CATALYST PRograms
Indiana STEM Education Conference
January 14, 2027
12th Annual Indiana STEM Education Conference
Overview
Each conference is organized around a theme, celebrating 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:
- Professional Growth Points for teachers
- Over 60 presentations on STEM curriculum, STEM instruction, STEM careers, and STEM research
- Networking with STEM education vendors
Keynote Speaker
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.
Lead Sponsor
Purdue Polytechnic Indiana Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC)
IN-MaC is the Lead Sponsor for the 2026 Indiana STEM Education Conference. They are dedicated to advancing manufacturing competitiveness in Indiana through digital transformation. Learn more about IN-MaC’s signature initiatives making a difference in K-12 education: Design Innovation Studios and Pathway Systems.
Registration Fees
Early Bird Registration
Register before December 10, 2026, to save $20!
$90
Before Dec. 10
$110
After Dec. 10
Speaker Propsals
Submit a Presentation Proposal
Interested in PRESENTING at the conference? Have a great STEM activity or idea to share? Requests for presentation proposals will be announced in May and due by October 8, 2026.
Research briefs will be published as proceedings through Purdue e-Pubs. Visit the conference proceedings page to learn more.
Sponsorship
Invest in STEM Educators
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.
Possible sponsorship benefits include conference admission, listing in the conference program, presentations during the conference, and the ability to interact with conference attendees during designated exhibit times.
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
Sponsor packages can be customized.
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
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