Higher education is evolving rapidly, driven by artificial intelligence integration, shifting enrollment patterns, and new financial pressures. For professors, administrators, and educational leaders, attending conferences has become essential for staying current with teaching innovations, technology adoption, and institutional best practices. These professional development events provide opportunities to network with peers, explore emerging trends, and discover solutions to common challenges facing colleges and universities today.
This guide highlights the 15 best higher education conferences in 2026, covering everything from enrollment management and educational technology to student affairs and academic leadership. Whether focused on online learning, campus administration, or instructional design, there’s a conference here that aligns with specific professional goals and institutional priorities.
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Why Higher Education Conferences Matter in 2026
This year’s conference calendar addresses the most pressing concerns in higher education: financial sustainability, artificial intelligence integration, strategic enrollment management, and institutional governance. Leadership teams should prioritize events offering actionable frameworks for navigating these challenges, with particular attention to sessions on technology implementation, student success initiatives, and innovative revenue models.
For institutions managing travel budgets carefully, note that two significant conferences happen consecutively in New Orleans this April. The University Professional and Continuing Education Association conference runs April 15-17, followed immediately by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers meeting from April 19-22. This timing allows teams to address both online education strategies and traditional enrollment management in a single trip. SabbaticalHomes.com offers furnished rentals near the New Orleans convention centers for extended stays.
The Top 15 Higher Education Conferences of 2026
1. Association of American Colleges and Universities Annual Meeting (AACU)
When: January 21-23, 2026
Where: Washington D.C.
Best for: Faculty leaders, provosts, presidents, academic deans
The Association of American Colleges and Universities Annual Meeting opens 2026 by confronting higher education’s credibility challenge: rebuilding public trust. With increased scrutiny on undergraduate education value and return on investment, this conference equips faculty and administrators with frameworks for communicating institutional mission and academic quality.
The event sets the intellectual agenda for the academic year, providing strategies for defending liberal education’s public value in an environment of growing skepticism. Participants leave with practical approaches for articulating why undergraduate education matters and how their institutions contribute to student and societal success.
Follow AAC&U: X/Twitter: @aacu | Facebook: @AACandU
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2. National Association of Student Personnel Administrators Annual Conference (NASPA)
When: March 7-11, 2026
Where: Kansas City, Missouri
Best for: Vice presidents of student affairs, deans, student success directors, campus life administrators
The Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education Annual Conference examines the non-academic factors determining student success and retention. With growing concerns about student mental health, campus climate, and overall wellbeing, this conference provides evidence-based approaches to creating supportive environments where students thrive.
Programming addresses mental health service delivery, inclusive campus culture development, and support systems for diverse student populations. Since these factors directly impact retention rates and institutional financial stability, student affairs professionals gain practical strategies for building the infrastructure and programs that keep students enrolled, engaged, and progressing toward degrees.
Follow NASPA: X/Twitter: @NASPAtweets | Facebook: @naspaFB
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3. South by Southwest EDU Conference & Festival (SXSW EDU)
When: March 9-12, 2026
Where: Austin, Texas
Best for: Education innovators, technology directors, faculty, administrators
The SXSW EDU Conference & Festival, brings together education professionals, policymakers, and innovators for four days of exploration at the intersection of learning, technology, and creativity. With over 300 sessions and workshops, this international event addresses AI in education, equity and access, innovative teaching methods, and the future of learning across all levels. The conference features film screenings, startup competitions, mentorship opportunities, and an expo with interactive exhibitions, connecting higher education leaders with K-12 educators, edtech entrepreneurs, and media professionals.
Follow SXSW EDU: Instagram: @SXSWedu | Facebook: @sxswedu
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4. ACPA Annual Convention
When: March 30-April 2, 2026
Where: Baltimore, Maryland
Best for: Student affairs professionals, diversity officers, campus life administrators
The ACPA Annual Convention (College Student Educators International) brings together approximately 2,500 student affairs professionals for the largest selection of educational sessions among all student affairs conferences. With over 300 sessions, pre-convention workshops, and specialized programming, ACPA addresses critical topics in student development, diversity and inclusion, social justice, and campus culture. The convention includes distinguished keynote speakers, the Summit for Black Student Affairs Professionals, LGBTQIA+ equity programming, and extensive networking opportunities through the placement exchange.
Follow ACPA: X/Twitter: @ACPA | Facebook: @myACPA
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5. Arizona State University + Global Silicon Valley Summit & The AI Show (ASU + GSV)
When: April 12-15, 2026
Where: San Diego, California
Best for: Presidents, chief information officers, strategic planning officers, technology directors
The ASU+GSV Summit convenes over 7,000 education leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs to shape the next 3-5 years of educational technology development. This conference is essential for institutions planning major technology investments, offering a comprehensive view of the edtech landscape where innovation meets practical implementation.
