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American Education Summit 2026

Strategic Design Document​

Date: November 16, 2025 Event: American Education Summit (Inaugural) Timeline: March 18-20, 2026 Location: University of Texas at Austin Author: Gary Sheng

Executive Summary​

The American Education Summit is a high-FOMO, invitation-only power play - an ultra-exclusive gathering where entry cannot be bought, only earned through relevance and influence. This inaugural event, scheduled for March 18-20, 2026, will convene exactly 150 hand-selected education power brokers at the University of Texas at Austin. Like a private audience with the Pope, this summit's value lies in its exclusivity - creating massive FOMO among those not invited while positioning Alpha and TimeBack at the center of a billion-dollar fundraising opportunity.

Alpha Schools, through strategic platinum sponsorship rather than direct organizational attribution, will shape the narrative and themes while maintaining perception of objectivity and broad coalition support. This positions Alpha at the center of global education discourse without the limitations of hosting / being seen as a proprietary corporate event.

Strategic Vision​

Core Concept​

Create an ultra-exclusive, invitation-only gathering that generates maximum FOMO - like getting invited to meet the Pope. This is NOT another education conference you can buy your way into. This is a curated, high-status event where being in the room signals you're a serious player in America's education future. The exclusivity itself becomes the draw - if you're not invited, you're not relevant. International investors will compete for invitations to access TimeBack and Alpha opportunities.

Positioning Strategy​

  • Public Face: American Education Summit - Securing America's Future
  • Reality: Alpha Schools as primary strategic architect and platinum sponsor
  • Narrative Frame: America First education innovation ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary - building the educational infrastructure for continued American dominance
  • Strategic Benefit: Alpha positioned as the cornerstone of American educational excellence

Objectives​

Primary Goals​

  1. Raise $1B for TimeBack - Joe Liemandt's revolutionary EdTech startup from Alpha's incubator
  2. Establish Alpha as American Education Leader - The cornerstone of U.S. educational dominance
  3. Assert American Narrative - America's 250th anniversary as launching pad for next century of leadership
  4. Attract International Investment - Secure funding for TimeBack and American education expansion
  5. Generate Patriotic Media Coverage - Position Alpha and TimeBack as champions of American excellence
  6. Build America First Coalition - Unite pro-American education innovators and policy makers

Secondary Goals​

  • Create recurring annual franchise with increasing FOMO each year
  • Control who gets to be part of America's education future
  • Generate 10+ TimeBack investment commitments
  • Build waitlist of 500+ for next year's summit

Target Attendees (Exactly 150 - Invitation Only)​

Government Leaders (40-50)​

  • Trump Family & Administration - Key education policy makers and influencers
  • US State Leaders - Governors and Education Commissioners from Texas, Florida, Arizona, Tennessee
  • Federal Officials - Department of Education leadership, America First policy makers
  • Congressional Leaders - Education committee chairs, America First caucus members
  • Military Education - DoD education leaders, service academy representatives

Education Innovators (30-40)​

  • EdTech Founders - Leading companies reshaping learning
  • School Network Leaders - Charter networks, innovative school models
  • Learning Scientists - Researchers advancing pedagogical understanding
  • Assessment Innovators - Companies reimagining credentialing and evaluation

Institutional Leaders (30-40)​

  • University Presidents/Deans - From leading institutions
  • Faith-Based Education Leaders - Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Islamic education systems
  • Foundation Leaders - Gates, Chan Zuckerberg, Walton Family Foundation
  • Think Tank Directors - AEI, Hoover, Brookings education leads

Corporate Partners (20-30)​

  • Technology Companies - Google, Microsoft, Apple education divisions
  • Publishers & Content - Pearson, McGraw Hill, newer players
  • Infrastructure Providers - Companies enabling education delivery
  • Workforce Development - Employers with education initiatives

Media & Influencers (15-20)​

  • Education Journalists - WSJ, NYT, Education Week
  • Thought Leaders - Authors, podcasters, social media influencers
  • Documentary Makers - Those shaping education narrative

International Investors & Funders (30-40)​

  • Sovereign Wealth Funds - Saudi PIF, UAE Mubadala, Singapore GIC representatives (TimeBack targets)
  • Global Education Investors - SoftBank Vision Fund, Prosus, Tiger Global seeking EdTech unicorns
  • Family Offices - Ultra-high net worth families interested in TimeBack's billion-dollar vision
  • Strategic Corporates - Microsoft, Google, Amazon education divisions as potential TimeBack partners
  • Growth Equity Firms - KKR, Blackstone, Vista Equity Partners for TimeBack Series B+

Event Structure​

Format: 2.5 Days (March 18-20, 2026)​

Strategic Timing Advantages:

  • Follows immediately after SXSW EDU (March 9-12) capturing visitor momentum
  • Occurs during UT Austin Spring Break (March 16-21) for maximum facility availability
  • Leverages Joe Liemandt's UT relationships for prestigious venue access at favorable rates
  • Avoids SXSW EDU overlap while benefiting from international visitors already in Austin
  • Allows use of premier UT facilities without student scheduling conflicts

