empowerED26

About Our Keynote Speakers

JULIE DIRKSEN is the author of the books Design for How People Learn and Talk to the Elephant: Design Learning for Behavior Change. She is a learning strategy consultant with a focus on incorporating behavioral science into learning interventions. Julie's MS degree is in Instructional Systems Technology from Indiana University. She has been an adjunct faculty member at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and is a Learning Guild Guild Master.

Julie will present a workshop-style presentation at the beginning of day 1 (March 24) of the conference. Learn more about her presentation.

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Melissa VanPelt is Vice President of Digital Customer Success at Seismic, where she leads the company’s evolution toward a scaled, digital-first engagement model.

With more than 18 years of experience spanning B2B SaaS and MedTech, she builds holistic enablement ecosystems that extend beyond training to deliver connected experiences that empower customers to succeed. A recognized thought leader on the convergence of Customer Success, Marketing, and Education, Melissa is passionate about transforming reactive success models into proactive, self-sustaining digital ecosystems that accelerate adoption, retention, and growth.

Melissa will present at the beginning of day 2 (March 25) of the conference. Learn more about her presentation.

Meet the Visionaries of CEd

This group of presenters represents a powerhouse collective of innovators, industry researchers, and battle-tested practitioners from organizations like Patreon and LaunchDarkly. These experts don’t just theorize about the future of Customer Education; they are actively building it—leveraging frameworks like the SmartScale AI Model™, the FAR Framework, and the 2026 RightFit Grid, to solve the industry’s most pressing scaling challenges. From hackathon-winning AI architects and LMS market analysts, to specialists in digital-first enablement and certification psychometrics, this lineup offers a rare blend of strategic foresight and hands-on technical mastery. Whether they are unveiling exclusive CEdMA research or demonstrating how to automate complex storyboarding workflows without a single line of code, our speakers are dedicated to providing you with the blueprints, checklists, and real-world insights necessary to move beyond generic AI output, and toward high-impact, high-quality learner experiences.

Highlights of What They Bring to the Stage:

• Real-World Proven Success: Case studies from major brands and 1st-place hackathon winners.

• Proprietary Tools: Access to the Digital Success Blueprint, the LMS Decision Scorecard, and Partner Quality Alignment frameworks.

• AI Practicality: Hands-on guidance for using ChatGPT, Langflow, Claude, and Gemini to automate drafting, review, and simulation design.

• Data-Driven Insights: Deep-dive research into the 2026 tech stack, team structures, and business models.

Visit our speaker showcase for a more in-depth look at each presentation coming to empowerED26 this March.

Partner FAQ for our empowerED26 Partners

Package Delivery Information

• Packages may be delivered to the Otis Hotel starting on March 18, 2026.
• Please write CEdMA and your partner name on the box with marker so it is legible and easy to read.
• Please provide your tracking number to CEdMA.
• Each label must contain the following information:

Delivery Address:

Dominique Anaya
The Otis Hotel Austin
1901 San Antonio St
Austin, TX 78705
ATTN or Reference number: CEdMA

Package Pickup Requirements

• You will need to bring pre-printed return labels for each of your packages.
• You will need to schedule a package pickup date at the time you create the label.
• Please have items packed in boxes, taped, and shipping labels securely placed on the boxes, ready for pickup.

You may choose whichever courier service you prefer, as you will schedule pickup when creating your return labels. Tape will be available onsite; however, boxes and shipping labels will not be provided.

Partner Setup and Breakdown Timeframes

• Packages will be placed at your assigned vendor spot on Monday, March 23 at 12:00 PM (partner setup timeframe).
• Partner breakdown will take place from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Wednesday, March 25 (after the conference concludes).

Note: You may rent a monitor for a $200 fee (20", includes tabletop stand and extension cord). Please contact CEdMA prior to the conference if you would like to reserve one.

Expo Booth Spaces (included with Expo Booth Package)

High-traffic area along the main walkway. 8ft x 6ft reserved spaces include one 6ft table and two chairs.

Conference Partner Booth Spaces (included with Conference Partner Package)

Premier space located in Meeting Room 4. Larger 8ft x 8ft spaces include one 6ft table and two chairs. Breakfast, breaks, and lunch buffet setups will be located in this area.

Expo Booth / High-Traffic Area

Thought Leader Partner / Premier Space

Floor Layout With Vendor Locations