# 21 Essential Higher Education Marketing Conferences for 2026 --- **Featured Image:** [A person giving a presentation in front of a seated audience, with a panel of participants on stage.] (https://www.archeredu.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/HEMJ-21-Essential-Higher-Education-Marketing-Conferences-for-2026-600x340-1.jpg) --- **Author:** **Published:** December 3, 2025 **Updated:** February 9, 2026 --- ## **Higher Ed Marketing Conferences Foster Connection and Innovation** The higher education marketing landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, driven by emerging technologies, shifting student expectations, and ever-changing digital platforms. For marketing professionals in the higher ed space, staying informed and inspired is more important than ever. Higher education marketing conferences provide a great way to keep up with the latest trends, tools, and strategies shaping the industry. From fresh approaches in [academic thought leadership] (https://www.archeredu.com/hemj/ai-higher-education-academic-thought-leadership/) and [generative engine optimization (GEO)] (https://www.archeredu.com/hemj/generative-engine-optimization-higher-education/) to foundational breakthroughs in [online growth enablement] (https://www.archeredu.com/news/archer-online-growth-enablement/) and [centralized marketing strategies] (https://www.archeredu.com/hemj/centralized-marketing-higher-education/) , the opportunities to innovate are endless. Attending higher ed marketing conferences like the ones below can help your institution’s marketing team stay ahead of the curve, while connecting with other professionals who are driving the future of education marketing. ## **1. SXSW EDU** The South by Southwest Education conference brings together professionals from all education categories to discuss industry trends ranging from technology to global collaboration. The higher education track explores developments impacting universities, community colleges, and nontraditional learning forums, and sessions on continuing education and convergence are also available. **When:** March 9-12, 2026 **Where:** Austin, TX, at the Hilton Austin and other downtown locations **Website:** [https://sxswedu.com/] (https://sxswedu.com/) ## **2. NAGAP Graduate Enrollment Management Summit** The Graduate Enrollment Management (GEM) Summit is tailored for professionals involved in graduate admissions and enrollment management. Hosted by NAGAP, The Association for Graduate Enrollment Management, the 2026 summit offers dynamic speakers and numerous educational sessions designed to provide new approaches and creative strategies across various topics in the higher education field. Attendees can also connect with fellow NAGAP members to share useful tips and exchange ideas. **When:** April 8-11, 2026 **Where:** Baltimore, MD, at the Marriott Baltimore Waterfront **Website:** [ ] (https://www.nagap.org/2025-summit-graduate-enrollment-management-summit) [https://www.nagap.org/annual-summit] (https://www.nagap.org/annual-summit) ## **3. ASU+GSV Summit** Hosted by GSV Summit and Bett/Hyve, in partnership with Arizona State University, the ASU+GSV Summit covers educational technology topics across all learning categories. **Archer Education will be attending this higher ed conference! Remember to stop by and say hello.** **When:** April 12-15, 2026 **Where:** San Diego, CA, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt **Website: ** [https://asugsvsummit.com/] (https://asugsvsummit.com/) ## **4. UPCEA Annual Conference** Hosted by the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA), this conference focuses on professional and online education. It features engaging keynote speakers, high-energy concurrent sessions, and ample networking opportunities. The 2026 conference will address topics such as access, policy, diversity, quality, and technology. **Archer Education will be attending and exhibiting at this higher ed conference! Remember to stop by and say hello.** **When:** April 15-17, 2026 **Where:** New Orleans, LA, at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside **Website:** [ ] (https://conferences.upcea.edu/annual2025/) [https://conferences.upcea.edu/annual2026/] (https://conferences.upcea.edu/annual2026/) ## **5. Adobe Summit** The Adobe Summit is one of the largest digital experience conferences, offering more than 250 sessions and hands-on labs across specialized tracks. Attendees can connect with other digital marketers and learn about cutting-edge digital marketing tools and trends. **When:** April 19-22, 2026 **Where:** Las Vegas, NV, at The Venetian Convention and Expo Center, and online **Website:** [** ** https://business.adobe.com/summit] (https://business.adobe.com/summit) ## **6. AACRAO Annual Meeting** The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) will hold its 111th annual meeting to advance higher education. This event offers opportunities for networking, discussing challenges in higher education, and collaborating on meaningful solutions. **When:** April 19-22, 2026 **Where:** New Orleans, LA, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center **Website:** [ https://www.aacrao.org/events-training/meetings/annual-meeting] (https://www.aacrao.org/events-training/meetings/annual-meeting) ## **7. SMX Advanced** SMX Advanced is a premier conference designed for experienced search marketers seeking advanced search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM) tactics. The 2026 event offers cutting-edge sessions, live Q&A, and networking opportunities with industry leaders. **When:** June 3-5, 2026 **Where:** Boston, MA, at the Westin Boston Seaport District **Website:** [ https://searchengineland.com/smx/advanced] (https://searchengineland.com/smx/advanced) ## **8. Slate Summit** Slate Summit features more than 100 sessions targeting topics relevant to higher ed admissions, student success, and advancement professionals. **Archer Education will be attending this higher ed conference! Remember to stop by and say hello.