Day 1 - Wednesday, March 18 (Afternoon/Evening)

  • 2:00 PM - Registration & Welcome Reception
  • 4:00 PM - Opening Keynote: "American Education Dominance: The Next 250 Years"
  • 5:30 PM - Inaugural Dinner: "Investing in America's Educational Future"
  • 6:30 PM - Special Feature: "Why the World Needs American Education Innovation"
  • 8:00 PM - Private Receptions (by invitation)

Day 2 - Thursday, March 19 (Full Day)

  • 8:00 AM - Continental Breakfast
  • 9:00 AM - Plenary: "America First Education: Setting the Global Standard"
  • 10:30 AM - Breakout Sessions Round 1
    • Track A: Personalized Learning at Scale
    • Track B: Faith & Values in Modern Education
    • Track C: Workforce Preparation Revolution
  • 12:00 PM - Lunch & Showcase at UT Student Union (Alpha prominent placement)
  • 1:30 PM - Campus Tour: UT Austin Innovation Labs & Facilities
  • 2:30 PM - TimeBack Demo & Investment Pitch at McCombs School
  • 3:30 PM - Breakout Sessions Round 2
    • Track A: International Case Studies
    • Track B: Technology & Human Development
    • Track C: Policy & Regulatory Innovation
  • 5:00 PM - Networking Reception with Alpha Student Ambassadors
  • 7:00 PM - Gala Dinner with Awards

Day 3 - Friday, March 20 (Morning/Afternoon)

  • 8:00 AM - Leaders' Breakfast at UT Club (invitation only - Joe Liemandt hosting)
  • 9:30 AM - Plenary: "Exporting American Excellence: The Business of Education" at Bass Concert Hall
  • 10:30 AM - TimeBack Deep Dive: The $1B Opportunity
  • 11:30 AM - Working Groups: Concrete Initiatives
  • 1:00 PM - Closing Lunch & Commitments at AT&T Conference Center
  • 2:30 PM - Optional: Alpha Schools Austin Campus Tours

Strategic Positioning for Alpha​

Visibility Strategy​

  1. Sole Founding Sponsor - Complete control without explicit organizational ownership
  2. Keynote Placement - Joe Liemandt as Day 2 featured speaker on TimeBack vision
  3. Innovation Showcase - Prime demonstration slots for Alpha model and TimeBack
  4. Investment Suite - Dedicated space for TimeBack investor meetings
  5. Materials & Branding - Subtle Alpha and TimeBack presence as Founding Sponsor
  6. Investor Pitch Sessions - Structured opportunities for TimeBack fundraising

Narrative Themes to Advance​

  • TimeBack as the future of personalized learning at scale
  • American educational exceptionalism as competitive advantage
  • Technology sovereignty through education innovation
  • America First education policy for the 250th anniversary
  • Private sector leadership over government bureaucracy
  • Traditional American values in modern education
  • Investment opportunities in TimeBack and American education expansion

Organizational Structure​

Public Structure​

  • Host Organization: American Education Summit (independent organizing entity)
  • Honorary Chairs: Bipartisan respected figures
  • Organizing Committee: Mix of educators, business leaders, academics
  • Lead Coordinator: Gary Sheng

Actual Structure​

  • Strategic Direction: Joe Liemandt & Alpha leadership
  • Funding: Alpha Schools (through appropriate channels)
  • Agenda Setting: Coordinated with Alpha priorities
  • Invitation Strategy: Aligned with Alpha expansion plans

Budget Framework​

Estimated Total: $850K​

Major Categories:

Venue & Hospitality

  • Meeting Spaces & Event Venues: $50K (UT Austin partnership rates)
  • Food & Beverage: $50K (breakfast, lunch, dinners for 150)
  • Ground Transportation: $25K (shuttles between recommended hotel and venues)

Production & Experience

  • Stage, AV, Lighting, Decor: $100K
  • Photography, Videography & Editing: $50K
  • Activities & Special Experiences: $50K
  • Security: $50K

Summit Materials & Gifts

  • Exclusive Attendee Gifts: $50K

Event Management & Coordination

  • Full Service Event Management: $400K (3 months planning + 4 days on-site execution + full team)

Contingency

  • Contingency: $200K

Cost Structure Notes:

  • No accommodation costs - attendees book at recommended hotel with negotiated group rates
  • Shuttles provided between official hotel and all summit venues
  • No speaker fees or travel - invitation is the compensation
  • No app needed - clean email communication maintains exclusivity
  • UT Austin partnership provides 50-70% venue discount
  • FOMO strategy means people gladly cover their own costs to attend

Funding Structure​

  • Alpha Schools (Sole Founding Sponsor): $850K
  • Registration Fees: $0 (pure invitation-only)
  • UT Austin In-Kind Contributions: $200K value

ROI Justification:

  • $850K sole sponsorship to help facilitate $1B TimeBack raise = 1100x+ potential return
  • Clean single-sponsor model avoids dilution of influence
  • Total control over attendee list and agenda
  • Each attendee represents millions in potential investment/partnership value
  • Exclusive format ensures every conversation is high-stakes
  • No wasted spend on conference tourists who buy tickets

