportunities? Matt Kirchner hosts the TechEd Podcast - STEM and Technical Education’s #1 media resource - leads several education technologies companies, and has something to say about how higher education’s most innovative leaders can embrace advancing technology and forge their futures.
Rishi Jaitly
Rishi Jaitly is a distinguished entrepreneur, executive, and educator with global experience in technology, media, and civics. He is a Professor of Practice and Distinguished Humanities Fellow at Virginia Tech, where he founded the Institute for Leadership in Technology and launched the world’s first Executive Leadership Credential in the Humanities. He is also Chairman of the National Humanities Center and a former Senior Advisor at OpenAI. Previously, he was the Founding CEO of Times Bridge, enabling global expansion for companies like Airbnb and Coursera, and served as Twitter’s Vice President for Asia Pacific, Middle East, and North Africa. Jaitly held prior leadership roles at Google, YouTube, and the Knight Foundation, and co-founded social ventures including Michigan Corps and Kiva Detroit. A former Trustee of Princeton University and current Board Director of Virginia Humanities, he was named one of the Rest of the World’s “Top 100 Global Tech Changemakers” in 2022. Jaitly is a sought-after public speaker and a Princeton graduate in History and American Studies.
Title: “Invisible Infrastructure”: Reclaiming a Humanities-inspired Technology Landscape
In a time in which many humanities headwinds appear to be growing in speed, how might we generate new tailwinds for the liberal arts? What can we learn from the last century, and this century, regarding how the humanities might realize a new salience in higher education - and higher leadership across our society?
Drawing on his decades of experience as an entrepreneur, educator and executive in and around Silicon Valley, and his learnings as Founder of the Institute for Leadership in Technology, Professor Rishi Jaitly of Virginia Tech will offer his reflections on how the humanities might reclaim their role in technology specifically - and our culture more generally.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
David Bruce
David Bruce joined Gartner in 2021 and focuses on higher education. In this role, David provides expert advice and recommendations to Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and other C-Suite Administrators across the United States. David has had an extensive career in higher education technology spanning over 20 years. Before Gartner, he was a CIO at Cleveland State University and had various IT leadership roles at the University of Arkansas.
Title: Navigating the Future: AI's Role in Higher Education
In an era where technology is reshaping every facet of society, higher education stands at the forefront of this transformation. "Navigating the Future: AI's Role in Higher Education" explores the profound impact of artificial intelligence on academic institutions. This presentation delves into the innovative applications of AI that are revolutionizing learning experiences, optimizing administrative processes, and advancing research capabilities. Attendees will gain insights into how AI-driven tools are personalizing education, predicting student success, and facilitating groundbreaking research. Additionally, the presentation will address the ethical challenges and considerations that accompany AI integration, such as data privacy and equitable access to technology. Join us as we chart the course for a future where AI not only enhances educational outcomes but also fosters an inclusive and dynamic academic environment.
Additional Information for Attendees
2025 Polytechnic Global Summit General Schedule of Events
Sunday, May 18, 2025
4:00 - 7:00 PM - Opening Reception
Monday, May 19, 2025
8:15 - 9:15 AM - Coffee and Continental Breakfast
9:00 - 10:15 AM - Welcome/Keynote Speaker #1
10:30 - 11:15 AM - Breakout Sessions
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM - Lunch/Keynote Speaker #2
1:15 - 4:00 PM - Breakout Sessions
4:00 - 5:00 PM - Polytechnic Olympics
5:00 - 8:00 PM - Dinner-offsite
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
7:30 - 9:00 AM - Outside Activity, Conference Showcase, Industry tours
10:00 - 11:00 AM - International Welcome
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM - Breakout Sessions
12:00 - 1:15 PM - Lunch/Keynote Speaker #3
1:30 -3:10 PM - Breakout Sessions
3:30 - 4:30 PM - Panel Session
4:45 - 5:30 PM - Appetizers and Drinks
5:45 - 7:00 PM - Dinner and Awards
7:30 - 9:00 PM - Activity - Offsite
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
9:00 - 10:45 AM - Breakout Sessions
10:45 AM - End of Conference
Air Travel
Menomonie is located in Western Wisconsin. The nearest airports are Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (EAU) in Eau Claire.
