MakerCon

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Utah Stem Action Center Logo

About the Conference

Welcome to UVU’s second annual MakerCon, a conference designed specifically for educators who are passionate about bringing the spirit of making into the classroom. This event is a unique opportunity for educators to explore innovative ways to integrate hands-on, project-based learning into their curriculum, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in students.

Submit a Proposal Register for Makercon Support the Conference

Multiple children working on large, wooden project in gymnasium

Who Should Attend

October 10th: $49 Registration	October 11th: Free to the Public!
Teachers (K-12 and beyond) School Administrators Curriculum Developers Education Technology Specialists Librarians and Media Specialists STEM/STEAM Coordinators Art Educators	K-12 Students Educators Librarians Makers General Public

Why Attend MakerCon

Immerse yourself in a dynamic educational environment.
Gain practical strategies for integrating making into your curriculum.
Network with educators passionate about hands-on learning.
Explore resources and tools to enhance your teaching practices.
Stay informed about the latest trends and innovations in maker education.

Caretaker guiding small child in project

Various children playing while three adults watch over them

Join Us at the Conference

When:	October 10-11, 2025
Where:	Utah Valley University

Registration Deadline:	September 26th

UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSITY CREDIT OPTION

UVU is offering credit for attending and participating in MakerCon. This credit will be recorded on an official University transcript, is at the graduate 5000 level and is $15 with a $15 application fee, if you do not already have an active UVU account. This credit can be used toward lane changes and relicensure. Having this credit on a university transcript also makes it easier to transfer district to district but also out of state.

Keynote Speaker: Tim Needles

Tim Needles is a dynamic and creative educator known for his commitment to art-infused, technology-rich learning. He serves as an art and media teacher as well as a Technology Integration Specialist at the Smithtown Central School District in New York, bridging the worlds of creativity and EdTech in everyday classrooms.

He is the author of STEAM Power: Infusing Art Into Your STEM Curriculum, a book that positions the arts not as an add-on, but as an indispensable element in STEM education.

Needles is a TEDx speaker whose work has gained recognition on NPR, in The New York Times, and across several respected museums including the Columbus Museum of Art, Norman Rockwell Museum, Alexandria Museum of Art, Katonah Museum of Art, and Cape Cod Museum of Art.

His creative and technological leadership has earned multiple prestigious awards: ISTE’s Making IT Happen Award, the ISTE Technology in Action Award, Creativity Award, NAEA’s ArtEdTech Outstanding Teaching Award, and the Rauschenberg Power of Art Award

Beyond his classroom and accolades, Tim enriches the field through a host of ambassador and leadership roles:

NASA Solar System Ambassador
National Geographic Certified Teacher, PBS Digital Innovator, Adobe Creative Educator, LEGO Education Ambassador, Discovery Education DEN Star, Google Certified Champion, and ISTE Community Leader

Conference Schedule

Friday, October 10th

8:00 a.m. - Check-in

8:30 a.m. - Welcome

8:45 a.m. - Keynote address: Tim Needles

10:00 a.m. - Break one

10:15 a.m. - Session one

11:00 a.m. - Break two

11:15 a.m. - Session two

12:00 p.m. - Lunch and Speaker: Quinn Peterson

1:15 p.m. - Session three

2:00 p.m. - Break three

2:15 p.m. - Session four

3:15 p.m. - Prizes & Closing Remarks

3:30 p.m. - Adjourn

For any questions, or if you need further information, please contact us

Dr. Krista Ruggles

Send an email

801-863-8057

Sarah Frei

Send an email

801-863-5918

October 10-11, 2025

Save the Date! October 10th & 11th at Utah Valley University

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