Advocate. Innovate. Lead.
.png)
Jeff Sheppard
​
As a two-time national champion for the University of Kentucky Basketball team, Jeff acknowledges the importance that teamwork played during those memorable times in his life, and it's the same spirit of teamwork that he now applies to his work at Family Wealth Group.
Jeff's role has expanded to one of the Senior Financial Advisors and now co-owner with his business partner, Donald Bentley. For the past 12+ years, he has been working with clients at all offices: Lexington, Georgetown, Harrodsburg, London, and Somerset, to implement the comprehensive holistic planning that is at the foundation of Family Wealth Group.
In his spare time, Jeff enjoys spending time with his family. Jeff’s wife, Stacey, is a former UK basketball player, and they have two children. Madison, their daughter, and her husband Caleb, work together in full time ministry. Reed, their son, is currently a NBA Houston Rockets basketball player. They are active members of Faith Assembly of God in London, KY.
Brian Buffington
​
Brian Buffington is an EDU pioneer, paving the way, bringing the Buff Magic, seeking and searching, always sniffing out better ways to increase student engagement and learning through technology. Year after year, he inspires thousands of teachers, admins, and students by highlighting instructional technology strategies that promote creativity, professional media production, and digital living education. His diverse background of somewhat eccentric expertise includes teaching 8th graders about science, owning music venues, running a vintage clothing shop, and recording and performing his craftily written songs about extremely important and equally relevant issues such as cheese and 8th grade mustaches.
Brian has presented, motivated, entertained at national, state, and regional conferences all across the USA. A fan favorite has been the “Teacher Tech Academy,” a single-day event where educator rock stars showcase student-centered creative uses of technology. Since 2017 and for 6 years straight, he has broadcasted a yearly cyber safety event on Facebook Live, “A Parent’s Guide to Raising Digital Natives.”, that helps thousands of parents and guardians across the world. In 2021, Brian was included in EdTech K-12 Magazine’s “Top 30 to Follow in 2021.”
​
When Brian is not playing with all the latest technology, he’s using excessive commas, dropping realness in the form of clever five minute chats on his “Buff Nuggets” podcast, and performing at house concerts, singing #happymusicforthemasses. Along with his wife Brooke, Brian owns Studio Blue, a creative media company, and they reside in the mountains of Northeast Georgia, where they’re raising two crazy kids and consistently and purposefully seeking out adventures.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
7:45 am Registration and Vendor Hall Opens
8:30 am General Session & Keynote Speaker (Jeff Sheppard)
10:30-11:30 am Breakout Sessions & District Showcase
11:30 am-12:00 pm Vendor Hall
12:00-1:00 pm Lunch break (lunch on own)
1:15-2:15 pm Breakout Sessions & District Showcase
2:30-3:30 pm Breakout Sessions & District Showcase
Thursday, June 12, 2025
7:45 am Registration and Vendor Hall Opens
8:30 am General Session & Keynote Speaker (Brian Buffington)
10:30-11:30 am Breakout Sessions & District Showcase
11:30 am-12:00 pm Vendor Hall
12:00-1:00 pm Lunch break (lunch on own)
1:15-2:15 pm Breakout Sessions & District Showcase
2:30-3:30 pm Breakout Sessions & District Showcase
EDUCON will be held in Richmond, Kentucky at the EKU Perkins Conference Center. The Center is only minutes from Interstate 75 at Exit 87. Several nationally-recognized hotels are conveniently located within a short distance of the Center (see HOTELS tab). The nearest airport is Lexington Bluegrass Airport (LEX), which is approximately 45 minutes away. The physical address is 4440 Kit Carson Dr. Richmond, KY 40475 (there are some GPS devices that do not recognize this address).
​
Parking is available in the adjacent lots to the Perkins Building. Please disregard signage stating a permit is required; parking is free.
​
Driving Directions:
Take I-75 to exit #87 (Richmond/EKU Exit) At the end of the exit ramp, turn left (if exiting while traveling South) or turn right (if exiting while traveling North) onto the EKU By-Pass. Travel east along the EKU By-Pass to Kit Carson Drive. Kit Carson Drive is approximately 1.50 miles from the interstate and is located at traffic light #7. At the intersection of Kit Carson Drive and the Eastern By-Pass, you will see the EKU football stadium on your left and a fire station on your right. Turn right towards the fire station and go .40 miles. The Perkins Conference Center is connected to the Hummel Planetarium and will be on your right. EKU parking permits are not required for the Perkins Conference Center parking lot.
CKEC member: $299 before 2/2/25
Non-CKEC member: $349 before 2/2/25
​
​
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations need to be made in writing before May 15, 2025. NO REFUNDS WILL BE PROVIDED AFTER MAY 15.
