Illinois Digital Educators Alliance

What Illinois Digital Educators Alliance does

Illinois Digital Educators Alliance (IDEA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization founded in 1986 (originally as ICE) and headquartered in Naperville, Illinois. It provides professional development, networking, and grant/scholarship programs to K-12 educators, technology coordinators, library media specialists, school administrators, and higher education representatives across Illinois and, in smaller numbers, across the US and 23 countries. Membership is free and exceeds 12,000, with delivery through 21 regional chapters covering all Illinois counties, weekly Wednesday webinars, a monthly ideaU on-demand video series hosted on Edpuzzle, the Big IDEAs newsletter, the That's the IDEA! podcast, and the annual three-day IDEAcon conference.

IDEA's product surface is content and event-driven rather than technology-driven. Core offerings include IDEAcon, the Mini-Grants Program (up to $1,000 per project), the IDEA Scholarship Program (up to $1,000 per recipient), ideaU Institute on-demand learning, Wednesday Webinars, and tailored District Professional Learning workshops. The organization holds Illinois State Board of Education approved-provider status for educator licensure professional development hours (PDHs), which gives credentialed value to its content. Underlying infrastructure is standard nonprofit SaaS: a Neon CRM platform for membership and event registration, Edpuzzle for video delivery, and recently a Tochan AI-powered chatbot on its public website. No proprietary core technology is developed in-house.

The business model is a freemium nonprofit hybrid. Direct revenue comes from tiered IDEAcon registration fees (All-Access, Live, Lite+, Lite, IDEAcon+ virtual), paid ideaU access ($29 member / $39 non-member), and a structured sponsorship program (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, plus Innovation Association and event-specific sponsors). Indirect support flows from donations funding the Mini-Grant and Scholarship programs. The 12,000+ member base is free, which removes price friction but makes IDEA's revenue dependent on conference attendance, sponsor commitments, and donation cycles rather than membership dues.

Name

Illinois Digital Educators Alliance

Legal name

Illinois Digital Educators Alliance

Website

https://ideaillinois.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Illinois Digital Educators Alliance (IDEA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free-membership professional development, networking, and grants to 12,000+ Illinois K-12 educators through 21 regional chapters, annual conferences, webinars, and on-demand learning.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Educator Professional Development

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (611710), Professional and Management Development Training (61143)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

STEM, Digital Literacy & Maker Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Innovation & Design Thinking Programs (EDAMAHAD)

Keywords

• Educator professional development
• Educational technology training
• K-12 teacher resources
• Professional learning networks
• Education nonprofit services

Headquarters

HQ city

Naperville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership: Membership is free (100% FREE). IDEA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on partnerships, sponsorships, and donations to fund its programs including mini-grants, scholarships, and professional development opportunities.
2. Event Revenue: IDEAcon conference registration fees (All-Access, Live, Lite+, Lite, and IDEAcon+ virtual options) generate revenue. The organization also receives sponsorship support from partners at various tiers (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze).
3. Mini-Grant and Scholarship Program Funding: Donations support IDEA's Mini-Grant and Scholarship programs. The Mini-Grant Program provides up to $1,000 per award for educational technology projects. Scholarships up to $1,000 are available for members to pursue advanced degrees or attend professional development.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Illinois Digital Educators Alliance (IDEA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization that delivers professional development, networking, and resources to Illinois educators. Its offerings include free membership, the annual IDEAcon conference, mini-grants and scholarships for classroom innovation, on-demand learning through the ideaU Institute, weekly Wednesday webinars, and district-tailored professional learning workshops, all delivered through 21 regional chapters covering the state.

