The 2025 PDE Data Summit will be held at the Hershey Lodge & Convention Center. Participants will have opportunities to learn, connect, ask questions, and discuss education data with school staff and leaders from across the state. Keynote speakers and breakout sessions will offer information, resources, and tools on a wide variety of topics, from reporting school data, improving data quality and making data-based decisions, to data governance, school improvement, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and more. Attendees will experience impactful professional learning opportunities, gain technical skills, and leave with a better understanding of their data and how it can be used to support and benefit the school communities they serve.
Summit Dates: March 24, 2025 - March 26, 2025
Event Location: Hershey Lodge 325 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
Hershey Lodge Accommodations: Reserve your Hotel Room
Official Event Hashtag: #PDEDataSummit2025
PDE Data Summit
Keynote Speakers
Monday, March 24th, 2025
Garrison Wynn
With talents that established him as a Fortune 500 leader and professional stand-up comedian, Garrison Wynn, CSP, fuses comic timing and research to deliver motivational business expertise. For 26 years he has presented on five continents to clients (such as Amazon, Walmart, Berkshire Hathaway, McDonald’s, the NFL, and NASA) at corporate and association events. He is also an Amazon #1 bestselling author who has been featured in Forbes and Inc. Magazines. In his teens he helped debut the world’s first video console gaming system (Odyssey) and as a young man spent 6 years as a pro standup touring comedy clubs with the top names in the business. He went on to become the youngest department head in a Fortune 500 company’s history where he researched and designed processes for 38 company locations nationwide and developed & marketed products still being sold in 30 countries.
Tuesday, March 25th, 2025
Todd Nelsoney
Nesloney's work is a testament to his unwavering commitment to nurturing potential and fostering a culture of growth. With a unique blend of humor, transparency, and compelling narratives, he delivers messages that are not only impactful but also resonate with a wide audience. He champions the belief that leadership is an innate quality that flourishes under guidance and dedication, advocating for the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone to truly embrace personal and professional growth.
Holding a Masters in Educational Leadership, Nesloney’s contributions have been acknowledged by prestigious entities such as The White House and John C. Maxwell, highlighting his innovative solutions, fervent passion, and resilient 'no excuses' mindset. His influence extends far beyond the podium; over the last decade, he has reached hundreds of thousands with his forward-thinking ideas, heartfelt stories, and authentic humor, leaving a lasting impression that transcends both personal and professional spheres.
Through his visionary approach, powerful writing, and steadfast dedication to elevating others, Todd Nesloney continues to play a pivotal role in redefining the landscape of learning and leadership.
Todd Nesloney stands out as a transformative figure in the fields of education and leadership, celebrated for authoring seven pivotal books, including “Building Authenticity: A Blueprint for the Leader Inside You.” As an internationally acclaimed speaker, his journey through various leadership roles, notably as Director of the Get Your LEAD On conference and Principal of a school encompassing over 800 students and 125 staff members, showcases his profound influence on leadership. Currently, as the Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership for the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association, he plays a critical role in shaping over 6,000 leaders statewide through his innovative content creation, professional development programs, and personalized mentoring.
DQN Data Governance Award of Excellence
The Data Quality Network would like to acknowledge outstanding contributions to the quality of data within Pennsylvania schools. The award will be presented to honor a member of a data governance team who has exhibited dedication, leadership, and commitment to the establishment and growth of data governance either within their organization or on a regional or statewide scale.
The DQN Data Governance Award of Excellence will again be presented at the annual Data Summit. Find out more about this award on the DQN website
Prior Award Recipients:
- 2024 – Rebecca Daugherty, Chester County Intermediate Unit
- 2023 – Deb Henry, Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center
- 2022 – Lori Moyer, Conrad Weiser Area School District
- 2021 – BJ Fialkovich, Propel Schools
- 2020 – Brad Showers, Upper Adams School District
- 2019 – Mary Ann Calderone, PA Distance Learning Charter School
- 2018 – Donna Loy, Hempfield Area School District
- 2017 – Diane Szader, Wallenpaupack Area School District
Data Summit Volunteer of the Year
The Data Summit Team would like to recognize one volunteer per year that goes above and beyond to help plan and organize this year's event. The volunteer team is selected from a pool of applicants, and this award honors just one individual out this engaged and dedicated group.
Prior Award Recipients:
- 2023 – Karen Walsh, Valley View School District
- 2022 – Marie Link, Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8
- 2021 – Stacey McCreary, Chester County IU 24
- 2019 – Anita Danielson, Seneca Highlands IU 9; Danielle Stanislawczyk, Delaware County IU 25; Marsha Hughes, Beaver Valley IU 27
- 2018 – Sabrina Dalusio, Interboro School District
- 2017 – Greg Hess, Lancaster-Lebanon IU 13
Attendee Cancellation and Refund Policy
Refunds (minus a $25 administrative/processing fee will be granted to registrants who cancel by email at RA-EDPDEDATASUMMIT@pa.gov at least 20 business days prior to the event. Cancellation notices must be received by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 21st, 2025, to receive a refund.
Refunds will not be provided to registrants who neither cancel nor attend the event. Confirmed registrants who are unable to attend the event may send a substitute in their place at no additional cost. Substitution information must be received by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (RA-EDPDEDATASUMMIT@pa.gov) two full business days (Wednesday, March 19th, 2025) before the start of the event.