The integrated AI Show provides focused programming on artificial intelligence’s transformative impact on teaching, learning, and campus operations. Rather than vendor pitches alone, attendees gain strategic perspective on which AI tools deliver measurable results and where resources should be allocated for maximum institutional benefit.
Follow ASU+GSV: X/Twitter: @asugsvsummit | Facebook: @asugsvsummit
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6. University Professional and Continuing Education Association Annual Conference (UPCEA)
When: April 15-17, 2026
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
Best for: Deans of continuing education, online learning directors, enrollment managers
The UPCEA focuses on non-traditional student populations and alternative revenue streams—two areas of increasing importance as enrollment demographics shift. Sessions cover online learning program development, professional and continuing education best practices, and alternative credential creation that aligns with employer needs.
With traditional enrollment under pressure at many institutions, understanding how to serve working adults, career changers, and lifelong learners effectively has become critical for financial sustainability. The conference also addresses equity and access challenges, ensuring diverse student populations receive appropriate support for success.
Follow UPCEA: X/Twitter: @UPCEA | Facebook: @UPCEA
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7. American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers Annual Meeting (AACRAO)
When: April 19-22, 2026
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
Best for: Registrars, admissions officers, enrollment analysts, compliance directors
The AACRAO addresses the complete student lifecycle: admissions, registration, compliance, and records management. With over 11,000 professionals from 2,600 institutions, this conference provides practical solutions for enrollment management challenges and regulatory compliance requirements.
Programming emphasizes data-driven decision making, technology implementation for enrollment operations, effective transfer pathways, and navigating evolving federal and state regulations affecting admissions policies. Less focused on visionary thinking than operational excellence, this meeting delivers the tactical knowledge needed to manage enrollment effectively in a competitive landscape.
Follow AACRAO: Facebook: @AACRAO | LinkedIn: @AACRAO
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8. Association of International Educators Annual Conference & Expo (NAFSA)
When: May 26-29, 2026
Where: Orlando, Florida
Best for: International education professionals, study abroad directors, international student advisors
The NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo is the world’s largest and most comprehensive gathering of international education professionals, uniting thousands of professionals from more than 100 countries. This organization retained the well-known acronym from its original name, the National Association of Foreign Student Advisors (NAFSA), even after changing to the current organizational name. The conference addresses every aspect of international education including study abroad, international student services, global partnerships, immigration regulations, and education policy. The International Education Expo showcases hundreds of exhibitors from nearly 50 countries, while attendees benefit from keynote speakers, educational sessions, pre-conference workshops, and unparalleled networking opportunities.
Follow NAFSA: X/Twitter: @nafsa | Facebook: @nafsa
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9. Quacquarelli Symonds Higher Ed Summit: Europe (QS)
When: June 24-26, 2026
Where: Budapest, Hungary
Best for: University presidents, provosts, international office directors, strategic planning leaders
The QS Higher Ed Summit: Europe brings together over 500 senior leaders from across continents to address the pressing challenges facing European higher education. With expert speakers, policymakers, and innovators shaping the future of the sector, programming explores shifting demographics, evolving technology adoption, inclusive education practices, and purpose-driven institutional missions. Sessions address university rankings, international partnerships, student recruitment strategies, and innovation in teaching and research, while the summit features the reveal of QS university rankings data.
Follow QS: LinkedIn: @QS
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10. National Association of College and University Business Officers Annual Meeting (NACUBO)
When: July 18-21, 2026
Where: Anaheim, California
Best for: Chief financial officers, business officers, treasurers, financial controllers
The National Association of College and University Business Officers Annual Meeting serves as the definitive gathering for higher education financial professionals. Representing nearly 2,000 colleges and universities, the conference provides benchmarking data, financial reporting best practices, capital management strategies, and federal compliance guidance essential for institutional fiscal health.
Sessions focus on diversifying revenue sources beyond tuition, developing financial models that account for market volatility, and responding to board demands for greater transparency and financial resilience. In an era of economic uncertainty and demographic challenges, this conference offers the strategic financial planning frameworks institutions need to remain viable and competitive.
Follow NACUBO: X/Twitter: @NACUBO | Facebook: @nacubo
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11. European Association for International Education Conference (EAIE)
When: September 8-11, 2026
Where: Glasgow, Scotland
Best for: International office directors, study abroad coordinators, university partnership officers
The EAIE Conference is Europe’s largest professional development conference for international education, welcoming over 7,000 participants from 106 countries. This four-day gathering serves as the premier platform for higher education professionals focused on internationalization, global partnerships, student mobility, and cross-cultural learning. The conference features hundreds of sessions covering international student recruitment, education abroad program development, partnerships and collaboration frameworks, pre-conference workshops, poster sessions, and an extensive exhibition hall.