Due to CKEC’s commitments to vendors and suppliers on your behalf, refunds cannot be granted for no shows, late arrival, or early departure.
Substitutions are encouraged to replace those individuals who are registered but unable to attend at the last minute. Please submit a written request for substitution by June 1 to heather.brown@ckec.org. Only one substitution is permitted per original registrant.
Group Rate: For groups of 30+ people, please contact heather.brown@ckec.org for pricing details.
*Written cancellation or substitution is required to protect both participants and staff from the uncertainty and misunderstandings that may occur because of cancellations made by phone during a hectic work period. Please submit all requests to heather.brown@ckec.org
Suggested Hotel
1099 Barnes Mill Rd
Richmond, KY 40475
(859) 626-1002
Rate: $119 per night
​
Group Name: CKEC
Click here to reserve your room.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the dates of the event?
Wednesday, June 11 and Thursday, June 12, 2025
​
When do gates/doors open? What time does it start?
Doors will open at 7:45 am and sessions begin each day at 8:30 am EST
​
What’s the address of the event entrance?
EKU Perkins Building’s physical address is 4440 Kit Carson Dr., Richmond, KY 40475
​
What are the parking arrangements and directions?
Parking is available in adjacent lots to the Perkins Building. Please disregard signage stating a permit is required; parking is free. Look for EDUCON Parking signs near the lot entrances.
Driving Directions:
Take I-75 to exit #87 (Richmond/EKU Exit) At the end of the exit ramp, turn left (if exiting while traveling South) or turn right (if exiting while traveling North) onto the EKU By-Pass. Travel east along the EKU By-Pass to Kit Carson Drive. Kit Carson Drive is approximately 1.50 miles from the interstate and is located at traffic light #7. At the intersection of Kit Carson Drive and the Eastern By-Pass, you will see the EKU football stadium on your left and a fire station on your right. Turn right towards the fire station and go .40 miles. The Perkins Conference Center is connected to the Hummel Planetarium and will be on your right. EKU parking permits are not required.
Are there any organized shuttles?
No, there will not be any organized shuttles for the event.
​
What should I bring/not bring?
Umbrella and water bottle is recommended. Notepads, pens and refreshments will be provided. Don’t forget your positive attitude and learning mindset!
Presenters: Each room will come equipped with a screen and projector. You are responsible for bringing all other necessary technology and printed material for your breakout session.
​
Will recordings, summaries, or notes be available after the session?
Unfortunately no recordings will be available; however, each breakout session speaker will have the ability to add their slides and notes in Sched.
​
Will there be Wi-Fi available? If so, what is the password?
Yes, choose “EKU Guest” from available networks while on-site, then accept the User Agreement. There is no password required.
​
Are food & beverages provided?
Refreshments will be served throughout the conference. Attendees are responsible for their own lunch expenses and Richmond truly has something to offer for every interest and taste. If you wish to stay on-site, bring your lunch bag and blanket for an old-fashioned picnic.
​
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Perkins Building is wheelchair accessible. Additional ADA accommodations may be requested in advance by emailing heather.brown@ckec.org
​
Can I get a refund?
Cancellations need to be made in writing before May 15, 2025. NO REFUNDS WILL BE PROVIDED AFTER MAY 15.
Due to CKEC’s commitments to vendors and suppliers on your behalf, refunds cannot be granted for no shows, late arrival, or early departure.
*Written cancellation is required to protect both participants and staff from the uncertainty and misunderstandings that may occur because of cancellations made by phone during a hectic work period. Please submit all requests to heather.brown@ckec.org
​
Can I transfer my ticket/registration?
Substitutions are encouraged to replace those individuals who are registered but unable to attend at the last minute. Only one substitution is permitted per original registrant.
*Written substitution is required to protect both participants and staff from the uncertainty and misunderstandings that may occur because of cancellations made by phone during a hectic work period. Please submit all requests to heather.brown@ckec.org
​
What is the dress code?
Comfortable, casual attire is recommended. We recommend you bring a sweater or jacket because it can get cool in the session rooms.
Can my spouses and children attend too?
At CKEC, we love kids and families! Unfortunately, due to liability issues, children, family members, or friends are not permitted to attend the conference unless they are a part of presenting the 1-hour breakout session.
​
How do I get my PD/EILA certificate?
You must complete the survey for each day of the conference to receive your certificate. Please allow up to 5 days for processing. The certificate will be emailed to you from Certify ‘Em. Please be sure to check your spam or junk folders. Posters in each session room will have the survey QR code.
​
If I have questions, who can I contact?
If you have any questions, please contact heather.brown@ckec.org.