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Tech Spotlight 2026 | Conrad Weiser High School

A hands-on experience helping high school students build technical skills and explore careers in entertainment technology.

Tech Spotlight

Details

Date: September 25, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Conrad Weiser High School | 44 Big Spring Road, Robesonia, PA
Presented by: Illuminated Integration
Hosted by: Conrad Weiser High School

2026 Tech Spotlight Sponsors

Tech Spotlight is an advanced educational experience for high school juniors and seniors who are ready to take the next step toward a future in entertainment and production technology.

Designed for motivated students already involved in technical theatre, broadcasting, audiovisual systems, live production, or related technologies, Tech Spotlight connects high school experiences with the opportunities that come next. Whether students are considering college, technical training, apprenticeships, internships, or entering the workforce, the event helps them explore available pathways and begin preparing for their future.

Throughout the day, students will participate in hands-on instruction, real-world demonstrations, industry mentorship, and career-focused learning. Sessions are led by working professionals and supported by leading manufacturers, giving students the opportunity to learn directly from the people who design, install, program, and operate technology systems every day.

Students will explore advanced concepts in lighting, video, audio, rigging, design, installation, and system integration while developing practical skills they can apply in their schools, communities, and future careers.

Tech Spotlight is built around one important question:

What should the next generation of industry professionals know before taking their next step?

Through this experience, students will gain a clearer understanding of:

Educational and training pathways within the industry
Certifications, software, and resources valued by employers
Technical and professional skills needed to succeed
Careers in design, engineering, programming, installation, operations, and project management
Steps they can begin taking now to prepare for future opportunities

Tech Spotlight also serves as a pathway to scholarship opportunities offered through the Education Advocacy Program, helping participating students continue their education and professional development.

This is more than an introduction to entertainment technology. Tech Spotlight is a launch point for students who are ready to move beyond the basics, strengthen their skills, connect with industry professionals, and begin building a future in the field.

2026

Class Lineup

Lighting

Explore the technical and creative choices that shape an effective lighting design. Participants will learn how photometrics, focus points, beam angles, intensity, and fixture overlap contribute to a smooth, even wash. Live demonstrations will show these concepts in action before the session shifts to the science and emotion of color. Through interactive activities, participants will explore additive and subtractive color mixing, compare LED fixtures and traditional gel, and consider how color can create realistic environments, imaginative worlds, and meaningful emotional responses.

Led By: Becky McCarthy

Video | Inside the Control Room

Step inside the control room to discover the people, technology, and split-second decisions behind a live sports broadcast. Using an NFL production as a case study, participants will explore essential crew roles, communication practices, audio mixing, camera choices, replay, and the technical systems that bring a game to millions of viewers. Through discussion and a shot-selection exercise, students will learn why planning, teamwork, restraint, and storytelling matter more than any single piece of equipment. The session challenges students to look beyond what appears on screen and recognize the skilled professionals and purposeful decisions behind every live production.

Led By: John Fones

Audio

Discover how individual mixing decisions come together to shape what an audience hears. Using professional front-of-house and monitor consoles, participants will follow a mix from its starting point through gain staging, filtering, equalization, level setting, panning, dynamics, and effects. Each step will be demonstrated in real time, allowing participants to hear how thoughtful adjustments can improve clarity, balance, and impact. The session concludes with questions and hands-on time at the consoles.

Led By: Jonathan Cook

Rigging | Staying in Balance

Explore the mechanics behind theatrical counterweight rigging through demonstrations and hands-on practice. Participants will identify the essential components of a counterweight system, see how balance and physics make scenery and equipment easier to move, and learn the proper steps for operating a line set safely. Each participant will have the opportunity to move a line set to a designated mark and return it to its starting position. The session may also introduce motorized, assisted, and hybrid rigging systems as time allows.

Led By: Matt Summerson

Register Today

Student Registration Chaperone Registration

Meet our Presenters

Tyler Hoffman

CEO

Tyler Hoffman

CEO

As CEO of Illuminated Integration, Tyler is excited to lead “Technology Careers in the Permanent Installation World” and introduce students to the wide range of career opportunities within the industry. With a BFA in Theatre Design & Technology, Tyler built his career around bringing performance technology beyond the stage and integrating it into architecture, commercial spaces, entertainment venues, and everyday environments. He encourages students to find their passion, pursue it relentlessly, and explore how their interests can become a meaningful career.

Jonathan Cook

Director of Integration & Installation

Jonathan Cook

Director of Integration & Installation

As the Director of Integration & Installation, Jonathan is excited to teach our audio class where students will build a mix step by step and hear how every decision effects the final result. Jonathan believes you need to find a role in which you have passion, not just a job. When you’re passionate about your work, every day is a new opportunity for growth and expansion of knowledge.

