Polytechnic Summit 2026
May 17-20, 2026
The Annual Global Polytechnic Summit is returning to the University of Wisconsin-Stout, Wisconsin's Polytechnic University for 2026.
More details to come.
Registration Information
- General Attendee: TBD
- Presenter TBD
- Student: TBD
Featured Keynotes
More information to come.
Additional Information for Attendees
2026 Polytechnic Global Summit General Schedule of Events
Sunday, May 17, 2026
More information to come
Monday, May 18, 2026
More information to come
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
More information to come
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
More information to come
Air Travel
Menomonie is located in Western Wisconsin. The nearest airports are Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (EAU) in Eau Claire.
Transportation
- Shuttle Service: Groome Transportation provides shuttle services between MSP airport or EAU airport and Menomonie. Shuttles stop at the AmericInn in Menomonie, WI as well.
Local Transportation: Taxis and Ubers are available but limited in the Menomonie area.
Town and Country Taxi:
512 Oak Ave.
Menomonie, WI 54751Call (715)-309-9619 to book.
Courtesy Taxi:
3003 Wilson St.
Menomonie, WI 54751Call (715)-308-9030 to book.
Uber:
You’ll need to download the app on your phone to use this service.
UW-Stout on campus Housing - Red Cedar Hall
Each suite accommodates up to 4 people, each with their own individual room, and includes a shared bathroom, a small kitchenette, and a comfortable common area for gatherings. Only 8 suites are available, and reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Booking closes on April 15, 2025.
Each room includes a linen packet that contains 2 sheets, 1 blanket, 1 towel and 1 washcloth. The pillow and pillowcase will already be in the room.
201 Second St. W.
Menomonie, WI 54751
- Rate: $55 per person, per night (includes linens and parking fee)
- Distance to UW-Stout: 14 min walk
- Parking: Free onsite parking at the hotel for the duration of your stay
To book your reservation, visit the event registration page. On the second page of the registration process, you can select the nights you wish to stay, and the cost will be added to your total registration fee.
BOOKING INFORMATION TO COME
Cobblestone Inn & Suites Menomonie
149 Main Street E.
Menomonie, WI 54751
Learn More
- Rate: $145.10 per night + 8% sales and occupancy tax
- Distance to UW-Stout: 2 min. walk
- Parking: Free onsite parking at the hotel for the duration of your stay
Call (715)-233-0211 to book
BOOKING INFORMATION TO COME
Best Western Plus Inn & Suites Menomonie
320 Oak Avenue
Menomonie, WI 54751
Learn More
- Rate: $139 per night + 8% sales and occupancy tax
- Distance to UW-Stout: 6 min. drive
- Parking: Free onsite parking at the hotel for the duration of your stay
Call (715) 235-5664 to book
BOOKING INFORMATION TO COME
Hampton Inn & Suites Menomonie
2017 Stout Street
Menomonie, Wisconsin 54751
Learn More
- Rate: $110 per night + 8% sales and occupancy tax
- Distance to UW-Stout: 8 min. drive
- Parking: Free onsite parking at the hotel for the duration of your stay
BOOKING INFORMATION TO COME
AmericInn Menomonie
425 Oak Avenue West
Menomonie, Wisconsin 54751
Learn More
- Rate: $130 per night + 8% sales and occupancy tax
- Distance to UW-Stout: 9 min. drive
- Parking: Free onsite parking at the hotel for the duration of your stay
BOOKING INFORMATION TO COME
Oaklawn Bed and Breakfast
423 Technology Drive E.
Menomonie, Wisconsin 54751
Learn More
- Distance to UW-Stout: 7 min. drive
- Parking: Free onsite parking at the hotel for the duration of your stay
REGISTRATION INFORMATION TO COME
Gray Room (Small Double bed)
- Rate: $120–$135 per night (varies by weekday vs. weekend)
Gold Room (Double/full size bed)
- Rate: $145 - $160 per night (varies by weekday vs. weekend)
Peach Room (Double/full size bed)
- Rate: $129 - $136 per night (varies by weekday vs. weekend)
Blue Room (Double/full size bed)
- Rate $129 - $136 per night (varies by weekday vs. weekend)
About the Polytechnic Summit
The annual Polytechnic Summit brings polytechnic academic professionals and community leaders together to focus on innovation in curriculum and applied research, to build opportunities for collaboration and partnership on research and student learning, and to share best practices specific to active, applied learning. The Summit assembles leaders who shape the future of polytechnic education.
In 2017, six universities—Coventry University (UK), Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences (Germany), Technological University Dublin (Ireland), Lucerne University of Applied Sciences (Switzerland), Purdue University (U.S.) and University of Wisconsin – Stout (U.S.)—came together to develop relationships and strategic collaborative opportunities through successful development and delivery of university-level degree programs, applied research, professional development programs, and community outreach activities. Among the scope of these activities is an annual conference—the Polytechnic Summit.
