24th Annual Back to School Summit - World's Leading Education Conference
Join the world's most prestigious gathering of global education executives, policymakers, philanthropists, and investors for the 24th Annual Back to School Summit in New York City. Since 2001, this esteemed conference has brought together visionary leaders the week after Labor Day to share transformative ideas, cutting-edge insights, and forge powerful connections on a mission to revolutionize how the world learns. Hosted by HolonIQ and QS, this flagship event continues a distinguished tradition of excellence in education leadership and innovation.
What to Expect:
* Three comprehensive discussion tracks exploring Artificial Intelligence in Education, Research & Philanthropic Funding, and Higher Education's Digital Transformation
* Prestigious Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition finals featuring $200,000+ in cash prizes and awards
* 600+ CEOs and influential leaders from leading education companies, major institutional investors, and global foundations
* Private roundtables and exclusive dinner sessions for senior executives and decision-makers
* Fireside chats and expert panel discussions with industry pioneers and thought leaders
* Dedicated networking sessions and premium reception events designed for relationship building
* AI Innovation and Impact panels exploring transformative power of artificial intelligence in educational settings
* Higher Education digital transformation workshops addressing recruitment, retention, and technological integration challenges
* Venture capital and private equity analysis sessions covering education sector investment trends and opportunities
* Philanthropic foundation strategy discussions on efficacy, evidence-based outcomes, and capacity building initiatives
* EdTech innovation showcases featuring market opportunities in simulated, gamified, and personalized learning solutions
* Assessment and analytics deep dives into educational measurement, data-driven decision making, and learning outcomes
* Micro-credentials and workforce upskilling program development sessions for career advancement and industry alignment
* Global and international education collaboration forums addressing cross-border partnerships and student mobility
* Future of jobs and industry engagement workshops connecting education providers with employer needs
* Technology infrastructure evolution discussions on LMS, SIS, and digital learning platform development
* Policy landscape briefings on K-12 regulatory changes, school funding, and strategic governmental priorities
* Economic development presentations on talent attraction, workforce development, and individual economic mobility pathways
Highlights:
The Back to School Summit stands as the world's most influential education conference, celebrating over two decades of educational excellence and innovation leadership. This year's summit features the renowned Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition, which has awarded over $2 million in funding since 2010 and supports ventures addressing systemic educational inequities through groundbreaking innovation. The event attracts the industry's most senior global leaders, creating an unparalleled environment for strategic partnerships, investment opportunities, and transformative educational initiatives.
Event Details:
Dates: September 9-11, 2025 (3-day comprehensive program)
Day 1 - Tuesday, September 9:
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Registration and networking welcome
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition - Finalist Pitches
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Competition judging and audience voting for Audience Choice Prize
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: AI Innovation and Impact panel discussion moderated by Penn GSE Dean Katherine Strunk
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Competition awards announcement and winner recognition ceremony
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Opening networking reception with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres
Day 2 - Wednesday, September 10:
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Registration and continental breakfast networking
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Opening keynote - State of Global Education Economy
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM: Track sessions - Foundations & Philanthropy, Higher Education & Workforce, Technology & Finance
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM: Networking lunch and roundtable discussions
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Private roundtables (Foundation & Philanthropy leaders, CEOs, Media, Private Equity)
3:15 PM - 4:30 PM: Higher Education Leaders workshops and specialized breakout sessions
4:45 PM - 6:00 PM: Capital markets overview and institutional investor perspectives
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Exclusive dinner events and continued networking
Day 3 - Thursday, September 11:
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Leadership breakfast and strategic planning sessions
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM: EdTech innovation showcase and technology demonstrations
11:15 AM - 12:30 PM: Policy landscape briefing and regulatory update sessions
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Networking lunch and partnership development meetings
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Economic development and workforce alignment panel
3:45 PM - 5:00 PM: Closing keynote and summit wrap-up
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Final networking reception and departure
Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition:
Timeline and Process:
- Application Deadline: February 19, 2025
- Semifinalist Announcement: May 1, 2025
- Penn GSE Catapult Virtual Accelerator: May - August 2025
- Finalist Announcement: August 20, 2025
- Final Pitches: September 9, 2025 at Back to School Summit
Competition Awards:
- Michael & Lori Milken Family Foundation Grand Prize: $40,000
- Cognativ Inc. Prize: $25,000
- Magnitude Digital Prize: $10,000
- Osage Venture Partners Audience Choice Prize: $5,000
- Amazon Web Services Credits: $50,000 total
- Catalyst @ Penn GSE Awards: $1,500 per finalist
Eligibility and Focus:
- Global entrepreneurs addressing systemic educational inequities
- Innovation in AI-powered digital learning, high-impact tutoring, student well-being
- Research-driven, scalable solutions with demonstrated impact potential
- Ventures evaluated on innovation, scalability, equity, and learning outcomes
Three Core Discussion Tracks:
Track 1 - Foundations & Philanthropy:
- Multi-lateral development banks and intergovernmental organization strategies
- Non-profit sector collaboration and capacity building initiatives
- Impact measurement and evidence-based funding approaches
- Global foundation priorities and philanthropic investment trends
- Seed funding and scale-up support for educational innovation
Track 2 - Higher Education & Workforce:
- Digital transformation challenges and technological integration solutions
- Student recruitment and retention strategy development
- Workforce upskilling and professional development programming
- Micro-credentials and alternative certification pathway design
- Industry engagement and employer partnership building
- Global education collaboration and international student mobility
Track 3 - Technology & Finance:
- Artificial intelligence applications in personalized learning and assessment
- EdTech market opportunities and investment landscape analysis
- Venture capital and private equity trends in education sector
- Technology infrastructure evolution and platform development
- Simulated and gamified learning solution development
- Capital markets perspective on education industry growth
Featured Speaker Categories:
- University presidents, provosts, and senior academic administrators
- EdTech company CEOs and education technology entrepreneurs
- Venture capital partners and private equity investment professionals
- Foundation executives and philanthropic organization leaders
- Government officials and policy development specialists
- Research institution directors and educational innovation experts
- Corporate learning and development executives
- International education organization representatives
Networking and Partnership Opportunities:
- Structured roundtable discussions with industry sector focus
- Private dinner events for C-level executives and senior decision-makers
- Exhibition areas featuring innovative educational technology demonstrations
- One-on-one meeting coordination and strategic partnership facilitation
- Investment pitch opportunities and funding connection services
- Research collaboration development and academic partnership building
- Policy advocacy coordination and governmental relationship development
Venue Features:
Quorum by Convene - Midtown Manhattan:
- Modern, organic venue design specifically created for premium executive gatherings
- Multiple dedicated zones for track sessions, networking, and exhibitions
- State-of-the-art audiovisual technology and professional presentation capabilities
- Premium catering services and sophisticated hospitality amenities
- Central Manhattan location with convenient transportation access
- Professional event management and concierge services
Location: 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
- Heart of Midtown Manhattan business district
- Walking distance to Times Square, Central Park, and major hotels
- Direct subway access via multiple lines (B, D, F, M at 47-50th Streets)
- Convenient access from all three major NYC airports
- Proximity to major educational institutions and corporate headquarters
Also check out other Business events in New York, Contests in New York.
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