** **When:** June 24-26, 2026 **Where:** Nashville, TN, at the Music City Center **Website: ** [https://technolutions.com/slatesummit2026] (https://technolutions.com/slatesummit2026) ## **9. eduWeb Summit** The eduWeb Summit is a leading higher education conference focused on supporting marketing, enrollment, advancement, and digital teams from global colleges and universities. The 2026 Summit offers master classes, workshops, and speakers addressing current challenges faced by attendees. Topics covered include enrollment growth, analytics, and the student journey. **When:** July 14-16, 2026 **Where:** Orlando, FL, at the Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando **Website:** [ https://www.eduwebsummit.com/] (https://www.eduwebsummit.com/) ## **10. UPCEA Summit for Online Leadership and Administration (SOLAR)** UPCEA’s Summit for Online Leadership and Administration (SOLAR) conference is designed to gather educational leaders, professionals, and innovators to discuss digital learning and higher learning strategy. Topics include governance, policy, compliance, technology, and growth. **Archer will be attending and exhibiting at this conference! Remember to stop by and say hello.** **When:** July 29-31, 2026 **Where: ** Boston, MA, at the Westin Boston Seaport District **Website:** [https://conferences.upcea.edu/SOLAR26/] (https://conferences.upcea.edu/SOLAR26/) ## **11. Digital Collegium Annual Conference** The Digital Collegium (formerly HighEdWeb) Annual Conference is tailored for higher education professionals interested in exploring the role of digital media within their organizations. The 2026 conference will feature diverse learning sessions, providing valuable professional development opportunities for developers, marketers, designers, and strategists. **When:** October 18-21, 2026 **Where: ** Pittsburgh, PA, and Online **Website:** [ https://events.digicol.org/digicol26] (https://events.digicol.org/digicol26) ## **12. VidCon** VidCon is a premier convention where digital culture takes center stage, bringing together the world’s leading digital creators, platform innovators, and their fans. The event offers various tracks tailored for community members, creators, and industry professionals, providing insights into the latest trends in online video and digital content creation. **When:** June 25-27, 2026 **Where:** Anaheim, CA, at the Anaheim Convention Center **Website:** [** ** https://www.vidcon.com/anaheim/] (https://www.vidcon.com/anaheim/) ## **13. EDUCAUSE Annual Conference** The EDUCAUSE Annual Conference brings together industry professionals to network and discuss recent trends in higher ed technology. Participants can also engage in online sessions. **Archer will be attending and exhibiting at this conference! Remember to stop by and say hello.** **When:** September 29-October 2, 2026 (in person); October 14/15, 2026 (online) **Where:** Denver, CO, and online **Website:** [** ** ] (https://www.contentmarketingworld.com/) [https://e] (https://events.educause.edu/annual-conference/2026) [v] (https://events.educause.edu/annual-conference/2026) [ents.educause.edu/annual-conference/2026] (https://events.educause.edu/annual-conference/2026) ## **14. Content Marketing World** Content Marketing World is the largest content marketing conference, offering sessions and workshops on content strategy, storytelling, and ROI. Attendees gain insights from industry leaders to enhance their content marketing efforts. **When:** October 5-7, 2026 **Where:** Denver, CO **Website:** [** ** https://www.contentmarketingworld.com/] (https://www.contentmarketingworld.com/) ## **15. NACAC Conference** The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Conference includes more than 100 sessions on topics relevant to admissions counseling professionals, such as best practices and market research. **Archer will be attending and exhibiting at this conference! Remember to stop by and say hello.** **When:** October 8-10, 2026 **Where:** Minneapolis, MN, at the Minneapolis Convention Center **Website:** [https://nacacconference.org] (https://nacacconference.org) ## **16. WCET Annual Conference** WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies (WCET) is an extension of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). The WCET Annual Conference brings together higher education leaders and professionals to discuss educational technology and distance learning trends. **Archer will be attending this conference! Remember to stop by and say hello.** **When:** October 14-16, 2026 **Where:** Minneapolis, MN, at the Marriott Minneapolis City Center **Website:** [https://wcet.wiche.edu/events/wcet-2026/] (https://wcet.wiche.edu/events/wcet-2026/) ## **17. AACRAO Conference for Strategic Enrollment Management** The AACRAO Conference on Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) brings together enrollment teams from universities, community colleges, and other learning agencies to discuss issues including enrollment declines, knowledge gaps, and financial aid strategies. **Archer will be attending and exhibiting at this conference! Remember to stop by and say hello.