2026 Winter School Facilities & Safety Congress

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Palm Desert CA
December 6th
- 8th
2026

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About The Program

The Winter School Facilities & Safety Congress brings together the people who keep schools safe, resilient, and running, from directors of operations to solution providers shaping what’s possible.

Share what’s working. Learn what’s next. And connect with the leaders facing the same challenges you are—from both sides of the table.
You’ll leave with ideas you can use, partnerships you can trust, and a renewed sense of purpose. Because when the stakes are high, the right room makes all the difference.

 

Applications close November 11.

Topics of Discussion

As threats and expectations continue to evolve, school leaders must update emergency operations plans to improve preparedness, coordination, communication, and response across the district.

Explore how teams can identify students in need of support, coordinate interventions, and strengthen prevention efforts before concerns escalate into safety incidents.

Learn strategies for recruiting, developing, and retaining qualified safety personnel while building a culture of preparedness and continuous improvement.

Discover best practices for recognizing concerning behaviors, conducting threat assessments, and implementing effective intervention strategies that support both safety and student well-being.

Examine how districts are leveraging AI-powered technologies to improve threat detection, incident response, communication, and overall situational awareness.

Learn how transparent communication and stakeholder engagement can strengthen trust among students, families, staff, and the broader community.

Explore strategies for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks across key operational areas to ensure safe and uninterrupted school operations.

As districts adopt more connected technologies, leaders must address cybersecurity risks impacting building automation, access control, surveillance, and other critical systems.

Discover frameworks for evaluating facility needs, balancing competing priorities, and maximizing the impact of limited capital and maintenance budgets.

Explore how adaptable learning environments can support evolving instructional models, student engagement, and future educational needs.

Learn how districts can incorporate safety, security, and resilience considerations into facility planning, renovation, and construction projects.

Examine how integrating security systems, facility operations, and technology infrastructure can enhance efficiency, visibility, and campus safety.

Explore innovative approaches to recruiting, developing, and retaining skilled facilities and operations professionals amid ongoing workforce shortages.

Learn practical strategies for optimizing resources, improving operational performance, and maintaining high-quality facilities despite budget constraints.

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84% of delegates said this is the best event they’ve attended all year

Past Keynote Speakers

A dynamic roster of keynote speakers drives innovation at our congress events. Discover thought leaders and game-changers whose invaluable insights foster growth and excellence in each of our delegates.

Steve Honn
Director,
Forsyth County Schools, Georgia
Todd Shirley
Chief of Student Support Services,
Forsyth County Board of Education, Georgia

Past & Current Speakers

Dr. Gabriel Antonio Gonzales
Deputy Superintendent of Operations,
Albuquerque Public Schools, New Mexico
Toni Barnes
Director Emergency Management,
Clark County School District, Nevada
Angela Britain-Smith
Director of Operations,
Metropolitan School District of Washington Township, Indiana
Leon Covington
K-12 Threat Assessment Coordinator,
Northeast Washington Education Service District 101, Washington
John Dufay
Chief Operations Officer,
Albuquerque Public Schools, New Mexico
Dr. Louis Fletcher
Executive Director of Facilities & Operations,
El Paso County School District 49, Colorado
Josh Friedman
Director of Safety & Security,
Scottsdale Unified School District, Arizona
Gabriel Gamiño Guerrero
Director of Community Relations,
Alhambra Unified School District, Arizona
Dr. Lisa Gonzales
Chief Operations Officer,
The O'Farrell Charter School, California

The Schedule

10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Event Registration

12:20 pm - 1:20 pm

Opening Keynote

1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings

3:15 pm - 3:35 pm

Afternoon Refreshments & Networking

3:35 pm - 5:45 pm

Strategy Session/Business Meetings/Roundtable Discussions/Workshops

5:45 pm - 6:45 pm

Free Time

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Welcome Reception & Dinner

7:00 am - 8:00 am

Networking Breakfast

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Morning Keynote/Panel Session

9:00 am - 10:30 am

Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings

10:30 am - 11:00 am

Morning Refreshments & Networking

11:00 am - 11:45 am

Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings

11:45 am - 12:30 pm

Workshop/Roundtable Discussions

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Networking Luncheon

1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Roundtables/Business Meetings/Workshops

3:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Afternoon Refreshments & Networking

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings

5:00 pm - 5:45 pm

Closing Day Keynote

5:45 pm - 6:45 pm

Free Time

6:45 pm - 8:30 pm

Networking Reception & Dinner

8:00 am - 8:15 am

Morning Refreshments & Networking

8:20 am - 9:05 am

Workshops/Roundtable Discussions

9:10 am - 9:55 am

Brunch

10:05 am - 11:05 am

Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings

11:15 am - 12:00 pm

Closing Keynote

If you have access to the full schedule, click here. Otherwise, click here to get access.

Our Commitments to You

Maximized Networking Opportunities

Cultivate meaningful relationships with peers and thought leaders via networking opportunities and functions, strategically designed and planned by our team ahead of the event.

A personal, customized itinerary

Participants customize their schedule by selecting from various sessions, tracks and private meetings that align specifically with their business needs and goals.

Exclusive qualified attendance

In order to facilitate the most optimal networking and meeting opportunities, participation is invitation only and strictly limited to Senior Level Administrators & Executives.

return on time and objective

Your time and the objectives you have set are our top priority. We strive to facilitate the right meetings and introductions to ensure your time with us is being justified with real value.

Delegate Testimonials

Chief Richard Palomo
Chief of Police, Southwest Independent School District (TX)

I recently attended an incredible RTM Conference that left me inspired and motivated. From the moment I walked into the panel discussion, I could feel the energy and excitement buzzing in the air. The speakers were top-notch, each one sharing their expertise and passion for their topics. Overall, the conference was a truly transformative experience.

Patricia Hoeg
Director, Clark County School District (NV)

The whole Congress was a great experience. The free time allowed for processing of information received and prohibit meeting or listening fatigue. Content was high quality and speakers were dynamic. The best part was the networking with other professionals from all over. Knowing others are facing the same issues, big or small, is invaluable. Overall, 10/10. I would love to return.

Steve Hanvey
Associate Superintendent of Administration, School District of Oconee County (SC)

Great experience. Quality sessions with speakers who have been in the trenches and can share their experiences and lessons learned. Overall, an excellent opportunity and learn and grow in our profession.

William Wu
Chief of School Police, Compton Unified School District (CA)

The most valuable parts were hearing success stories and also sharing best practices or what worked for someone else. You get new ideas as well as new ways to implement existing ideas which always helps.

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