Why Invitation-Only Works:

  • Creates massive FOMO and perceived value
  • Ensures only serious players attend (no tire-kickers)
  • Eliminates typical conference noise
  • Makes every conversation worth millions
  • Positions Alpha/TimeBack as gatekeepers to America's education future

Timeline & Milestones​

November - December 2025 (Foundation & Launch)​

  • November Week 3-4: Finalize Alpha agreement, establish entity
  • November Week 4: Lock UT Austin venues, prioritize invitation list (175 targets, ranked)
  • December Week 1: Send first wave invitations to top 100 targets (7-day RSVP deadline)
  • December Week 2: First wave responses due, send second wave based on availability
  • December Week 3: Third wave if needed, all responses pushed for year-end
  • December Week 4: Final push for confirmations
  • By Dec 31: 100+ confirmations locked

January 2026 (Lock Event Details)​

  • Week 1: Launch website with confirmed attendee momentum
  • Week 2: Finalize all keynote speakers and program
  • Week 3: Close remaining invitations, activate waitlist
  • Week 4: Complete all vendor contracts and logistics
  • By Jan 31: 150 attendees confirmed, waitlist of 200+

February 2026 (Final Confirmations)​

  • Close invitation acceptances (target: 150 confirmed)
  • Coordinate travel details for VIP speakers
  • Brief all speakers and panelists
  • Prepare TimeBack investment materials
  • Manage waitlist communications

March 1-15, 2026 (Pre-Event Activation)​

  • Release select media teasers during SXSW
  • Final logistics check with UT
  • Prepare all summit materials and gifts
  • Brief event staff and security

March 16-21, 2026 (UT Spring Break/Event Week)​

  • March 16-17: Final preparations, venue setup at UT
  • March 18-20: Summit execution
  • March 21-27: Post-event follow-up and relationship cultivation

Success Metrics​

Quantitative​

  • 150+ high-level attendees
  • 20+ education ministers/commissioners
  • 50+ media stories generated
  • 10+ concrete partnerships initiated
  • 90% attendee satisfaction rating

Qualitative​

  • Alpha recognized as thought leader
  • Relationships built with key decision makers
  • Narrative shifted toward Alpha's vision
  • Austin established as education hub
  • Foundation laid for annual franchise

Risk Mitigation​

Potential Risks & Responses​

Competition Concerns

  • Mitigation: Position as industry-wide benefit, not Alpha-exclusive

Political Sensitivities

  • Mitigation: Bipartisan approach, focus on innovation not ideology

Attendance Challenges

  • Mitigation: Early commitment from anchor attendees, compelling program

Alpha Association Backlash

  • Mitigation: Careful structuring of organizational independence

Execution Complexity

  • Mitigation: Experienced event team, clear project management

Strategic Advantages​

Why This Approach Works​

  1. Neutral Platform - Avoids appearance of corporate propaganda
  2. Network Effects - Bringing leaders together creates value for all
  3. Narrative Control - Shape conversation without seeming to
  4. Relationship Catalyst - Accelerates years of relationship building
  5. Global Positioning - Establishes Alpha in international context
  6. Timing Leverage - Post-SXSW EDU creates exclusive positioning
  7. Location Advantage - Austin as innovation hub, Alpha's backyard
  8. UT Austin Partnership - Prestigious venues at favorable rates through Joe's relationships
  9. SXSW Momentum - Captures international visitors already in Austin
  10. Spring Break Timing - Full campus access without scheduling conflicts

Next Steps​

  1. Strategic Alignment - Confirm Alpha leadership buy-in and funding
  2. Legal Structure - Establish appropriate organizational entity
  3. Core Team - Recruit 3-4 key organizers
  4. Venue Securing - Lock in Austin location for Spring 2026
  5. Initial Outreach - Begin relationship building with key invitees
  6. Brand Development - Create visual identity and messaging
  7. Website Launch - Establish digital presence and credibility

Conclusion​

The American Education Summit represents a strategic masterstroke opportunity for Alpha Schools to solidify its position as THE leader in American education excellence. By funding and shaping this America First forum ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary, Alpha gains:

  • $1B fundraising platform for TimeBack with global investor access
  • Narrative control over American education's future and global expansion
  • Direct access to Trump administration and America First policy makers
  • Media positioning as the patriotic education champion
  • International investment pipeline for TimeBack and Alpha expansion
  • Political alignment with the 250th anniversary and American dominance themes

The investment required ($1.2M) is minimal compared to the strategic value created. Beyond positioning Alpha as education's future, this summit serves as the launch platform for TimeBack's billion-dollar fundraising - potentially returning 100x+ on the event investment through facilitated investor connections alone.

The March 2026 timing creates the perfect pre-250th anniversary moment to assert American educational dominance for the next century. This is about American excellence first - and inviting the world to invest in what we're building, not to shape it.

This is not just an event - it's a billion-dollar fundraising platform disguised as an education summit, positioning both Alpha and TimeBack at the center of American education's future.

Document Status: Draft for Strategic Review Classification: Confidential - Strategic Planning Distribution: Limited to Alpha Leadership & Strategic Planning Team