Conference Check-In, Light Refreshments, and Networking
Welcome RemarksMorning Keynote: Dr. Michelle Thaller
- From Classrooms to Conservation: Lalitha Murali and Glen Hills Middle School Students - Creating and Structuring STEM Assessments for Joy and Learning: Kevin Anderson, Wisconsin DPI- STEM Playground with MSOE STEM Center: MSOE STEM Center Team - Keynote Follow-Up Session with Michelle Thaller
-Discovering Joy and Learning in Friendly STEM Competition: Matt Curran; Shahd Sawalhi; and MSOE Students-From Curiosity to Quantum Careers: Preparing for the Quantum Workforce: Dr. Phyllis King & Dr. David Schubot, WCTC-So you want to offer a Family Math Night…: Gabriella Pinter, UWM; Leah Rosenbaum, STEAM Milwaukee; Bernie Traversari, WOSTA
Lunch ServiceStemmy AwardsAfternoon Keynote: Dr. AnnMarie Thomas
-Growing the Blue Economy in Milwaukee and Beyond: Christina Taddy, MMSD; Justin Hegarty, Reflo; Kevin Patterson, MMSD; Marisa Lewis, Current; Sadie Norwick, TIES-Community Resources and Opportunities through UW-Madison: Kara Henderlight and Peter Jaeger, UW-Madison-KidWind Mini Challenge - Bringing Clean Energy into the Classroom: Allison Bender & Kaitlin Ripley, WI Energy Institute; Laureanna Raymond-Duvernell, KEEP-Keynote Follow-Up Session with AnnMarie Thomas
Continue Your Conversations and Network After the Conference
Dr: AnnMarie Thomas: focused on the intersection of play, joy, and engineering education. At the University of St. Thomas, she has helped redesign engineering curriculum and advance hands-on, creative STEM learning. She also works with OK Go Sandbox to create highly visual, interactive engineering experiences.
Dr. Michelle Thaller recently retired after 27 years at NASA, where she served as Assistant Director of Science at Goddard Space Flight Center. A Waukesha, Wisconsin native and Harvard graduate, Michelle has appeared on numerous NASA broadcasts, television programs, and popular podcasts, sharing her passion for science with audiences around the world. She is the recipient of NASA’s Exceptional Achievement Medal and was inducted into the Explorers Club in 2026. Today, Michelle works with the Smithsonian Institution on adult education and travel programs and is a globally recognized keynote speaker and science commentator.
The Excellence in STEM Awards, also known as The Stemmys, will be presented at the sySTEMnow conference. The Stemmy Awards were established in 2005 to recognize educational institutions, businesses, organizations, and individuals who promote STEM awareness and improve students' STEM competency. The four categories are Education, Individual, Employer, and Partnership.
The nomination window for the 2026 Stemmy Awards will be from August 1 through September 30, 2026.
Generation STEM (Gen STEM) is a K-12 student display that enables schools and organizations in the Southeastern Wisconsin area to showcase their students’ amazing STEM projects. It is always a favorite part of the conference for attendees to interact with local youth as they share their STEM projects from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM; plan to stop by the Gen STEM exhibit area.
Does your school want to take part in the 2026 Gen STEM Showcase?
Sign up your project today:
Generation STEM Proposal Form
Help Shape the Conversation at the 23rd Annual sySTEMnow Conference!
STEM Forward is thrilled to begin curating breakout sessions for our 23rd Annual sySTEMnow Conference—the region’s premier event for STEM education and workforce development. We're building a high-impact experience, and we’re looking for passionate voices to join us.
Do you have insights, innovations, or expertise that could inspire action in STEM? We invite you to submit a breakout session proposal that will challenge thinking, spark dialogue, and empower attendees to take meaningful steps after the event.
This year’s theme will be announced soon. Our 50-minute breakout sessions will be:* Led by local leaders and experts* Timely and relevant to current STEM challenges and opportunities * Engaging, actionable, and interactive
We welcome submissions from across the STEM spectrum—educators, industry professionals, community leaders, and changemakers alike. Please submit an RFP today. The submission window is open through June 30th, and we will announce our breakouts in July.
2026 sySTEMnow Breakout Proposal Form
The sySTEMnow conference is not possible without your support. Please consider one of our sponsorship options. Learn more about our sponsorship packages on the sySTEMnow website.
Includes 12 Conference Registrations and premier placement for recognition throughout the event.
Includes 10 Conference Registrations and top placement for recognition in the afternoon general session and Stemmy Presentations.
Includes 10 Conference Registrations and top placement for recognition in the Generation STEM space and Gen STEM student lunch seating.
Includes 10 Conference Registrations and top placement for recognition at the reception and at the bar.
Includes 8 Conference Registrations.
Includes 6 Conference Registrations.
Includes 4 Conference Registrations.
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