Product overview

Illinois Digital Educators Alliance (IDEA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit membership organization offering a comprehensive suite of professional learning and networking products for educators. The core offerings include IDEAcon (annual 3-day conference), the Mini-Grants Program (up to $1,000 per project), the Scholarship Program, the ideaU Institute (on-demand PD via Edpuzzle), Wednesday Webinars (weekly free webinars), and District Professional Learning (tailored workshops). Additional products include the Students for Innovation: Advocacy Day, Big IDEAs Newsletter, That's the IDEA! Podcast, K-12 Education Showcase, 21 Regional Chapters, and the free IDEA Membership providing access to all benefits. IDEA serves as an Illinois State Board of Education approved provider for educator licensure professional development hours (PDHs).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• IDEAcon: Annual conference celebrating 40 years, held February 9-11, 2026. A three-day experience featuring thought leaders, hundreds of sessions, and networking events for educators.
• ideaU
• Wednesday Webinars
• That's the IDEA! Podcast
• Mini-Grants Program
• Scholarship Program
• IDEA Educator of the Year Award

Products and services

• IDEAcon Conference Annual three-day in-person and virtual conference for Illinois educators featuring hundreds of professional development sessions, keynotes, an exhibit hall, and evening social events. Tiered registration passes (All-Access, Live, Lite+, Lite, IDEAcon+) accommodate different attendance needs.
• IDEA Membership Free individual membership providing access to professional development hours, mini-grants, scholarships, 21 regional chapter networking, weekly webinars, the monthly ideaU series, and the IDEAcon community for Illinois educators and beyond.
• Mini-Grants Program Funding program providing IDEA members up to $1,000 per award for educational technology projects that showcase innovation and creativity in PreK-12 classrooms.
• IDEA Scholarship Program Scholarship program providing up to $1,000 for IDEA members pursuing advanced degrees, for-credit college courses, or professional development and conferences (including IDEAcon registration and lodging). Children of IDEA members may also apply for scholarships to pursue a degree in Education.
• Students for Innovation: Advocacy Day Annual event at the Illinois State Capitol where K-12 students present innovative classroom technology projects to state legislators to advocate for education technology funding. Running 30+ years (formerly TECH 20xx and Amplify Innovation Student Showcase).
• Wednesday Webinars Free weekly one-hour virtual professional development webinars hosted in partnership with education experts and corporate partners, covering topics from social-emotional learning to web design and more.
• ideaU Institute Monthly on-demand video professional development series on timely educational themes, delivered via Edpuzzle. Illinois educators can earn 2-3 PDHs for completing a series. Member pricing $29, non-member pricing $39.
• District Professional Learning Custom professional learning workshops tailored to the specific needs of Illinois school districts, with districts requesting quotes through the IDEA website.
• Big IDEAs Newsletter Weekly email newsletter providing research-based practices, network connections, tips, strategies, and announcements to IDEA members and the Illinois educator community.
• That's the IDEA! Podcast Official IDEA podcast featuring conversations with guests on innovative ideas and fresh perspectives for educators, hosted by Don Sturm and Stefanie Crawford.
• K-12 Education Showcase Free open-house style event for school administrators, technology directors, and CTOs to experience education technology products firsthand from IDEA partners.
• Regional Chapters Network Network of 21 regional chapters covering all counties in the state of Illinois, providing local networking, professional development, and community events for members.
• IDEA Educator of the Year Award Annual award program recognizing IDEA members who have made outstanding contributions integrating technology in education across three categories: K-12 Classroom Teachers, Tech Leaders/Technology Using Educators, and Administrators.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 12,000 educators served across Illinois and 23 countries
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

47 partnerships are on record, tiered platinum, gold, silver, bronze, innovation association, sponsorship and partnership.

