After years of virtual gatherings, higher ed leaders are ready to reconnect with old friends and forge new connections over coffee breaks and evening receptions. There’s a certain magic to those impromptu conversations and chance encounters that simply can’t be replicated through a webcam.
We have curated a list of higher ed conferences and professional development programs to help you navigate the changing landscape. Whether virtual, hybrid or in-person, many more sessions are also available to registrants as on-demand content, a trend that seems likely to stay.
Here is our guide to the college leadership conferences that typically dot the higher education professional development calendar, with a breakdown of the current plans for how each will be held in 2026.
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Higher Education Conferences Happening in Spring 2026
Higher Learning 2026 (HLC Annual Conference)
- Website: hlcommission.org
- When: March 21–24, 2026
- Where: Chicago, IL
- Attendance: In-person
- Cost: Starting at $775
Higher Learning 2026 brings together professionals who are shaping the future of higher ed. The conference explores how institutions can pursue continuous improvement through accreditation and ensure high-quality, transformative educational experiences that meet the evolving needs of students and society.
ASU+GSV Summit + The AI Show 2026
- Website: asugsvsummit.com
- When: April 12–15, 2026
- Where: San Diego, CA
- Attendance: In-person
- Cost: Starting at $4,550
Join industry leaders in San Diego for the most impactful gathering of leaders across the global “PreK to Gray” learning and workforce skills ecosystem. This summit champions the belief that all people deserve equal access to the future, with innovation at scale as the catalyst for change.
2026 UPCEA Annual Conference
- Website: upcea.edu
- When: April 15–17, 2026
- Where: New Orleans, LA
- Attendance: In-person
- Cost: Starting at $1,145
This event promises to be an invaluable opportunity for the community to come together, share insights, and collaboratively address the pressing issues facing schools and the broader landscape of adult and professional education today.
AACRAO 111th Annual Meeting
- Website: aacrao.org
- When: April 19–22, 2026
- Where: New Orleans, LA
- Attendance: In-person
- Cost: Starting at $463
The AACRAO Annual Meeting is an opportunity to learn, network, and advance higher education. Professionals from a variety of higher education disciplines gather to engage and discuss the ever-changing landscape of records, registration, and admissions.
Higher Education Conferences Happening in Summer 2026
eduWeb Summit 2026
- Website: eduwebsummit.com
- When: July 14–16, 2026
- Where: Orlando, FL
- Attendance: In-person
- Cost: Starting at $1,175
As one of the most hands-on conferences for digital practitioners, eduWeb 2026 will focus heavily on the “Next-Gen Web.” Expect deep dives into AI-integrated CMS platforms, personalized student portals, and data privacy in a post-cookie marketing world.
NACUBO 2026 Annual Meeting
- Website: nacubo.org
- When: July 18–21, 2026
- Where: Anaheim, CA
- Attendance: In-person
- Cost: Starting at $950
Colleges and universities are at a crossroads and facing an enormous amount of uncertainty. Keeping their missions front of mind—both on campus and to the public—will be pivotal to weathering the storm and reinforcing their value to their students. The mission at NACUBO is to support these higher education institutions in their work.
CASE Summit for Leaders in Advancement 2026
- Website: case.org/conferences
- When: July 20–22, 2026
- Where: Seattle, WA
- Attendance: In-person
- Cost: Starting at $1,955
The CASE Summit for Leaders in Advancement brings together thought leaders at the peak of their advancement careers from around the world and across advancement disciplines for an exchange on the strategies and insights required to lead in an ever-changing environment.
Encoura + RNL National Conference
- Website: encoura.org/national-conference
- When: July 21–23, 2026
- Where: Chicago, IL
- Attendance: In-person
- Cost: Starting at $795
The 2026 Encoura + RNL National Conference will show you how institutions like yours are addressing their greatest challenges and meeting their goals. Explore the innovations and solutions that will help you do more with less, uncover your greatest opportunities for success, and interact with higher ed professionals and experts.
Higher Education Conferences Happening in Fall 2026
EDUCAUSE Annual Conference
- Website: events.educause.edu
- When: September 29 – October 2, 2026 (In-person) | October 14–15, 2026 (Online)
- Where: Denver, CO & Online
- Attendance: Hybrid
- Cost: TBD
The EDUCAUSE Annual Conference connects the best thinkers in higher education technology. This is THE event where professionals and technology providers from around the world gather to network, share ideas, grow professionally, and discover solutions to today’s challenges.
NACAC Conference 2026
- Website: nacacconference.org
- When: October 8–10, 2026
- Where: Minneapolis, MN
- Attendance: In-person
- Cost: TBD
NACAC Conference 2026 will take place October 8-10 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The premier event for college admission counseling professionals will feature over 6,500 attendees, 200+ exhibitors, hours of networking, 100+ education sessions, and more.
Digital Collegium 2026 (formerly HighEdWeb)
- Website: events.digicol.org
- When: October 18–21, 2026
- Where: Pittsburgh, PA
- Attendance: Hybrid
- Cost: TBD
Digital Collegium (formerly HighEdWeb) is a professional community dedicated to advancing higher education through digital innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your career, you’ll find a welcoming community ready to share actionable strategies, fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.
2026 AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education
- Website: ama.org
- When: November 8–11, 2026
- Where: Aurora, CO
- Attendance: In-person
- Cost: TBD
The AMA Symposium is the “must-attend” for marketing directors and CMOs. The program is designed to help you refine your strategy, strengthen your institution’s reputation and ensure long-term financial health.
Did we miss any higher ed conferences? Have any of these been updated already? Let us know on LinkedIn, Bluesky or email hello@voltedu.com.
