87 Years of innovation: SUNY Oswego’s Technology Conference brings diverse ideas to life
SUNY Oswego's Fall Technology Conference brings a large number of educators, many of them alumni, to SUNY Oswego to interact with current students and learn about developments across a range of technology.
From artificial intelligence and drone technology to woodworking, sustainable design and hands-on engineering and even bacon, the 87th annual Fall Technology Conference at SUNY Oswego celebrates the many ways technology shapes the world on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 29 and 30.
This year's conference brings together educators, students and industry professionals for a diverse program that bridges emerging innovations with practical experiential learning. Attendees can explore AI-powered creative tools, discover new applications for drone technology and experience interactive demonstrations designed to inspire curiosity and creativity.
One of the conference’s program directors, SUNY Oswego technology professor Chris Stein, notes how the variety is what makes this year particularly exciting. With presentations spanning from advanced technology to traditional craftsmanship, the program reflects the many ways people interact with technology in their everyday lives.
“It’s probably the wildest and wackiest presentations we’ve ever had,” said Stein, noting the unprecedented range of presentations.
That diversity also creates opportunities for students to learn by doing. From interactive demonstrations to woodworking, prototype putty and straw rockets – these all encourage participants to experiment and discover new skills firsthand.
“One of the things that tech teachers love is experimental learning,” said Stein. “Humans actually learn best when we kind of let students just play with the material and be creative.”
Beyond the demonstrations, the conference is committed to bringing people together and creating opportunities for educators to exchange ideas. Stein, an Oswego alum who has been involved with the conference for several years, helps shape the program by encouraging presenters to share their knowledge, demonstrate their work and introduce attendees to subjects they might not encounter. That personal investment helps make the conference a reflection of the people and communities it serves.
Human element
“I think there is a human component to it,” said Stein, explaining why educators continue to return year to year, many of whom are Oswego alumni. “We’re social animals. We have this deep need to have a tribe, to have a group, to have support.”
However, the surprises don't stop with emerging technologies. Among this year’s offerings is a presentation exploring the traditional process of producing bacon, bringing yet another unexpected dimension to a conference that embraces technology in all its forms.
After 87 years, the Technology Conference continues to thrive by combining innovation with hands-on discovery and meaningful human connections. Whether attendees arrive to explore cutting-edge tech, try a new craft or enjoy some smoked bacon, the conference offers something unexpected – and a reminder that some of the best learning happens when people come together to share what they know.
The 2026 Fall Technology Conference hosts several sessions and a vendor fair in Park and Wilber halls throughout both days.
For more information on programming, visit Thursday's program and Friday's program. Additional registration information and more can be found at the 87th Fall Conference website.
– Written by Jose Vazquez Nava of the Class of 2027