PRACTITIONERS__
ACADEMY

Join Rise8 practitioners as we open our playbook, sharpen our practice, and build mission-ready software, together.

MARCH 31 — APRIL 2, 2026 | DEER VALLEY, UT

Rolling Admissions Open_
LEARN.
Build.
Ship Outcomes.
Who It's For
Why Enroll
Coaches and Facilitators
The Venue
Admissions
Who It's For

The Practitioners Academy isn’t open to everyone — 
and that’s by design.

We're curating a group of builders, designers, and product leaders serious about 
outcomes in production. If that's you, apply to start your academy journey.

I AM A__
PRODUCT MANAGER

Prioritize the Right Value. Ship It. Learn the Fastest.

You carry the torch that lights the 
way, translating mission intent into measurable outcomes and mission impact. At the Academy, you'll refine your ability to align strategy with execution, validate assumptions quickly, and prioritize the work that drives real impact. You’ll leave with sharper tools to map value streams, run higher-fidelity experiments, and lead with clarity in high-stakes environments.

I AM A__
DESIGNER

Research Fast. Prototype Smarter. Design for Impact.

You wield the paintbrush that turns mission challenges into intuitive experiences that deliver results. 
At the Academy, you’ll deepen your ability to translate research into rapid prototypes, blending human insight with AI to move from idea to validation in record time. You’ll leave with stronger instincts for designing, iterating, and collaborating with PMs and Engineers to ship faster solutions that meet mission needs.

I AM A__
SOFTWARE ENGINEER

Engineer Mission-Critical Outcomes. Deploy Production Solutions.

You hold the chisel to refine and engineer solutions that deliver mission impact at speed, without sacrificing quality. At the Academy, you’ll apply 
AI-accelerated XP practices to build resilient software and accelerate delivery cycles through hands-on practice. You’ll leave with stronger systems thinking, AI-accelerated practices, and the confidence to deliver production solutions faster and more securely.

I AM A__
PLATFORM ENGINEER

Design the Foundation. 
Empower the Mission.

You bring the mallet that drives the foundation into place, building the platform that makes fast, secure delivery possible. At the Academy, you’ll practice hands-on infrastructure automation, security-first configuration, and resilient architecture patterns that support mission-scale systems. From Kubernetes orchestration to secure data pipeline design, you’ll sharpen your ability to support teams and deliver outcomes—without friction, without delay.

Why Enroll?

Improving your craft isn't optional when lives, missions, and public services are on the line.

Join us for three days with one mission: to build better software, better teams, and better outcomes.

The Practitioners Academy is designed to deliver deep, hands on learning without the noise. This isn’t passive learning. It’s active, applied practice.

You'll move between:

  • Focused learning tracks tailored to Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers
  • Interactive breakouts that blend tactical instruction with immediate application

  • Live simulation where balanced teams build and deploy a real application in a time-boxed challenge

  • Practitioner keynotes and panels featuring insights from the frontlines of government and industry delivery

  • Open sessions and peer coaching to tackle challenges with other doers in the room

Whether you’re refining your practice or expanding your toolkit, the format is built to support fast learning, deep collaboration, and practice that sticks.

Coaches and Facilitators

Real World Tools, Real World Coaches

Become a Coach
The Venue

Practitioners Academy takes place at the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Park City, UT

This quiet, cold-climate setting provides the environment for deep practice with room for meaningful work, clear thinking, and real collaboration.

  • A focused space designed for hands-on sessions, live simulations, and collaborative deep dives to support learning, building, and team integration

  • Intentional disconnection from daily churn—so teams can connect to what matters

  • Uninterrupted time to sharpen your craft alongside other skilled practitioners
See the Gallery_
Attend the 2026 Academy

The Practitioners Academy is designed for those ready to apply their craft in practice.

We’re curating a group of builders, designers, and product leaders serious about outcomes in production. If that’s you, apply to start your academy journey.

Enrollment includes access to all sessions, simulation labs, breakfast, lunch and daily snacks.

Dates: March 31 - April 2, 2026

Costs:

GREAT STUDENTS ASK GREAT QUESTIONS

FAQs

Who is this academy for?
Who is this academy for?

The Practitioners Academy is designed for Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers from Rise8, public service, and private industry, who want to elevate their practice and deepen their understanding of modern software delivery.

What can I expect to learn?
What can I expect to learn?

You’ll gain practical skills focused on your discipline - Product Management, Design and Engineering, through a lens of continuous delivery, balanced teams and outcomes. Expect immersive workshops, build camps, and sessions led by experienced practitioners.

Will I be eligible for continuing education credits?
Will I be eligible for continuing education credits?

Yes. Attendees from government agencies will receive CPE Credits for participation in the core, two-day Academy. The final agenda will determine the total number of awardable credits.

Are there opportunities to participate as a speaker or sponsor?
Are there opportunities to participate as a speaker or sponsor?

Absolutely. Sponsors can run workshops, participate in build camps, and demonstrate their tools in real use cases. Select speakers will be invited to share practitioner-level insights with aligned values and relevant experience.

What if I have a conflict and have to cancel?
What if I have a conflict and have to cancel?

We understand—when the mission calls, you answer. Cancel by March 1 for a full refund, or by March 15 for a 50% refund. After March 16, all registrations are non-refundable.

What's there to do in Park City?
What's there to do in Park City?

Park City delivers big mountain energy with small-town charm. Known for it’s historic downtown and lively cultural scene, it offers great food, local breweries, stunning views, and plenty of ways to unwind after a day of learning and building with fellow practitioners.

Pattern

Seats are limited.

Early bird pricing ends December 15.

Apply Now_