Follow EAIE: Instagram: @theeaie | Facebook: @EAIE.org
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12. Times Higher Education World Academic Summit (THE)
When: September 29-October 1, 2026
Where: Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: University presidents, provosts, research leaders, policymakers
The Times Higher Education World Academic Summit marks a historic moment as the first THE Summit hosted in Africa, bringing together global leaders in higher education, research, policy, business, and civil society. Co-hosted by the University of Cape Town and the University of Bristol, the summit addresses four transformative themes: redefining the future university with people, purpose, and planet at its core; building trust and advancing justice; creating equitable global partnerships; and shaping ethical AI and digital transformation. Programming features the exclusive reveal of the THE World University Rankings 2026 with comprehensive data analysis and visionary keynote presentations.
Follow THE: X/Twitter: @THEeventsglobal | Instagram: @THEeventsglobal
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13. EDUCAUSE Annual Conference
When: September 29-October 2, 2026
Where: Denver, Colorado (also available online)
Best for: Chief information officers, IT directors, cybersecurity specialists, technology managers
The EDUCAUSE Annual Conference represents the essential event for higher education technology leadership. While earlier conferences explore possibilities, EDUCAUSE addresses implementation realities: securing systems, scaling infrastructure, and governing digital transformation responsibly.
The 2026 agenda emphasizes cybersecurity protocols for AI deployment, data privacy protection, cloud strategy, and the technical architecture required to support modern digital learning environments. This conference translates visionary technology concepts into actionable IT strategies, providing chief information officers and technology teams with the frameworks needed to implement campus-wide innovations safely and effectively.
Follow EDUCAUSE: Instagram: @educause | Facebook: @EDUCAUSE
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14. National Association for College Admission Counseling Conference (NACAC)
When: October 8-10, 2026
Where: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Best for: Admissions directors, enrollment managers, high school counselors, access officers
The National Association for College Admission Counseling Conference brings together over 6,000 professionals focused on the high school-to-college transition. With demographic shifts creating unprecedented enrollment challenges, this conference is essential for maintaining healthy applicant pipelines while advancing access and equity goals.
Programming includes over 100 educational sessions covering admission counseling ethics, college access policies, diversity recruitment strategies, and support systems for underrepresented students throughout the application process. As regulations around college admissions continue evolving, particularly regarding affirmative action and standardized testing, this conference helps institutions adapt policies while maintaining mission alignment and institutional values.
Follow NACAC: X/Twitter: @nacac | Facebook: @nacacnet.org
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15. International Association of Universities 17th General Conference (IAU)
When: November 3-6, 2026
Where: Perth, Australia
Best for: University presidents, rectors, vice-chancellors, senior academic leaders
The IAU 17th General Conference, hosted by Murdoch University, represents one of the most prestigious gatherings in global higher education. The International Association of Universities, established under UNESCO auspices in 1950, serves nearly 600 member institutions from more than 120 countries. The General Conference features a dynamic programme exploring emerging trends in higher education from diverse regional perspectives, addressing topics of universal concern including value-based leadership, internationalization for the common good, sustainable development, and digital transformation.
Follow IAU: LinkedIn: @iau-global
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Making Conference Attendance Count
Professional development through conference participation has become essential for institutional competitiveness and individual career advancement in higher education’s rapidly evolving landscape. The conferences outlined above represent the key venues where sector trends emerge, best practices are shared, and the future of colleges and universities takes shape.
Selecting conferences that align with specific roles and institutional challenges maximizes the return on professional development investments. Coming prepared to learn, building meaningful professional networks, and identifying implementable ideas ensures conference attendance translates into institutional improvement rather than merely checking a professional development box.
Since 2000, SabbaticalHomes.com has connected academics with affordable, furnished housing for short-term stays. Whether attending conferences for a few days or planning extended research trips, the platform helps faculty and administrators find comfortable accommodations that feel like home, allowing focus on professional goals rather than logistics.
Ready to plan the 2026 conference schedule? Select events aligned with the most pressing institutional challenges, register early for optimal rates, and explore housing options for extended stays that maximize every professional development opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Higher Education Conferences
Which higher education conferences are most important for faculty development?
For faculty focused on teaching and learning, the International Society for Technology in Education Conference offers the most comprehensive look at instructional technology tools and classroom innovation. The Association of American Colleges and Universities Annual Meeting provides frameworks for curriculum development and academic quality, while discipline-specific conferences should complement these broader professional development opportunities.
How can institutions maximize their conference travel budgets?
Strategic planning makes conference attendance more cost-effective. Look for conferences scheduled consecutively in the same city—like the April 2026 events in New Orleans—to address multiple priorities in one trip. Register during early bird periods to secure discounted rates, and consider sending cross-functional teams to relevant sessions rather than individuals attending multiple separate events throughout the year.
What’s the best conference for learning about AI integration in higher education?
