Tech & Learning, the award-winning provider of publications, websites, newsletters, and events focused on education, announced a strategic partnership with First Step Advisors, the preeminent market research and marketing firm, to help produce the 2025 edition of EdExec Summit.
Building on the success of its first two years, the EdExec Summit will again create a space for education executives and K-12 leaders to come together in service of better education outcomes for all. With representatives from global brands such as Google, Intel, PowerSchool, Instructure, ClassLink, and more, the Summit also serves early-stage operators, international brands interested in the US, and district leaders working to optimize collaborations between industry and education.
First Step Advisors, an inaugural and continuing sponsor of the Summit, is deepening its commitment to the event by leading the organization of keynote panels, guest contributors, breakout sessions, and authentic networking experiences. For the past 15 years, First Step has served in advisory capacity for operators in K-12 education, supporting well over $500M in sales during that time for global leaders and early-stage innovators.
Jim McVety, First Step’s Managing Partner and long-time industry leader, will serve as the Event Chairperson for EdExec 2025. McVety shared why this collaboration is critically important at this time in education, “The education economy has, historically, been fueled by optimism and hope. In these uncertain times, though, it seems like a collection of industry leaders are trying to create an inner circle for those who breathe rarified air. This runs counter to how First Step Advisors operates, and works against what the education industry really needs right now. That’s why we’re keen to lead this work alongside Tech & Learning via the EdExec Summit, so that we can create opportunities for important, meaningful dialogues that honor the importance of real relationship building.”
Each week, Tech & Learning reaches 90,000-plus tech-savvy educators looking to stay informed about the latest trends, news, best practices, and tools. Its weekly K20 Leadership newsletter reaches 23,000-plus district buyers, while the monthly digital magazine has a readership of more than 90,000 education leaders, teachers, and support personnel, welcoming more than 2 million users who visit Tech & Learning’s website each year.
Christine Weiser, Content/Brand Director at Tech & Learning, lauded the partnership and echoed McVety’s sentiments about the importance of creating opportunities for real connections, “In some ways, the EdExec Summit harkens back to a time when the industry was smaller, closer, and more focused on helping companies do well by doing good. At the same time, though, we’re taking a very contemporary, forward-looking approach to building community, connecting industry and district leaders, and reenergizing the education economy.”
The EdExec Summit convenes August 18 - 20, 2025. To register or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please visit: https://www.tledexecsummit.com.
About Tech & Learning
Tech & Learning’s award-winning publications, websites, newsletters, and events provide factual and evaluative information on trends, products, and strategies to support education leaders’ efforts to drive innovation in their districts. Visit www.techlearning.com for more information and continuing coverage of news, trends, and events in education, edtech, including USA EdTech.
About First Step Advisors
First Step builds the capacity of education companies serving schools and districts throughout the US. Since 2009, the company has delivered unparalleled market research, tactical marketing services, and strategic counsel to organizations who share a deep and unwavering commitment to improving education for all, from teachers and students to district leaders and the industry partners who support them. The company’s current client portfolio covers literacy, STEM, school safety, SEL, and music, representing more than over $100M in annual revenue. Most importantly, they are working to improve outcomes for K-12 stakeholders. Learn more at www.firststepadvisors.com.
