January 15, 2026Indiana STEM Education Conference

Please join us for the eleventh annual Indiana STEM Education Conference at Purdue University!

Thursday, January 15, 2026
8:30 am – 3:30 pm (EST)

ABOUT
SPEAKER PROPOSALS
SPONSORSHIP
SCHEDULE

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

This year’s theme is “STEM Journeys,” celebrating the multiple pathways and experiences in STEM education. Presentations will include resources and strategies to promote the advancement of student learning of STEM academic standards. The conference will also include:

  • Over 50 presentations on STEM curriculum, STEM instruction, STEM careers, and STEM research
  • Networking with STEM education vendors
  • Professional Growth Points for teachers

For questions or additional information about the Indiana STEM Education Conference, contact Bill Walker at wswalker@purdue.edu.

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Kristen Poindexter

Dr. Kristen Poindexter

Dr. Kristen Poindexter has been a dedicated Kindergarten teacher in MSD Washington Township for over two decades. A passionate advocate for early science and STEM education, she fosters curiosity and wonder in young learners every day. Dr. Poindexter is a nationally recognized educator, receiving honors such as the 2014 Shell Science Teaching Award, the 2014 Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, and Ball State University’s Outstanding Alumni Award in 2023. She has held multiple leadership roles with the Hoosier Association of Science Teachers, Inc. and serves on educational councils for both the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Zoo. She recently earned a doctorate in Science Education from Indiana University. Dr. Poindexter will share her journey into STEM, her classroom experiences, and insights on inspiring the next generation of STEM learners.

REGISTRATION FEES

Before December 11, 2025:
The cost for individual early registration is $90.

After December 11, 2025:
The cost for individual early registration is $110.

SPEAKER PROPOSALS

Interested in PRESENTING at the conference? Have a great STEM activity or idea to share? Submit a presentation proposal by October 9, 2025.

Research briefs will be published as proceedings through Purdue e-Pubs. Visit the conference proceedings page to learn more.

SPONSORSHIP

Interested in being a conference sponsor? Contact Bill Walker (wswalker@purdue.edu). Sponsor packages can be customized.

Possible benefits include:

  • Conference admission
  • Ability to interact with conference attendees during designated exhibit times
  • Listing in conference program
  • Presentations during the conference

The Indiana STEM Education Conference provides exposure for companies and organizations to an audience of potential clients. The primary audience is K-12 STEM teachers and administrators. The conference also draws STEM education faculty, graduate students, and STEM focused businesses.

Attendance at the conference is over 500 people. Below are four ways to engage with attendees.

Level 1, $350

  • Electronic resources posted on conference website
  • Listing in conference online management platform or program
  • Include a flyer or paper handout in the SWAG bag
  • Access to attendee list including email addresses

Please note, this level does not include a booth in the exhibit hall

Level 2, $600

  • Booth at in-person exhibit hall
    • Exhibit space is approximately 8’ x 8’ and includes a skirted 6’ display table
  • Dedicated break time for participants to visit the exhibit hall
  • Electronic resources posted on conference website
  • Listing in conference online management platform or program
  • Admission for four guests: includes full access to the conference, lunch, and refreshments
  • Include an item in the SWAG bag
    • Items are pens, post-it notes, stickers, or similar
    • Level 2 does not allow flyers or paper handouts to be included in the SWAG bag

Level 3, $1,000

  • Booth at in-person exhibit hall
    • Exhibit space is approximately 8’ x 8’ and includes a skirted 6’ display table
  • Dedicated break time for participants to visit the exhibit hall
  • Electronic resources posted on conference website
  • Listing in conference online management platform or program
  • Admission for six guests: includes full access to the conference, lunch, and refreshments
  • Include an item in the SWAG bag
    • Items are pens, post-it notes, stickers, or similar
    • Level 3 does not allow flyers or paper handouts to be included in the SWAG bag
  • Access to attendee list including email addresses

Level 4, $1,500

  • Booth at in-person exhibit hall
    • Exhibit space is approximately 8’ x 8’ and includes a skirted 6’ display table
  • Dedicated break time for participants to visit the exhibit hall
  • Electronic resources posted on conference website
  • Listing in conference online management platform or program
  • Admission for eight guests: includes full access to the conference, lunch, and refreshments
  • Include an item in the SWAG bag
    • Items are pens, post-it notes, stickers, or similar
  • Include a flyer or paper handout in the SWAG bag
  • Recognition in pre-conference emails
  • Access to attendee list including email addresses
  • Guaranteed in-person conference session
  • Mention during keynote speaker

SCHEDULE

8:00 a.m.

Registration opens – Stewart Center foyer under the mural (outside of Loeb Playhouse)

8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

Welcome, keynote speaker

10:10 – 11:00 a.m.

Session one

11:00 – 11:40 a.m.

Break, Exhibit Hall

11:40 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Session two

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Lunch, Exhibit Hall

1:30 – 2:20 p.m.

Session three

2:30 – 3:20 p.m.

Session four