Navigating Stories, Information, and AI

October 23, 2026
8:00am - 3:00pm
Registration begins at 7:30am
Doubletree Carrier Circle - Syracuse, New York

Dashka Slater

Author, Journalist

Journalist, novelist, and children's book author Dashka Slater has been telling stories since she could talk. She is the author of fifteen books of fiction and nonfiction for children and adults, including the beloved Escargot picture book series, The Feylawn Chronicles middle grade fantasy series, and The Antlered Ship, which received four starred reviews and was named one of the bestpicture books of the year by Amazon.com. Her New York Times best-selling young-adult true crime narrative, The 57 Bus, has received numerous accolades, including the Stonewall Book Award, the California Book Award, and a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor. 

Learn more at dashkaslater.com. 

Elissa Malspina

School Librarian, Author

With more than 23 years in education, I have served as a high school history teacher, special education teacher, teacher librarian, and educational technology leader. My work focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence, school libraries, media literacy, and educational technology, helping educators create engaging and equitable learning experiences. I am the owner of Educational Equity Advisors and author of the AI School Librarians Newsletter. I am a frequent keynote speaker and have presented nationally at conferences including ISTE and School Library Journal Summit. My work has been recognized with honors including Library Journal Movers & Shakers and the ISTE Make IT Happen Award.

Substack: aischoollibrarian.substack.com