The ASU+GSV Summit, particularly The AI Show component, offers the most forward-looking perspective on artificial intelligence in education, connecting innovation with implementation strategy. For technical implementation and security considerations, EDUCAUSE Annual Conference provides practical frameworks. The International Conference on IT in Higher Education and Training in Oslo offers research-focused programming for those seeking scholarly approaches to AI integration.
Are virtual attendance options available for these conferences?
Several conferences offer hybrid or virtual attendance options, with EDUCAUSE Annual Conference explicitly providing online access. However, availability varies by event and year. Check individual conference websites for current virtual attendance policies, as many organizations expanded digital options following the pandemic and continue refining these offerings based on participant feedback.
Where can academics find affordable housing for extended conference stays?
Many academics extend conference trips for research, collaboration, or simply to explore the host city more thoroughly. SabbaticalHomes.com specializes in connecting faculty and academic professionals with furnished short-term rentals and home exchanges specifically designed for the higher education community. The platform has served academics since 2000, offering housing options that provide more space and comfort than hotels, often at lower costs—particularly valuable for longer stays that transform conference attendance into deeper professional development opportunities.
2026 Higher Education Conference Calendar
Plan your 2026 academic conference schedule with this complete guide:
| Conference Name | Acronym | Date | Location | Target Audience |
| Association of American Colleges and Universities Annual Meeting | AACU | January 21-23, 2026 | Washington D.C., USA | Faculty leaders, provosts, presidents, academic deans |
| National Association of Student Personnel Administrators Annual Conference | NASPA | March 7-11, 2026 | Kansas City, Missouri, USA | Vice presidents of student affairs, deans, student success directors, campus life administrators |
| South by Southwest EDU Conference & Festival | SXSW EDU | March 9-12, 2026 | Austin, Texas, USA | Education innovators, technology directors, faculty, administrators |
| ACPA Annual Convention | ACPA | March 30-April 2, 2026 | Baltimore, Maryland, USA | Student affairs professionals, diversity officers, campus life administrators |
| Arizona State University + Global Silicon Valley Summit & The AI Show | ASU+GSV | April 12-15, 2026 | San Diego, California, USA | Presidents, chief information officers, strategic planning officers, technology directors |
| University Professional and Continuing Education Association Annual Conference | UPCEA | April 15-17, 2026 | New Orleans, Louisiana, USA | Deans of continuing education, online learning directors, enrollment managers |
| American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers Annual Meeting | AACRAO | April 19-22, 2026 | New Orleans, Louisiana, USA | Registrars, admissions officers, enrollment analysts, compliance directors |
| Association of International Educators Annual Conference & Expo | NAFSA | May 26-29, 2026 | Orlando, Florida, USA | International education professionals, study abroad directors, international student advisors |
| Quacquarelli Symonds Higher Ed Summit: Europe | QS | June 24-26, 2026 | Budapest, Hungary | University presidents, provosts, international office directors, strategic planning leaders |
| National Association of College and University Business Officers Annual Meeting | NACUBO | July 18-21, 2026 | Anaheim, California, USA | Chief financial officers, business officers, treasurers, financial controllers |
| European Association for International Education Conference | EAIE | September 8-11, 2026 | Glasgow, Scotland | International office directors, study abroad coordinators, university partnership officers |
| Times Higher Education World Academic Summit | THE | September 29-October 1, 2026 | Cape Town, South Africa | University presidents, provosts, research leaders, policymakers |
| EDUCAUSE Annual Conference | EDUCAUSE | September 29-October 2, 2026 | Denver, Colorado, USA | Chief information officers, IT directors, cybersecurity specialists, technology managers |
| National Association for College Admission Counseling Conference | NACAC | October 8-10, 2026 | Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA | Admissions directors, enrollment managers, high school counselors, access officers |
| International Association of Universities 17th General Conference | IAU | November 3-6, 2026 | Perth, Australia | University presidents, rectors, vice-chancellors, senior academic leaders |
SabbaticalHomes: A Place for Minds on the Move
We hope this strategic guide helps you plan your essential professional development for 2026. Whether you are traveling for a few days or planning an extended stay to conduct research, SabbaticalHomes.com is dedicated to making the housing challenge easier for the higher education workforce.
Since 2000, SabbaticalHomes has been a trusted resource for academics and scholars seeking affordable, short-term furnished housing options, leveraging firsthand expertise to address the unique challenges of finding reliable accommodation. Look for home rentals or home exchanges at your chosen conference destination to experience local community and focus more on your work and passions.
Related: 2026 Global Psychology Conferences and 2026 Global Language Conferences
Our “Conference Alert” series of articles will keep you in-the-know about upcoming academic conventions and conferences. Each article in this series previews deadlines for abstracts and proposals for a specific area of study. Conferences are great opportunities to network, meet others who study in your field and perhaps help you make a connection for a research or sabbatical travel experience.
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