• E2 Services, Inc.platinumGTM or Marketing PartnerAccredited Advisor, Provider and Trusted Partner offering Managed IT Services, Cloud Services, Cyber Security Services, Risk Assessments, Wireless Solutions, Systems Integration, and Virtualization solutions for Education, Financial, Healthcare and Enterprise Organizations.
• Interiors for Business, Inc. (IFB)platinumGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides workplace solutions that positively affect bottom line, culture and morale. Services corporations, small businesses, schools, universities, assisted living facilities, healthcare and government agencies.
• LEGO EducationplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerNearly 50 years of hands-on robotics and STEAM solutions. Provides LEGO Education Science, a learning solution for K-8 standards-aligned, inquiry-based learning programs.
• SPL (Sound, Presentation, Lighting)platinumTechnology or IntegrationClassroom technology integration specialists providing comprehensive AV systems from full auditoriums to flexible classrooms. Maximizes every dollar for AV infrastructure improvement.
• WeVideoplatinumTechnology or IntegrationGlobally-recognized interactive video learning platform. Founded in Norway in 2011 with a 100+ fully remote team. Makes video creation accessible to everyone from school children to professionals.
• Google for EducationgoldTechnology or IntegrationSupports K12 and Higher Ed institutions using Google products including G Suite for Education, Google Classroom, and Chromebooks. Provides programs to help educators and students effectively adopt Google technology.
• Illinois Century Network (ICN)goldGTM or Marketing PartnerHigh-speed broadband network serving K12 and Higher Education, Public Libraries, and Government entities. Managed by Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology. Provides Internet and Intranet connectivity statewide.
• VIVOgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerErgonomic office furniture brand creating height adjustable desks, mobile workstations, IT mounting hardware and student seating for classrooms and schools.
• Xerox IT SolutionsgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerComprehensive IT services and solutions including hardware procurement, help desk support, security and automation. Strategic partner for end-to-end IT needs.
• EdpuzzlesilverTechnology or IntegrationVideo-based learning platform used for IDEA's ideaU on-demand professional development series.
• FORTEsilverGTM or Marketing PartnerEducation technology partner.
• RenaissancesilverGTM or Marketing PartnerEducation technology partner providing learning analytics and assessment solutions.
• SMART TechnologiessilverTechnology or IntegrationInteractive display and learning platform provider for education.
• TeqsilverGTM or Marketing PartnerEducation technology professional development and solutions provider.
• CDW-GbronzeChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTechnology solutions provider for K-12 education, reselling computers, devices, and IT infrastructure.
• CodeHSbronzeTechnology or IntegrationComputer science education platform providing curriculum and professional development for coding education.
• EduMatchbronzeGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional learning network connecting educators globally.
• eDynamic LearningbronzeGTM or Marketing PartnerCareer and technical education curriculum provider.
• Imagine LearningbronzeGTM or Marketing PartnerDigital learning solutions provider for literacy and language development.
• Rival5bronzeGTM or Marketing PartnerEducation technology partner.
• ScriblebronzeTechnology or IntegrationResearch and writing platform for education.
• SnorklbronzeTechnology or IntegrationVideo-based learning and feedback platform.
• TeachersFirstbronzeGTM or Marketing PartnerResource site for educators providing technology integration resources and professional development.
• The Connecting LinkbronzeGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional development and educational resources provider.
• Common Sense Educationinnovation associationStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides digital citizenship curriculum and education technology reviews for schools.
• CS for Successinnovation associationStrategic or Co-development PartnerComputer science education initiative supporting equitable CS access.
• COSEM (Educating Mindfully)innovation associationStrategic or Co-development PartnerMindfulness and social-emotional learning resources for education.
• Factors Educationinnovation associationStrategic or Co-development PartnerAI-powered platform democratizing competency-based education by transitioning schools from curriculum-based teaching to personalized, culturally responsive learning aligned with Portrait of Graduate models.
• FUSE Studioinnovation associationStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject-based learning platform for STEM and maker education.
• Future Design Schoolinnovation associationStrategic or Co-development PartnerDesign thinking and innovation education provider.
• Illinois Resource Centerinnovation associationStrategic or Co-development PartnerIllinois-based educational resource and professional development provider.
• Illinois Invention Conventioninnovation associationStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudent invention and innovation program supporting creativity and entrepreneurship in K-12 education.
• MAET and MALXDinnovation associationStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaster of Arts in Education Technology program and related educational initiatives from Michigan State University.
• Mr. Dearyburyinnovation associationStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational content creator and author focusing on innovative classroom practices.
• LightspeedsponsorshipGTM or Marketing PartnerAV Sponsor for IDEAcon 2026, providing instructional audio solutions for classrooms.
• Clear TouchsponsorshipGTM or Marketing PartnerDigital Signage Sponsor for IDEAcon 2026, providing interactive display solutions.
• Canva for EducationsponsorshipGTM or Marketing PartnerConnect Sponsor for IDEAcon 2026, providing visual communication tools for education.
• National Inventors Hall of FamesponsorshipGTM or Marketing PartnerInnovate Sponsor for IDEAcon 2026. Sponsors Educator of the Year awards for 2025-2026.
• Book CreatorsponsorshipGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsors Advocacy Day, providing digital book creation platform for classrooms.
• AJR BrandssponsorshipGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsors Advocacy Day.
• CyberPowerPCsponsorshipGTM or Marketing Partneresports Sponsor for IDEAcon 2026.
• EnvirosponsorshipGTM or Marketing PartnerFurniture Sponsor for IDEAcon 2026.
• True IP SolutionssponsorshipGTM or Marketing PartnerCreate Sponsor for IDEAcon 2026.
• Vivacity TechsponsorshipGTM or Marketing PartnerCreate Sponsor for IDEAcon 2026.
• Cabbage & Kings GamessponsorshipGTM or Marketing PartnerBoard Games Sponsor for IDEAcon 2026.
• Tochan AIinnovation associationTechnology or IntegrationAI chatbot platform for schools and districts providing 24/7 instant answers to students, parents, staff, and community members. Powers IDEA's website chatbot.
• TCEApartnershipGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership to offer Illinois educators up to 48 PDHs for attending TCEA's AI for Educators Conference. IDEA receives referral support when educators select IDEA as referral source.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• CUE (Computer Using Educators): CUE is a California-based EdTech professional learning organization offering conferences, workshops, and advocacy for educators — a near-identical model to IDEA at the state level. It is one of the closest direct structural peers.
• CoSN (Consortium for School Networking): CoSN is a US membership organization serving K-12 EdTech leaders, CTOs, and technology directors with PD, advocacy, and networking — directly overlapping IDEA's Tech Leader segment. Comparable on advocacy and leadership-development dimensions.
• TCEA (Texas Computer Education Association): TCEA is a Texas-based EdTech membership organization offering PD, conferences (TCEA Convention), and an annual AI for Educators Conference that IDEA actively partners with. It is a state-level peer with very similar programming, sponsor structure, and member model.
• MassCUE (Massachusetts Computer Using Educators): MassCUE is a Massachusetts-based EdTech educator association offering conferences, PD, and a member community. Like IDEA, it operates at the state level with chapter structure, an annual conference, and free/paid membership tiers.

