Conference Experience

The EDUCAUSE Annual Conference offers something for every kind of learner and leader. Discover how you can make the most of your time through included conference activities and networking opportunities, as well as additional programming.

Conference Activities

  • General Sessions

    Be inspired by thought-provoking general sessions that set the tone for the conference experience.

  • Sessions

    Dive into a lineup of sessions designed to inform, inspire, and equip you with practical takeaways.

  • EDUCAUSE Commons

    EDUCAUSE Commons is the heart of the conference where you’ll find exhibitors and technology solutions, interactive activities, presentations, poster sessions, lounges, food and beverage, and many ways to mingle with your community.

  • Braindate

    Braindates are one-on-one or small group conversations that you book with other event participants about a specific topic—one that you request or offer. This will allow you to curate your learning experience and create meaningful connections.

  • EDUCAUSE Commons Reception

    Wednesday, September 30
    4:30–5:30 p.m.

    Join us in EDUCAUSE Commons for the Networking Reception, where you can connect with colleagues over drinks and hors d'oeuvres. During this time, you can also engage with industry experts and learn about exciting technology solutions for your campus

  • Community Group Meetings

    EDUCAUSE Community Groups (CGs) are online communities where higher education professionals learn from and network with each other around shared topics and interests. Groups interact throughout the year via online discussion forums found on EDUCAUSE Connect and virtual meetings, and many CGs meet in-person at the EDUCAUSE Annual Conference.

  • Executive Career Coaching

    Executive Career Coaching Sessions are complimentary, one-on-one career development meetings offered to higher education executives or senior professionals attending the conference.

  • Executive Leaders Experience

    Executive and senior leaders from all types of institutions convene to learn from each other and expand their network. The Executive Leaders Experience was designed to help you do just that in a variety of ways.

    Sponsored by Vantage Technology Consulting Group, a 2026 EDUCAUSE Strategic Partner

  • Young Professionals Experience

    The Early Career Professionals Experience is designed to help you gain insights, grow your leadership skills, and expand your network to help you advance in your career.

    Sponsored by Ellucian, a 2026 EDUCAUSE Mission Partner

  • Lounges

    Recharge and connect in dedicated lounge spaces for Executive Leaders and Young Professionals.

  • Venue Tours

    Join us for a conference tour to meet other attendees and understand the layout of the event.

  • Refreshments

    Enjoy complimentary refreshments throughout the conference to keep you energized and focused. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax, refuel, and connect with fellow attendees and industry leaders.

  • Welcome Reception

    Tuesday, September 29
    4:15–5:45 p.m.

    Kick off your conference experience at the Welcome Reception. Connect with fellow attendees, meet new colleagues, ease into the event in a relaxed, social setting.

  • Hybrid Classroom Experience

    Experience select sessions through a hybrid classroom format designed to connect in-person and remote audiences. Tech representatives will be on-site to showcase equipment and answer questions.

  • Online Conference

    October 14–15

    In-person conference attendees will gain access to the online conference after the conference in Denver, CO

And much more!

Register

Additional Experiences

Enhance your conference experience by adding even more to your registration. Dive deeper into key topics, build your skills, and make the most of your time with an included lunch experience.

Separate registration and/or fee required in addition to your conference registration.

  • Preconference Workshops

    Preconference workshops offer deep dives into key topics, practical strategies you can apply right away, and the opportunity to connect with peers in a more interactive setting—all before the main event begins.

  • Leadership Series

    The Leadership Series offers immersive learning experiences tailored to address emerging challenges and areas requiring leadership insight and expertise, custom-crafted to empower emerging, senior, and executive leaders within higher education.

  • Teaching and Learning Summit

    The Teaching and Learning Summit is focused on building institutional readiness for instructional continuity—bringing cross-functional leaders together to move beyond reactive responses and develop practical, shared strategies for navigating large-scale disruption.

  • Executive Leaders Academy

    This institute is a professional development program for those actively seeking, new, or experienced senior/executive leaders in higher education.

    Sponsored by Salesforce, 2026 EDUCAUSE Mission Partner

  • Senior Directors Institute

    The EDUCAUSE Senior Directors Institute is designed for senior leaders responsible for setting direction and translating strategy into coordinated action.

  • Lunch and Learns

    Grab a bite and gain fresh insights while you connect with your peers and industry leaders over a timely topic.

  • Lunch

    Enjoy a hot buffet meal alongside your colleagues, all within the convenience of the convention center.

Register