This is a moment in higher education like no other. Professionals in the sector must confront challenges both new and old, from rapidly shifting federal policies and lower research funding to concerns about enrollment and the public's perception about whether college is worth the cost.
Below, we're rounding up some of the top conferences in higher education in 2026, many of which aim to tackle those challenges head-on. The conferences cater to a variety of higher ed professionals, including top leaders, board members, faculty members, administrators and diversity officers.
Top remaining higher ed conferences in 2026
NACUA 2026 Annual Conference
June 29-July 2
Nashville, Tennessee
The National Association of College and University Attorneys conference features sessions and discussion groups on the latest legal trends in higher education. Presenters include the leaders of Dartmouth College and the American Bar Association, as well as the general counsels of Brandeis, Alabama A&M and Liberty universities.
NASFAA 2026 National Conference
June 29-July 2
National Harbor, Maryland
NASFAA’s annual conference brings together financial aid professionals for professional development such as sessions, exhibitions and training. Speakers include U.S. Education Under Secretary Nicholas Kent and author Michael Hingson, who wrote a bestselling book about escaping one of the World Trade Center towers on 9/11 with the help of his guide dog.
AASCU 2026 Summer Meeting
July 13-18
New Orleans, Louisiana
The American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ annual summer conference for academic and student affairs leaders will focus this year on several key themes, including maintaining institutional autonomy, responsibly using AI and redefining student success. Key speakers include the California State University System’s chancellor, Mildred García, and Louisiana’s commissioner of higher education, Kim Hunter Reed.
NACUBO 2026 Annual Meeting
July 18-21
Anaheim, California
The theme of the National Association of College and University Business Officers’ upcoming conference is “Mission Meets Moment” — a focus on how colleges can keep their missions front of mind while navigating uncertain times.
Educause Annual Conference
Sept. 28-Oct. 1
Denver
Educause's annual conference is focused on higher ed IT professionals and technology providers. Program tracks include topics such as teaching and learning, institutional transformation and sustainability, and data-informed decisionmaking.
CUPA-HR Annual Conference and Expo
Oct. 4-6
Philadelphia
This annual conference is held by CUPA-HR, an association for human resource professionals working in higher education. Featured speakers will share strategies for being productive, self-regulating, and working in groups.
NACADA Annual Conference
Oct. 4-7
Oklahoma City
NACADA focuses on using advising to foster student success. This year’s conference theme is “Meeting in the Middle: Connecting People, Purpose, and Possibility.”
NACAC Conference
Oct. 8-10
Minneapolis
The National Association for College Admission Counseling's annual conference brings together both high school counseling and college admissions professionals. Arthur Brooks, a Harvard business professor who teaches courses on happiness, will be a keynote speaker.
P3 EDU
Nov. 2-4
Atlanta
P3 EDU’s annual conference is an event that brings together top college leaders to discuss public-private partnerships in higher education. This year’s speakers include Georgia Institute of Technology President Ángel Cabrera, California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian and University of Utah President Taylor Randall.
AASCU 2026 Annual Conference for Presidents and Chancellors
Nov. 13-16
Savannah, Georgia
AASCU’s annual conference for presidents and chancellors brings together the leaders of regional public universities. This year’s conference will focus on sharing the value proposition of these types of colleges and learning about federal policy changes and broader trends in the higher education sector.
Key speakers will include University of South Carolina Upstate Chancellor Bennie Harris and Oakland University President Ora Pescovitz