Transportation
- Shuttle Service: Groome Transportation provides shuttle services between MSP airport or EAU airport and Menomonie. Shuttles stop at the AmericInn in Menomonie, WI as well.
Local Transportation: Taxis and Ubers are available but limited in the Menomonie area.
Town and Country Taxi:
512 Oak Ave.
Menomonie, WI 54751Call (715)-309-9619 to book.
Courtesy Taxi:
3003 Wilson St.
Menomonie, WI 54751Call (715)-308-9030 to book.
Uber:
You’ll need to download the app on your phone to use this service.
UW-Stout on campus Housing - Red Cedar Hall
Each suite accommodates up to 4 people, each with their own individual room, and includes a shared bathroom, a small kitchenette, and a comfortable common area for gatherings. Only 8 suites are available, and reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Booking closes on April 15, 2025.
Each room includes a linen packet that contains 2 sheets, 1 blanket, 1 towel and 1 washcloth. The pillow and pillowcase will already be in the room.
201 Second St. W.
Menomonie, WI 54751
- Rate: $55 per person, per night (includes linens and parking fee)
- Distance to UW-Stout: 14 min walk
- Parking: Free onsite parking at the hotel for the duration of your stay
To book your reservation, visit the event registration page. On the second page of the registration process, you can select the nights you wish to stay, and the cost will be added to your total registration fee.
Cobblestone Inn & Suites Menomonie
149 Main Street E.
Menomonie, WI 54751
Learn More
- Rate: $145.10 per night + 8% sales and occupancy tax
- Distance to UW-Stout: 2 min. walk
- Parking: Free onsite parking at the hotel for the duration of your stay
Call (715)-233-0211 and mention "Polytechnic Summit" to secure this rate when booking.
Best Western Plus Inn & Suites Menomonie
320 Oak Avenue
Menomonie, WI 54751
Learn More
- Rate: $139 per night + 8% sales and occupancy tax
- Distance to UW-Stout: 6 min. drive
- Parking: Free onsite parking at the hotel for the duration of your stay
Call (715) 235-5664 and mention "Polytechnic Summit" to secure this rate when booking.
Hampton Inn & Suites Menomonie
2017 Stout Street
Menomonie, Wisconsin 54751
Learn More
- Rate: $110 per night + 8% sales and occupancy tax
- Distance to UW-Stout: 8 min. drive
- Parking: Free onsite parking at the hotel for the duration of your stay
AmericInn Menomonie
425 Oak Avenue West
Menomonie, Wisconsin 54751
Learn More
- Rate: $130 per night + 8% sales and occupancy tax
- Distance to UW-Stout: 9 min. drive
- Parking: Free onsite parking at the hotel for the duration of your stay
Oaklawn Bed and Breakfast
423 Technology Drive E.
Menomonie, Wisconsin 54751
Learn More
- Distance to UW-Stout: 7 min. drive
- Parking: Free onsite parking at the hotel for the duration of your stay
To book your reservation for the Polytechnic Summit, please visit the link below and use group number 1892 to secure this rate.
Gray Room (Small Double bed)
- Rate: $120–$135 per night (varies by weekday vs. weekend)
Gold Room (Double/full size bed)
- Rate: $145 - $160 per night (varies by weekday vs. weekend)
Peach Room (Double/full size bed)
- Rate: $129 - $136 per night (varies by weekday vs. weekend)
Blue Room (Double/full size bed)
- Rate $129 - $136 per night (varies by weekday vs. weekend)
Exclusive Preconference Event
As a prelude to the 2025 Summit, UW-Stout is hosting the 4th Annual Design Wisconsin, a showcase of Minnesota and Wisconsin industrial design and fashion design brands, including TREK, Milwaukee Tool, Kohler, Mercury Marine, Polaris, Fiskars, Oshkosh, Harley-Davidson, Sherwin Williams, and Spectrum Brands. Join us for this FREE event May 17-18 at UW-Stout.
About the Polytechnic Summit
The annual Polytechnic Summit brings polytechnic academic professionals and community leaders together to focus on innovation in curriculum and applied research, to build opportunities for collaboration and partnership on research and student learning, and to share best practices specific to active, applied learning. The Summit assembles leaders who shape the future of polytechnic education.
