Last week, I had the opportunity to attend PETE&C 2026 (the Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo and Conference) in Hershey, PA—and if you work anywhere near K–12 education and technology, you know this is the place to be. From packed breakout sessions to nonstop conversations on the expo floor, PETE&C delivered exactly what it promises: real-world insight into how schools are using technology to improve teaching, learning, and campus operations. It was especially exciting to see how closely the conversations aligned with what we’re hearing from our own education customers every day.
Key Takeaways from PETE&C 2026
From speaking with attendees at Parmetech’s booth (#311) to walking through the conference, the conversations we had definitely highlighted a few key takeaways.
Practical Technology That Actually Works
One thing that stood out immediately from talking with attendees visiting our booth was that schools aren’t interested in flashy tech for the sake of it. District leaders, IT teams, and educators are focused on solutions that are reliable, secure, easy to manage, and deliver measurable value.
When discussing educational technology solutions, the same questions kept popping up:
- The sales pitch is good, but how will this actually improve classroom engagement?
- Will this reduce the workload on our already stretched IT teams?
- Is it secure, scalable, and sustainable long term?
We were happy to have these conversations as that mindset fits perfectly with Parmetech’s approach to educational technology – we match customers with affordable EdTech that is easy to use, easy to manage, and has a true, positive impact on the way teachers are able to engage students and cater to their diverse learning needs.
AI in Education: Less Hype, More Purpose
AI was everywhere at PETE&C 2026—from keynote speakers and interactive sessions to learning labs and hands-on workshops—but in a refreshingly grounded way. Instead of vague promises, sessions focused on practical, responsible use cases, including:
- How AI can ignite curiosity and unlock the boundless potential of every student
- Practical ways to navigate, analyze, and ethically use AI in your curriculum
- Concrete strategies and a practical toolkit for FERPA-compliant AI use
- How to evaluate accuracy, identify red flags, and responsibly integrate AI to support students and staff when it comes to school safety
- How to utilize AI effectively for lesson planning and content creation
- Leveraging AI and Accessibility tools to support diverse learners and maximize resources
- Enhancing and securing administrative efficiencies with AI that free up educators’ time
There was also a strong emphasis on data privacy, transparency, and policy development, which mirrors the conversations we’re having with districts looking to adopt AI without compromising security and compliance.
Interactive Displays and Collaboration Tools Continue to Evolve
Interactive displays, classroom displays, and collaboration software remain a major focus for schools, especially as flexible learning models continue to evolve. What’s changing is how schools evaluate these tools. Attendees were less focused on specs alone and more interested in:
- Ease of adoption and use for teachers
- Accompanying teaching tools and software
- Seamless integration with existing platforms
- Longevity and total cost of ownership
It was encouraging to see how thoughtfully districts are planning classroom upgrades rather than rushing into one-size-fits-all solutions or evaluating solutions based on cost alone.
Security and Infrastructure Are Top of Mind
Another clear takeaway: security is no longer optional. From device security and secure printing to network infrastructure and access control, schools are prioritizing solutions that protect students, staff, and sensitive data—without adding unnecessary complexity. Many conversations were centered on finding partners who can help schools design, implement, and support secure environments over time, not just sell hardware.
Looking Ahead at the EdTech Landscape of 2026 and Beyond
Hearing firsthand about the challenges schools are facing—and the creative ways they’re solving them—reinforced why Parmetech does what we do. Schools don’t need more technology. They need the right technology, supported by people who understand education. PETE&C 2026 was a great reminder that educational technology works best when it’s intentional, practical, and people-focused. We came home energized, inspired, and full of ideas we’re excited to bring into conversations with our education partners!
If you attended PETE&C and want to continue the conversation—or if you’re exploring ways to improve technology in your school or district—we’d love to connect.
