Join WGU at SXSW EDU 2026
Big ideas are everywhere at SXSW EDU. This year, we’re focused on something more powerful: implementation.
Across five partner sessions, WGU leaders are diving into what it actually takes to move from strategy to outcomes — whether that’s building stronger apprenticeship pathways, defining Education 3.0, adopting AI in sustainable ways, or supporting educator well-being.
If you’re looking for practical frameworks, honest conversations, and tools you can use immediately, add these sessions to your schedule. Don’t forget to check out the opening party on Monday night!
WGU’s Sessions at SXSW 2026
Monday, March 9
Actions to Outcomes: A Smarter Path to Better Decisions
Workshop | 9:00–10:30 AM | Austin Marriott Downtown - Room 403-404
In a world of complexity, noise, and time pressure, making the right decision is harder—and more critical—than ever. Decision Intelligence (DI) is a simple yet powerful framework that blends design thinking, strategy, and evidence-based practice to drive better results and faster learning. Whether with pen and paper or in tech-enabled systems, DI helps anyone—from students to leaders—make smarter decisions. In this hands-on workshop, you will apply this framework to your own area and leave with practical tools to navigate complexity and make smarter decisions in your life, work, and community.
Apprenticeships: A Nuts-and-Bolts Guide
Panel | 4:00–4:45 PM | Austin Marriott Downtown - Waterloo Ballroom 4
The value of a higher education degree continues to be called into question, even as workforce shortages deepen in key fields—including teaching, nursing, and cybersecurity. Embracing apprenticeships and work-based learning, and especially now as funding from the Department of Labor and philanthropic foundations ramps up, is one way for higher ed to better align degrees and career paths with workforce needs and to improve student success and affordability. With a concrete connection to careers, these pathways also attract those who are now opting out of college. In this session, join experts as they share insights on how to build pathways to workforce-aligned apprenticeships.
SXSW EDU Opening Party Presented by WGU
Opening Party | 7:30–11:00 PM | Antone’s Nightclub
The fun is just beginning! Keep the exciting day one energy going and celebrate the official start of SXSW EDU 2026 at the opening party. Join your fellow attendees to toast an invigorating week ahead filled with collaboration, inspiration, and unexpected discoveries.
Tuesday, March 10
The Next Evolution: Education 3.0
Solo Presentation | 9:30–9:50 AM | The Westin Austin Downtown - Paramount III
Education stands at an inflection point. Traditional models built for uniformity can’t meet the needs of today’s diverse, digital, and lifelong learners. Advances in neuroscience and technology reveal that authentic, connected learning – not rote memorization – drives real understanding. Learn from the nation's largest conferrer of bachelor's degree in education how "Education 3.0" offers a blueprint for transformation, empowering educators to design learning ecosystems that are flexible, inclusive, and future-ready through the fusion of neuroscience, learning science, and technology.
Institutional AI Adoption: Moving from Hype to Habit
Workshop | 2:00–3:30 PM | Austin Marriott Downtown - Room 604-605
Integrating AI tools into educational institutions can feel like fitting a round peg into a square hole. This workshop explores the real-world challenges and strategies of integrating AI into existing organizational ecosystems. Drawing from case studies of engagements with emerging tech organizations, this session will explore mission alignment, change management, and the gap between instructor perceptions and student usage. Participants will engage in hands-on activities to envision AI integration within their contexts, informed by survey data on hopes and fears surrounding AI in education.
Wednesday, March 11
Reset & Rise: Building a Well-Being Plan for Educators
Workshop | 9:00–10:30 AM | Courtyard Marriott - Rio Grande Ballroom AB
As an educator, you give so much to your students and your community – it’s time to make sure you are putting yourself on your list. This is a supportive workshop designed to help educators pause, reflect, and take meaningful steps toward creating a plan to prioritize their well-being. In this interactive session, educators will explore practical, research-based strategies to sustain their well-being and reignite their passion for teaching. Participants will reflect on their personal and professional needs, identify energy-draining patterns, and design a personalized well-being action plan that helps prevent burnout, promotes work-life balance, and enhances job satisfaction.