In 2017, six universities—Coventry University (UK), Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences (Germany), Technological University Dublin (Ireland), Lucerne University of Applied Sciences (Switzerland), Purdue University (U.S.) and University of Wisconsin – Stout (U.S.)—came together to develop relationships and strategic collaborative opportunities through successful development and delivery of university-level degree programs, applied research, professional development programs, and community outreach activities. Among the scope of these activities is an annual conference—the Polytechnic Summit.
Past Summit Themes & Topics
- Developing Cross-Institutional Research Partnerships Focusing on the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals
- Industry and Higher Education Collaborations: Keys to Fostering Qualified Talent
- General Education at Polytechnic Institutions
- Developing an Institutional Change Plan Towards Gender Equity
- Harnessing Digital Technology for Humanitarian Aid and International Development
- Design and Fabrication of Functional Parts with a Desktop 3D Printer
Algonquin College | May 14-16, 2024
Keynote Presentations
- "From Concept to Creation: An Indigenous Entrepreneur’s Journey," Jenn Harper, Indigenous Entrepreneur; Founder, Cheekbone Beauty Inc.
- "Preparing Learners for First Job Success," Ryan Craig, Managing Director, Achieve Parners
Utah Tech University | June 4-7, 2023
Keynote Presenters
- Dr. Fahmida N. Chowdhury, Office of International Science and Engineering, National Science Foundation
- Sylvester Johnson, Director of Humanities Center, Virginia Tech
- Molly Kocialski, Regional Director, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
- David Vuletich, Senior Director, EAB
- Dustin Daugherty, Managing Director, World Trade Center Utah
- Dr. Tom Rosenbaum, President, CalTech University & Chris Guymon, Associate Provost, Utah Tech University
- Gary Bertoline, Senior Vice President, Purdue Online and Learning Innovation
Hochschule Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences | June 28-30, 2022 (Hybrid)
Keynote Presentations
- "Future Perspectives of Teaching and Learning at Universities of Applied Sciences,” Ulrike Tippe, TH Wildau
- "Bridging the Research-Practice Gap: A Practitioner's Views on University Education," Klaus-Michael Ahrend, HEAG Holding AG Investment Management
- "Designing an Open Polytechnic University," Michael Lacourse, Utah Tech University
Technological University Dublin | June 1-4, 2021 (Online)
University of Wisconsin-Stout | June 4-5, 2019
Keynote Presenters
- Keynote Panel: "Global Partners European Alliance," Barbara Howell, Coventry University; Bernd Steffensen, Hochschule Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences; Mark Deegan, Technology University-Dublin; Uwe W. Schulz, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts; Robert F. Cox, Purdue University; and Charles Bomar, University of Wisconsin-Stout
- Additional Keynote Presenters
- Bob Meyer, University of Wisconsin-Stout
- Craig Yolitz, University of Wisconsin-Stout
- Denise M. Anderson, University of Wisconsin-Stout
- Steve Hellen, Catholic Relief Services
Universidad de Ingeniería y Tecnología | June 1-6, 2018
Keynote Presentations
- "Becoming a Successful Change Master: 5 Subtle Shifts Toward the New Missing Basics of Effective Practitioners," Dave Goldberg, ThreeJoy Associates, Inc.
- "Global Trends and the Future of Higher Education," Jaime Saavedra
- "STEM Education: What We Know Works & Why It's Not Widely Done," Phillip D. Long, University of Texas at Austin
- "The 21st Century Polytechnic University," Gary Bertoline, Purdue University
- "The Evolution of a Polytechnic University," Patrick Guilfoile & Glendali Rodriguez, University of Wisconsin-Stout
- "Transforming Higher Education in Engineering and Technology," Carlos Heeren
Purdue University | June 6-7, 2017
Keynote Presentations
- "21st Century Polytechnics," Gary Bertoline, Purdue University
- "Leveraging Engineering Education Innovation to Redefine Undergraduate Education," Vincent P. Manno, Olin College of Engineering
- "Traversing Boundaries to Transform Virginia Tech into a 'VT-Shaped University'," Tim Sands, Virginia Tech
- "A Novel Approach to Engineering Education," Carlos Heeran, Universidad de Ingenieria y Tecnologia
