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Top Higher Education Conferences in 2024: A Must-Attend List

Higher education conferences present a valuable opportunity for leaders in the field to enhance their skills and stay informed about the latest trends and challenges. As an SEO agency specializing in higher education, we have curated a list of 16 must-attend conferences for 2024. 

These gatherings are not only essential for keeping abreast of industry developments but also provide a platform for meaningful interactions and networking with peers. Each conference on our list represents a worthwhile investment for professionals seeking to elevate their expertise and connections in higher education.

16 Higher Education Conferences in 2024

higher-education-conferences-2023

Spanning from early March to the year’s end, we’ve selected ten higher education conferences that are essential additions to your calendar. These events, carefully chosen for their relevance and impact, offer a diverse range of opportunities throughout the year to engage with the latest trends and network with industry peers. Mark your calendar to ensure you don’t miss these key gatherings in the higher education sector.

1. SXSW EDU

  • Date: March 4-7, 2024
  • Location: Austin, TX
  • Theme: Centered, Sustainable, Adventurous, Flourishing

The 2024 SXSW EDU, as an internationally recognized event, offers a platform for educators, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to come together and shape the future of teaching and learning. With a diverse array of sessions, workshops, learning experiences, mentorship opportunities, film screenings, and policy discussions, the conference promises to be a transformative experience for all involved. 

The event continues to distinguish itself as a true thought leadership summit, featuring hundreds of sessions and esteemed speakers from various sectors, including notable figures such as Sarah Rose Siskind (Science Comedian & Founder, Hello SciCom), Dan Ackerman (Editor-In-Chief of Gizmodo), and Rapsody (Emcee & Recording Artist, ROC Nation)

Click here to register for SXSW EDU 2024.

2. Deeper Learning Conference

  • Date: March 26-28 2024
  • Location: San Diego, CA
  • Theme: Connect, Engage, Create!

For over a decade, this annual event has drawn deep learners from around the world, providing a reminder of the profound impact educators have on shaping the future. At DL24, participants are invited to envision the limitless potential of schools as places of hope, healing, and inspiration. 

Deeper Learning has been likened to “Coachella for educators,” offering a vibrant platform where individuals tap into the power of a global network of educational leaders, engage in meaningful dialogue, and collaborate on innovative school designs. The Event Team, led by Project Director Randy Scherer and School Redesign Director Tina Schuster, ensures a seamless and enriching experience for all participants, further amplifying the mission of Deeper Learning to empower every student to realize their unlimited potential.

Click here to register for DL2024.

3. UPCEA Annual

  • Date: March 26-28, 2024
  • Location: Boston, MA
  • Theme: Innovation

The UPCEA Annual Conference is a significant gathering that stands out as a pivotal event for those involved in continuing, online, and other forms of non-traditional education, offering engaging keynote speakers, high-energy concurrent sessions, and ample networking opportunities. The conference agenda encompasses pressing topics in the field today, such as federal policy, finance and operations, marketing and enrollment management, instructional design, noncredit programs, and alternative credentialing.

While the roster of speakers has yet to be announced, notable figures like Ian Khan, Maria Flynn, and Javier Reyes are set to inspire and share insights on transformative trends shaping the future of education. 

Click here to register for UPCEA 2024.

4.  AACC Annual

  • Date: April 5-9, 2024
  • Location: Louisville, KY
  • Theme: Community Colleges

Building on the association’s esteemed legacy since 1920, AACC Annual has consistently served as the cornerstone event for the nation’s predominantly associate degree-granting regionally accredited institutions. This premier gathering offers a dynamic platform featuring impactful keynote presentations, focused breakout sessions addressing key sector challenges and opportunities, demonstrations showcasing disruptive technologies, and intensive problem-solving sessions. 

AACC Annual is an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the nation’s community college leaders, collectively serving over 40 percent of the nation’s undergraduates. This event fosters an environment conducive to designing solutions for today’s priority challenges while identifying innovative opportunities to support the diverse needs of community college students nationwide.

Click here to register for AACC Annual.

5. ASU+GSV Summit

  • Date: April 14-17, 2024
  • Location: San Diego, CA
  • Theme: Innovation

The ASU+GSV Summit for 2024 is set to be a transformative three-day event, gathering some of the world’s foremost experts in business, entrepreneurship, higher education, and education innovation. With a mission to foster a future where all individuals have equitable access to opportunities, the summit emphasizes the pivotal role of scaled innovations in education and workforce skills delivery. 

Past editions of the summit have featured an illustrious lineup of speakers, including prominent figures such as Barack Obama, George Bush, Priscilla Chan, John Legend, and Bill Gates. This year’s roster promises to be equally inspiring, with speakers like Ashley Andersen Zantop, Jenny Anderson, Emma Bloomberg, and Ruby Bridges, alongside numerous other influential voices poised to share insights and drive forward-thinking conversations.

