A gathering of big thinkers with passion for accelerating innovation in education, Big Ideas Fest turns the usual education conference on its head and asks “why not” to all kinds of new ideas. Stakeholders from all levels of education converge on the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Half Moon Bay, CA for three days of brainstorming, designing, learning, and sharing.

Feedback from 2009 Participants

"It's not just about inspiring people to think big but it’s also about designing a professional learning experience...The fact that you have teachers and policy makers and technologists and business people all in the same room. It’s been a fascinating experience."
"The culture that was created by this structure: egalitarian, spontaneous, team-oriented, and process-focused."	"The vulnerability was a challenge, but it was also a strength and provided the opportunity for growth."
"The Big Ideas Fest provided me the opportunity to both give and receive feedback about educational reform ideas that have been brewing in my mind for the past twenty years."
"Ensuring that thinking outside the box continues even when outside the box becomes the new inside the box."	"Bringing a diverse set of folks with a common interest together to experiment with the creative process"
"When people come together and generate ideas without obstacles or barriers - the outcome is fresh, free and phenomenal!"
"Using what you know to learn what you don't know"	"I expanded my mind and rejuvenated my soul"