Matt Summerson

Senior Designer

Matt Summerson

Senior Designer

Matt, a Senior Designer, focuses every day on ensuring our projects meet our high standards for simplicity, usability, and reliability. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, and an ETCP certification, Matt is excited to education on rigging systems, and how theatrical counterweight systems work through hands-on demonstrations and guided practice.

Becky McCarthy

Senior Designer

Becky McCarthy

Senior Designer

Becky, Senior Designer, uses her career as a way to tell stories. That is no different for the thought process between creative and aesthetic lighting design. Her over 15 years of Lighting Design for live performance, and LC certification, has taught her that every moment of life can be sculpted and appreciated. Passionate for education, Becky is ready to explore the science of creativity behind effective lighting design.

John Fones

Design Estimator

John Fones

Design Estimator

As a Design Estimator with an associate degree in Film & Video Production, John is excited to teach the video class and introduce students to the technology that first sparked his own interest in the industry. His career has included work in television, live production, churches, and systems integration, giving him a broad perspective on how video technology is used in professional environments. John encourages students to seek hands-on opportunities, find mentors, and surround themselves with people they can learn from.

John Kaufman

Designer

John Kaufman

Designer

As a Designer with a BFA in Theatrical Design Technology and an emphasis in Lighting Design, John is excited to introduce students to projection mapping during the Tech Spotlight tradeshow. Drawing on his experience blending technology, architecture, and entertainment, he will demonstrate how projected content can transform physical surfaces and create immersive visual experiences. John encourages students to pay attention to the details and patterns around them, remain curious, and never stop looking for inspiration.

Tyler Hoffman

CEO

Tyler Hoffman

CEO

Jonathan Cook

Director of Integration & Installation

Jonathan Cook

Director of Integration & Installation

Matt Summerson

Senior Designer

Matt Summerson

Senior Designer

Becky McCarthy

Senior Designer

Becky McCarthy

Senior Designer

John Fones

Design Estimator

John Fones

Design Estimator

John Kaufman

Designer

John Kaufman

Designer

FAQ’S

Who should attend Tech Spotlight?

Tech Spotlight is designed for motivated high school juniors and seniors who already have experience or a strong interest in technical theatre, broadcasting, audiovisual systems, live production, or related technologies. The program moves beyond introductory concepts and is best suited for students who are ready to develop their skills and explore future education and career pathways.

Do students need previous technical experience?

Yes. Students should have some previous involvement in technical theatre, broadcasting, live production, or a related technology area. They do not need to be experts, but they should understand basic concepts and be prepared for advanced, hands-on learning.

What is the tradeshow portion of the event?

Representatives and manufacturers will showcase industry-standard technology, giving students additional opportunities to see and interact with professional equipment. Students should come prepared to ask questions about the technology, learn from industry professionals, and explore career paths that may align with their skills and interests.

How is Tech Spotlight different from a career fair?

Tech Spotlight combines career exploration with technical instruction and practical experience. Students will not only learn about careers but also work with industry concepts, tools, and technologies they may encounter in college, technical training, or the workplace.

Is there a cost to attend?

Registration is free. Advance registration is required because space is limited.

Do teachers or chaperones need to attend? Who should chaperone?

Teachers and chaperones should also register so event organizers have an accurate attendance count.

Chaperones are encouraged to be technology mentors and leaders for their schools.

What should students bring?

Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended for hands-on activities. Cell phone for virtual quiz game at the end of the day.

Will meals be provided?

A light breakfast, and lunch will be provided. Please be sure to indicate any dietary restrictions during registration and we will do our best to accommodate.

Will students be photographed or recorded?

Photo and video will be captured during Tech Spotlight for educational and promotional purposes of Illuminated Integration and its partners.

Are Scholarships Available?

Yes. Tech Spotlight serves as a pathway to scholarship opportunities offered through the Education Advocacy Program. Additional information about eligibility, applications, and deadlines will be shared with participating students.

What happens if a student can no longer attend?

Please email education@illuminated-integration.com. Space is limited, and early notice may allow another student to participate.

Who should I contact with questions?

Please email education@illuminated-integration.com with any questions.

2026 Schedule of Events

Start Time	End Time
8:00	8:50	Arrival, Registration, Breakfast, Tradeshow
9:00	9:10	Welcome in Auditorium
9:10	9:25	Technology Careers in the Permanent Installation World
9:30	10:05	1 \| Class & Tradeshow Rotation
10:10	10:45	2 \| Class & Tradeshow Rotation
10:50	11:25	3 \| Class, Tradeshow, & Lunch Rotation
11:30	12:05	4 \| Class, Tradeshow, & Lunch Rotation
12:10	12:45	5 \| Class & Tradeshow Rotation
12:50	1:25	6 \| Class & Tradeshow Rotation
1:30	1:40	Test Your Knowledge
1:40	2:00	Closing