Click here to register for ASU+GSV 2024.

6. NAGAP 2024 Annual Conference

  • Date: April 24-27, 2024
  • Location: Louisville, KY
  • Theme: Graduate Enrollment Management

The 2024 NAGAP Conference, hosted by the Association for Graduate Enrollment Management, serves as a premier gathering for professionals dedicated to the intricate landscape of graduate enrollment management (GEM). As the only professional organization exclusively focused on the concerns of those working in GEM, the conference provides a vital platform for networking, gaining insights, and sharing knowledge among peers and experts in the field.

While speakers for the conference are yet to be announced, attendees can anticipate engaging sessions, thought-provoking discussions, and invaluable resources to advance their careers and drive excellence in graduate enrollment management.

Click here to register for NAGAP 2024.

7. NAFSA 2024 Annual Conference & Expo

  • Date: May 28-31, 2024
  • Location: New Orleans, LA
  • Theme: Resilience, Renewal, Community

In 2024, the National Association of Foreign Student Advisors (NAFSA) will convene again in the United States, bringing together professionals to address critical issues pertaining to foreign students and international education programs. The conference is particularly suitable for international educators and administrators seeking to enhance their knowledge and expertise in navigating the complexities of global education.

While spotlight presenters are yet to be announced, attendees can anticipate a stimulating lineup of speakers, including the May 28 Plenary featuring Luis von Ahn, an esteemed entrepreneur and former professor at Carnegie Mellon University, whose insights promise to inspire and inform discussions on the future of international education.

Click here to register for NAFSA 2024.

8. Slate Summit 2024

  • Date: June 19 – 21, 2024 
  • Location: Chicago, IL
  • Theme:  Admission and Enrollment

The annual Slate Summit returns to Navy Pier in Chicago, promising an immersive experience into the intricacies of the student lifecycle. Hosted by Technolutions, a leading software development firm specializing in higher education information management systems, this conference is a must-attend event for educators and higher education experts utilizing Slate CRM. 

Designed to explore marketing automation and CRM innovation for higher education, the 2024 Slate Summit offers expert-led sessions, network opportunities, and affinity group breakouts tailored to the needs of the Slate community. Join peers from esteemed institutions like NYU Undergraduate Admissions, Occidental College, and Ohio University for a deep dive into the latest trends and challenges shaping the future of student enrollment and engagement.

Click here to register for Slate Summit 2024.

9. PBL World

  • Date: June 24-27, 2024
  • Location: Napa Valley, CA
  • Theme: Project Based Learning

In 2024, educators from around the globe eagerly anticipate the 13th edition of PBL World, a multi-day conference dedicated to Project-Based Learning (PBL) presented by PBLWorks. This premier event serves as a pivotal gathering for teachers, instructional coaches, as well as school and district leaders, all unified by their commitment to initiating and advancing their practice of Project Based Learning.

Although the keynote speakers for the event have not been announced yet, the attendees can expect insightful talks from carefully selected speakers. These talks will focus on how high-quality Project-Based Learning can transform the lives of all students while reigniting the joy of learning for both students and teachers.

Click here to register for PBL World 2024.

10. Big Picture Learning Big Bang

  • Date: July 22-25, 2024
  • Location: Memphis, TN
  • Theme: Student-centered learning

Big Bang is the annual conference hosted by Big Picture Learning, which is dedicated to fostering student-centered learning. This unique gathering brings together students, educators, leaders, and partners in an intergenerational collaboration where everyone is considered an equal contributor to the learning process. 

Participants have the opportunity to learn from each other as well as from the host community, creating an environment rich in diverse perspectives and experiences. 

More information and details about this event are coming soon.

11. AMA Summer Academic Conference

  • Date: August 16-18, 2024
  • Location: Boston, MA
  • Theme: Responsible Technology

As the world grapples with unprecedented challenges and accelerated technological advancements, the imperative to navigate an uncertain future grows ever more pressing. This conference highlights the key role of marketing in guiding individuals, businesses, and societies toward preparedness and resilience in the face of uncertainty. 

This conference covers various topics such as digital marketing, global marketing, and sustainability, offering valuable insights into marketing research and practice. Some notable conference tracks include:

  • Advertising, Promotion, and Marketing Communications:
    • Kenneth Bates (University of San Diego)
    • Elyria Kemp (University of New Orleans)
  • AI, Algorithms, and Machine Learning:
    • Yakov Bart (Northeastern University)
    • Koen Powels (Northeastern University)
  • B2B and Supply Chain Management:
    • Anthony Di Benedetto (Temple University)
    • Mahima Hada (Baruch College, CUNY)

Event Early-Bird Registration: TBD.

