The sideby team at SXSW EDU 2026

By Erica Crane, EdD

sideby as Launch Startup Competition Semifinalists

We engaged in the Launch Startup Competition events and celebrations, met fellow edtech leaders and learners, and shared about sideby to educators and organizations interested in AI for deeper learning, scaling exceptional professional development, and visualizing competency-based progress.

Mentoring

Erica was selected as a mentor and provided mentoring sessions to conference participants. She met and supported educators, fellow founders, consultants, and leaders from across the globe.

Our Leadership Team Lands in Person

Mike, Erica, and Kippy started their time in Austin with a strategic planning session together, where we looked at our current goals as well as the future of teaching and learning. We learn how we think everyone should learn and know there’s no mimic for also engaging in in person magic. We also think that as organizations grow, the continuous learning, collaborating, and visualizing success becomes more and more important. Technology can help. sideby can help.

What We Learned

SXSW EDU 2026 was a great opportunity to connect with other learning nerds, engage across contexts with organizations and individuals, and reground ourselves in what the future of learning can be. We were affirmed and energized to continue to center educator voice and agency in the work we’re doing. Here are just some of our favorite sessions to highlight:

See you next year!

Our team is looking forward to joining SXSW EDU again next year. Look out for our panel picker submission and mentor opportunities to connect in 2027.