Broad incumbents

• ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education): ISTE is the largest global membership organization for educators focused on EdTech, offering standards, certification, conferences (ISTE conference), and PD. It is comparable to IDEA as a peer EdTech PD association, but operates at a national/international scale while IDEA is Illinois-only.
• SETDA (State Educational Technology Directors Association): SETDA is a US association of state-level EdTech directors that engages in advocacy, policy, and PD for educational technology leadership. Comparable to IDEA's Advocacy Day and policy work, though focused on the state-director level rather than classroom educators.
• Learning Forward: Learning Forward is a national PD membership organization for educators offering the Learning Forward Conference, journals, and PD standards. Comparable to IDEA's PD mission but at national scale with broader (non-EdTech-only) focus.
• ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development): ASCD is a national education leadership organization offering PD, publications, and advocacy for administrators and curriculum leaders. Comparable to IDEA's administrator and educator leadership segment, though with broader (non-EdTech-only) scope.

Others

• EdSurge: EdSurge is an EdTech media and community platform serving educators and EdTech vendors with news, product reviews, and community events. It is an ecosystem participant alongside IDEA, sharing the same audience and sponsor base but operating as a media company rather than a PD association.

Emerging players

• Common Sense Education: Common Sense Education provides digital citizenship curriculum, EdTech reviews, and educator PD. As a listed IDEA 'Innovation Association' partner, it overlaps with IDEA's mission of supporting EdTech integration in K-12 classrooms but specializes in digital citizenship rather than general PD.

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks2 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLYQR1MHk3k3aJ0_TDjmWAtRD9hlb9qS3v
• Xx.com/ideaillinois
• Facebookfacebook.com/ideaillinois
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ideaillinois

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Illinois Digital Educators Alliance