12. EAIE 2024

  • Date: September 17-29, 2024
  • Location: Toulouse, France
  • Theme: En Route!

This year’s EAIE event will explore the dynamic landscape of international higher education, focusing on integrating sustainable practices, exploring digital technologies, and fostering innovative approaches to support the diverse needs of students and staff. As professionals in the field, we are committed to continuous learning and identifying opportunities for growth and development. 

While the lineup of speakers is yet to be announced, the conference offers professionals working in international higher education an opportunity to apply for sessions. These sessions are open to all participants and will provide dynamic forums for exchanging ideas. Facilitated by session chairs, the discussions will encourage interactivity and allow diverse perspectives to flourish.

Click here to register for EAIE 2024.

13. NACAC 2024 Conference

  • Date: September 26-28, 2024
  • Location: Los Angeles, CA
  • Theme: Admissions and Enrollment

The National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) annual conference stands as the premier event for professionals in the college admission counseling field, and in 2024, it returns to Los Angeles. This highly anticipated gathering offers a platform for experts to convene and exchange best practices, innovative ideas, and cutting-edge research in college admissions. 

With over 200 exhibitors and more than 100 education sessions, attendees can expect a wealth of resources and opportunities for professional development. Tailored for college admissions specialists and recruitment counselors across the United States, the NACAC conference promises to inspire and empower attendees to navigate college admissions with confidence and expertise.

Click here to register for NACAC 2024.

14. PLTW Summit

  • Date: October 3-5, 2024
  • Location: San Diego, CA
  • Theme: Transforming STEM Education

The PLTW Summit offers an unparalleled opportunity for STEM educators nationwide to come together every two years for transformative professional development and networking. This event is designed to inspire educators, connect them with Master Teachers, PLTW partners, and peers, and provide valuable insights into improving student outcomes through PreK-12 STEM programs. 

Through the keynote speakers, interactive breakout sessions, and hands-on experiences with the PLTW curriculum, attendees will gain practical skills and strategies to enhance their classroom instruction. The summit also fosters connections within the PLTW community, empowering educators to collaborate and innovate to advance STEM education. 

Click here to register for PLTW 2024

15. National Rural Education Association Conference

  • Date: October 31-November 1, 2024
  • Location: Savannah, GA
  • Theme: Rural Education and Innovation

The Rural Schools Conference is a platform that promotes collaboration and innovation among a diverse community of national experts, K-12 and higher education practitioners, leading researchers, policymakers, and philanthropic leaders. The event is hosted by the National Rural Education Association and Rural Schools Collaborative in partnership with the Georgia Department of Education. It aims to enable rural communities to harness local resources and create meaningful student learning experiences. 

The conference is expected to attract hundreds of participants and promises to be an exciting platform for sharing knowledge, building partnerships, and driving positive change in rural education nationwide.

Registration will be open soon.

16. Aurora Institute Symposium 2024

  • Date: November 3-5, 2024
  • Location: New Orleans, LA
  • Theme: Innovation

At this premier event, attendees from across the education transformation space converge to engage in action-oriented learning and development, fostering connections and collaborations vital for advancing change in their work. With a focus on real-world solutions and visionary practices, the Symposium offers insights into next-generation learning models, equity-driven approaches, and future-focused education transformation. 

The Symposium caters to educators, school leaders, policymakers, researchers, and innovators alike, featuring highly rated professional development sessions, workshops, and comprehensive information on new trends and successful policies. Proposals for presentations are currently being accepted, with keynote speakers set to be announced soon. 

Registration will be open in Spring 2024.

Conclusion

Among the many conferences planned for the year, these 16 stand out as essential for higher education leaders. From renowned events like the AACC Annual and ASU+GSV Summit to more specialized gatherings like PBL World and EAIE Conference, each offers unique insights into the challenges, trends, and innovations shaping the educational landscape as well as invaluable networking opportunities.

Each conference promises to deliver fresh perspectives, collaborative connections, and moments of inspiration. Seize the opportunity to expand your horizons, cultivate relationships, and immerse yourself in the dynamic world of education.

Faton Sopa

Faton Sopa

CEO, Co-Founder

Faton is the Co-founder & CEO of Manaferra and someone who wakes up every morning seeing endless possibilities to progress and help others make a difference, for the better. That thought then translates everything he does to see both the team and clients move forward.

Faton is the Co-founder & CEO of Manaferra and someone who wakes up every morning seeing endless possibilities to progress and help others make a difference, for the better. That thought then translates everything he does to see both the team and clients move forward.

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