SAVE THE DATE

SACA is proud to announce the dates for the inaugural National Conference, AUGUST 10-11, 2026.

Open to education and industry, the conference will bring together leaders in technical education, industrial innovation, workforce training, and certifications. With two full days of programming, attendees will learn about certification implementation strategies, new credential development, building industry-education partnerships, hiring and recruiting strategies, and more. 

The conference will be officially held from 9 am - 4:30 pm on Monday and Tuesday with a networking event on Monday evening at Lucette's, less than a mile from UW-Stout. 

Connect, learn, and grow with others from across the country.

Registration Opening Soon

Agenda

The Conference will feature two full days of speakers, panels, interactive sessions and networking opportunities.

Optional: SACA Gold Proctoring - August 12th & 13th

In collaboration with UW-Stout and Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) we are proud to offer two additional days of professional development.

More information to come!

Agenda

  • Breakfast and registration will begin at 7:30am
  • Sessions will begin at 9am and conclude at 4:30pm
  • Join us for a special networking event following the day's activities!
  • Breakfast and registration will begin at 7:30am
  • Sessions will begin at 9am and conclude at 4:30pm
  • SACA Gold Proctoring Days agenda TBD. Please check back soon for more information.

Coming to the Manufacturing Heart of the U.S.

Wisconsin is where American manufacturing heritage meets the future of advanced technology. As a state with one of the nation’s strongest concentrations of manufacturing employers, Wisconsin offers a living laboratory for Industry 4.0 innovation.

Hosting the SACA National Conference at UW–Stout places attendees in the heart of a region that understands skills, values hands‑on learning, and actively invests in the next generation of technical talent.

Travel and Accomodations

Getting to Menomonie, WI

Menomonie, Wisconsin is easy to reach, sitting just over an hour east of Minneapolis along I‑94. Attendees flying in can land at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport and enjoy a straightforward drive through the scenic Upper Midwest.

Accommodations

There are two preferred hotels for the event.

Hampton Inn – Menomonie, WI

  • Located at 2017 Stout St, Menomonie, WI 54751
  • Sunday-Wednesday rooms start at $139/night. Call to book: dial 715-231-3030 and provide the August dates with the UWS SACA group name and rate code "C-SAC"

Cobblestone Inn and Suites - Menomonie

  • Located at 149 Main Street E Menomonie, WI 54751
  • Attendees must call 715-233-0211 for pricing and to book under the SACA National Summer Conference block.

Registration Opening Soon

Learn about our host

About University of Wisconsin-Stout

At UW-Stout, students do more than earn a degree - they do on day one. From hands-on applied learning and research to career-focused experiences, we connect tomorrow's learners with the opportunities and employers to shape the future of engineering, technology, design, management, and more. More than your average four-year university, we're technology-forward, industry-informed, and people-focused. Our labs and studios outnumber traditional classrooms by three to one, and 99% of our graduates are employed within six months of graduation. Founded in 1891, we are Wisconsin's Polytechnic University.

Fequently Asked Questions

Anyone can attend the conference! Designed for industry and education, our specialized conference tracks offer specific examples relevant to your work in advance Industry 4.0 careers.

No. While we love our SACA member institutions, we want this conference to also be an opportunity for you to learn more about SACA and see the potential benefits of membership.

Yes! With our partnership with UW-Stout, we will be able to send you a certification of completion after the event. Directions for submission will be provided at the event.

The conference will be held at UW-Stout from August 10-11.

The SACA National Conference presents an unique opportunity to bring together SACA members, industry professionals, and other educator all in one spot. Leveraging our large network of members, 5 specialized tracks offer something for everyone. Plus, enjoy dedicated time to network with other schools and potential industry partners!

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