Past Summit Themes & Topics
- Developing Cross-Institutional Research Partnerships Focusing on the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals
- Industry and Higher Education Collaborations: Keys to Fostering Qualified Talent
- General Education at Polytechnic Institutions
- Developing an Institutional Change Plan Towards Gender Equity
- Harnessing Digital Technology for Humanitarian Aid and International Development
- Design and Fabrication of Functional Parts with a Desktop 3D Printer
University of Wisconsin-Stout | May 18-21, 2025
The Annual Global Polytechnic Summit returned to the University of Wisconsin-Stout, Wisconsin's Polytechnic University. The 2025 theme was: Education Designed for the Future. Tracks included:
- Industry/Business Engagement Best Practices
- Designing for Humanistic and AI Partnerships
- Future-Focused University Systems and Infrastructure
- Entrepreneurship on a Polytechnic Campus
- Polytechnic Learning
Keynote Presentations
- "Hands-On Higher Ed and How AI Will Transform the University Experience," Matt Kirchner, President, ATS/LAB Midwest
- "Invisible Infrastructure: Reclaiming a Humanities-Inspired Technology Landscape," Rishi Jaitly, Professor of Practice; Distinguished Humanities Fellow, Virginia Tech
- "Navigating the Future: AI's Role in Higher Education," David Bruce, Executive Partner, Gartner
2025 Polytechnic Summit Archives
Continue ReadingAlgonquin College | May 14-16, 2024
Keynote Presentations
- "From Concept to Creation: An Indigenous Entrepreneur’s Journey," Jenn Harper, Indigenous Entrepreneur; Founder, Cheekbone Beauty Inc.
- "Preparing Learners for First Job Success," Ryan Craig, Managing Director, Achieve Parners
Utah Tech University | June 4-7, 2023
Keynote Presenters
- Dr. Fahmida N. Chowdhury, Office of International Science and Engineering, National Science Foundation
- Sylvester Johnson, Director of Humanities Center, Virginia Tech
- Molly Kocialski, Regional Director, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
- David Vuletich, Senior Director, EAB
- Dustin Daugherty, Managing Director, World Trade Center Utah
- Dr. Tom Rosenbaum, President, CalTech University & Chris Guymon, Associate Provost, Utah Tech University
- Gary Bertoline, Senior Vice President, Purdue Online and Learning Innovation
Hochschule Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences | June 28-30, 2022 (Hybrid)
Keynote Presentations
- "Future Perspectives of Teaching and Learning at Universities of Applied Sciences,” Ulrike Tippe, TH Wildau
- "Bridging the Research-Practice Gap: A Practitioner's Views on University Education," Klaus-Michael Ahrend, HEAG Holding AG Investment Management
- "Designing an Open Polytechnic University," Michael Lacourse, Utah Tech University
Technological University Dublin | June 1-4, 2021 (Online)
University of Wisconsin-Stout | June 4-5, 2019
Keynote Presenters
- Keynote Panel: "Global Partners European Alliance," Barbara Howell, Coventry University; Bernd Steffensen, Hochschule Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences; Mark Deegan, Technology University-Dublin; Uwe W. Schulz, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts; Robert F. Cox, Purdue University; and Charles Bomar, University of Wisconsin-Stout
- Additional Keynote Presenters
- Bob Meyer, University of Wisconsin-Stout
- Craig Yolitz, University of Wisconsin-Stout
- Denise M. Anderson, University of Wisconsin-Stout
- Steve Hellen, Catholic Relief Services
Universidad de Ingeniería y Tecnología | June 1-6, 2018
Keynote Presentations
- "Becoming a Successful Change Master: 5 Subtle Shifts Toward the New Missing Basics of Effective Practitioners," Dave Goldberg, ThreeJoy Associates, Inc.
- "Global Trends and the Future of Higher Education," Jaime Saavedra
- "STEM Education: What We Know Works & Why It's Not Widely Done," Phillip D. Long, University of Texas at Austin
- "The 21st Century Polytechnic University," Gary Bertoline, Purdue University
- "The Evolution of a Polytechnic University," Patrick Guilfoile & Glendali Rodriguez, University of Wisconsin-Stout
- "Transforming Higher Education in Engineering and Technology," Carlos Heeren
Purdue University | June 6-7, 2017
Keynote Presentations
- "21st Century Polytechnics," Gary Bertoline, Purdue University
- "Leveraging Engineering Education Innovation to Redefine Undergraduate Education," Vincent P. Manno, Olin College of Engineering
- "Traversing Boundaries to Transform Virginia Tech into a 'VT-Shaped University'," Tim Sands, Virginia Tech
- "A Novel Approach to Engineering Education," Carlos Heeran, Universidad de Ingenieria y Tecnologia
