This session will provide a high-level overview of key construction elements in school projects, such as storm shelters, aggregate piers and underground stormwater systems. Learn what these elements are, why they are used and how to plan for maintenance, compliance and long-term facility management.

PDC: Planning and Construction
Speakers: 
Cory Boaz Principal, StudioGC Architecture + Interiors
Athi Toufexis Principal, StudioGC Architecture + Interiors

Discover the future of energy design under the new energy code and how it will impact both your district operations and your budget.

PDC: Sustainability and Environmental Health 
Speakers:
Stuart Brodsky, AIA, LEED AP Principal, PK-12 Education, Wight & Company
Troy Kerr Principal, FGM Architects
Brian Scully Associate Principal, DLA Architects, Ltd.

Who says “budget” has to be a bad word? Join us for a fresh look at buying habits, operational hacks and the secret to maintaining your building on a budget that actually works. We will dig into practical strategies, clever cost-cutting ideas and ways to grow your team’s skills without shrinking morale—or your wallet.

PDC: Maintenance and Operations 
Speakers:
TBD

While federal incentives for many energy projects are expiring next year, geothermal remains a viable option through 2032. Hear from a local district with operational geothermal, as well how to apply for, and receive the incentives.

PDC: Sustainability and Environmental Health
Speakers: 
Lyle Erstad Director/Facilities, Lake Zurich CUSD 95
Doug Kolker Partner, Wipfli LLP

Explore how BIM coordination and clash detection improve collaboration, efficiency and cost savings in design and construction. Hear from an architect and construction manager on using BIM to resolve conflicts early, align maintenance expectations and enhance project outcomes. Learn how proactive coordination saves time, money and headaches.

PDC: Planning and Construction  
Speakers: 
Josh Curran Vice President, F.H. Paschen
Michael Lopez, LEED AP Director/Facility Operations, Valley View Community School District 365-U
Athi Toufexis Principal, StudioGC Architecture + Interiors

Come learn how to be an all-rounded leader. Discover techniques and strategies to lead up, across and down within your organization. Walk away with the skills to help you improve your leadership.

PDC: Leadership 
Speakers: 
Patricia Alvarez Director/Fiscal Services, Maine Township High School District 207
Kevin Dale Business Manager, CSBO, Rochelle Township High School District 212

Learn how local school districts are integrating video surveillance, access control, visitor management, emergency alerts and intruder detection into their cohesive safety plans. This session will provide facility managers practical strategies to enhance security, streamline emergency response and align technology with school protocols.

PDC: Technology
Speakers: 
Kenny Landsman Facilities Director, Arie Crown Hebrew Day School
Jeremy Wickham Executive Director of Technology and Operations, North Shore School District 112
Craig Williams Director, Infrastructure Consulting Services, ClientFirst Technology Consulting

JDive into the nuts and bolts of building a preventive maintenance program that actually prevents headaches, instead of creating them. From getting started, to keeping it running smoothly, presenter will share how to make it all happen on a shoestring—or no string at all. 

PDC: Maintenance and Operations 
Speakers: 
Leo Cassidy, CPMM, CPS Dir./Operations, Oak Lawn-Hometown SD 123
Eric Jonasson, CPMM, CPS Director of Facilities, Lincolnshire Prairieview SD 103

The safety of students and staff is of utmost importance these days. Follow the journey Homer CCSD 33C took to implement state of the art security systems (Access Control, Cameras, Alarm, Duress, Lockdown, etc.). Learn how to implement the logical steps; from security assessment and securing funding to designing the systems, to physical implementation and instituting new staff protocols.

PDC: Planning and Construction
Speakers: 
Aleksas Kirkus Asst. Superintendent for Business, Homer Elementary School District 33C
Eric Nush Director of Technology, Homer Elementary School District 33C
Jim Petrakos Principal Architect, TRIA Architecture, Inc.

Strengthen your maintenance and custodial teams through intentional training, cultural alignment and empowerment. Learn strategies to partner effectively with vendors, develop consistent training practices and create an environment where every team member feels valued and equipped to grow in their career. Discover how investing in your people not only builds trust, but also elevates the quality and pride in the work they do every day.

PDC: Maintenance and Operations
Speakers:
Leo Cassidy, CPMM, CPS Dir./Operations, Oak Lawn-Hometown SD 123
Porfirio Diaz Fernandez, CPMM, CPS Assistant Director of Buildings, Community Consolidated School District 15
Lina Rodriguez, CPMM Director/Buildings & Grounds, Bellwood School District 88

School construction projects require clear, timely communication. This session helps facility professionals understand who to inform, when to share updates and how to collaborate effectively with administrators. Learn strategies to manage expectations, minimize disruptions and keep leadership aligned throughout all phases of planning, construction and closeout—ensuring smoother projects and stronger partnerships.

PDC: Communications & Community Engagement
Speaker: 
Ben Hettel, CPMM, CPS, CSBO, M.Ed., MBA Executive Director of Operations, Troy CCSD 30-C
Alan Osinski Assistant Vice President, F.H. Paschen

Finding the Energy Ghost in the Room uncovers the hidden inefficiencies that quietly drain a district’s budget through wasted natural gas, lost electricity, and poor building envelope performance. This session breaks down how Energy-as-a-Service models, demand response strategies, and modern conservation practices can help recapture those dollars. Attendees will learn how to identify the “ghosts” lurking in their systems—whether outdated equipment, unmanaged peak demand, or operational blind spots—and how to eliminate them with practical, data-driven solutions. We’ll also explore emerging technologies and alternative approaches that empower districts to reduce costs, improve comfort, and take control of their energy future.

PDC: IEC Powered by Future Green 
Speakers: 
Harley Ryan PEM, IEC 

As districts continue to take advantage of new life safety legislation and the flexibility it provides, attendees will gain insight into the the life safety approval and financing process.

PDC: Cash Management, Investments & Debt Management
Speakers: 
Tammie Beckwith Schallmo Senior VP/Managing Director, PTMA Financial Solutions

Shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of our schools — the custodial staff. Beyond keeping hallways gleaming and classrooms spotless, custodians safeguard student health, uphold safety standards and ensure that every corner of the campus supports learning and success. Their work extends far beyond cleaning — it’s also about creating a sustainable, efficient environment where education can thrive. From daily maintenance to quick-thinking emergency response, custodians are the backbone of a well-functioning, future-ready school district.

PDC: Maintenance and Operations  
Speakers: 
TBD

Witness a 10,000 ft. view of the design and construction process from the lens of key stakeholders as they provide you with a fundamental understanding of the process and your respective roles during the entire design-bid-build process.

PDC: Planning and Construction 
Speakers: 
Jim Petrakos, AIA, LEED AP Principal Architect, TRIA Architecture, Inc.