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.
Jump to Section:
Higher Education Conferences Happening in Summer 2026
Engage Summit (Element451)
- Website: engage.element451.com
- When: June 15–17, 2026
- Where: Charlotte, NC
- Attendance: In-person
- Cost: Starting at $750
Discover how agentic AI is transforming campuses into intelligent, connected environments where data drives action and people thrive. Join the community that’s building what’s next—today.
Slate Summit
- Website: technolutions.com/slatesummit2026
- When: June 24–26, 2026
- Where: Nashville, TN
- Attendance: In-person
- Cost: TBD
Slate Summit is Technolutions’ annual conference bringing together higher ed professionals from Admissions, Student Success, and Advancement for three days of learning, networking, and innovation.
eduWeb Summit 2026
-
- Website: eduwebsummit.com
-
- When: July 14–16, 2026
-
- Where: Orlando, FL
-
- Attendance: In-person
-
- Cost: Starting at $1,175 (or you can enter to win a free ticket here)
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: Starting at $889
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: Starting at $450
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: Starting at $275
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: Starting at $1,339
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.
UPCEA MEMS Annual Conference
-
- Website: conferences.upcea.edu/marketing26
-
- When: November 30 – December 2, 2026
-
- Where: Orlando, FL
-
- Attendance: In-person
-
- Cost: Starting at $945
The UPCEA MEMS Annual Conference brings together professionals across graduate, online, and professional education to explore how institutions can better connect strategy to student outcomes. With a focus on innovation and impact, MEMS is where forward-thinking teams come to rethink how marketing and enrollment functions work together.
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.