** **When:** November 1-4, 2026 **Where:** Baltimore, MD, at the Marriott Baltimore Waterfront **Website:** [https://www.aacrao.org/events-training/meetings/sem-conference] (https://www.aacrao.org/events-training/meetings/sem-conference) ## **18. P3-EDU** Hosted by Georgia Tech, P3-EDU brings together higher education leaders to discuss topics ranging from public-private partnerships to government regulations. **Archer will be attending this conference! Remember to stop by and say hello.** **When:** November 2-4, 2026 **Where:** Atlanta, GA, at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center **Website: ** [https://p3edu.com/] (https://p3edu.com/) ## **19. AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education** The American Marketing Association (AMA) Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education is a premier event dedicated to advancing the field of higher education marketing. The 2026 Symposium offers a peer-reviewed program designed to help marketers refine strategies, strengthen institutional reputations, and ensure long-term financial health. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with peers, share insights, and learn from industry leaders. **Archer will be attending and exhibiting at this conference! Remember to stop by and say hello.** **When:** November 8-11, 2026 **Where:** Aurora, CO, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center **Website: ** [https://www.ama.org/events/conference/2026-ama-symposium-for-the-marketing-of-higher-education/] (https://www.ama.org/events/conference/2026-ama-symposium-for-the-marketing-of-higher-education/) ## **20. OLC Accelerate** OLC Accelerate, presented by the Online Learning Consortium (OLC), is devoted to driving quality online learning, advancing best practice guidance, and accelerating innovation in learning for academic leaders, educators, administrators, digital learning professionals, and organizations around the world. Topics include blended learning, research, student engagement, and technology platforms. **When:** November 16-19, 2026 **Where:** Orlando, FL **Website:** [ https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/conferences] (https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/conferences) ## **21. UPCEA MEMS Conference** The UPCEA Marketing, Enrollment Management, and Student Success (MEMS) Conference is the premier event for leaders and practitioners responsible for online and professional continuing education marketing and enrollment management. Attendees of the 2026 conference can expect engaging keynote speakers, insightful sessions, and ample networking opportunities. **Archer will be attending and exhibiting at this higher ed marketing conference! Remember to stop by and say hello.** **When:** November 30-December 2, 2026 **Where:** Orlando, FL, at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort **Website:** [** ** ] (https://conferences.upcea.edu/marketing25/) [https://upcea.edu/events/#upcoming] (https://upcea.edu/events/#upcoming) ## **Benefits of Attending Higher Education Marketing Conferences** While some of these higher ed marketing conferences may be costly to attend, the value each event provides can be worth every penny if they help you improve your strategies and performance. ### **Learning About Changes in Marketing for Higher Education** Higher education has seen drastic changes in the last few years, and it hasn’t been easy to keep up. Two examples are the shifts in the use of artificial intelligence and the different types of students seeking higher education. With new students and new expectations, higher ed professionals have a lot to digest and reimagine. Conferences provide an opportunity to get a wide variety of insights from an open group of people looking to learn, grow, and push the field forward. ### **Innovation and Optimization: Digital Marketing for Higher Education** To keep your finger on the pulse of higher ed marketing trends, you probably [read newsletters] (https://www.archeredu.com/hemj/) and follow [thought leaders on social media] (https://www.linkedin.com/company/archereducation) . But nothing compares to real-life communication and collaboration, especially when it comes to emerging technologies. Outside of the higher ed marketing realm, the digital world is also evolving at an intense speed. With new technology comes new strategies and vice versa. While these new ideas and ways of accomplishing them will eventually become widespread, conferences are where a lot of firsts and big reveals happen, giving attendees a competitive edge. ### **Networking With Higher Ed Marketing Peers** The key to playing a role in pushing the higher ed marketing field forward is connecting with others in the community. Having a set time and place to imagine the future of higher ed with professionals as passionate as you are is a privilege that leads to true collective growth. Some of the most important benefits of attending a higher education marketing conference are getting inspired by leaders, connecting with like-minded colleagues, and building what could be lifelong professional relationships. You never know when a professional connection will pay off, and these conferences are the perfect place to create them. ## **Let Us Know Which Higher Ed Marketing Conferences You’re Attending!** [Archer Education] (https://www.archeredu.com/) partners with dozens of institutions to help them overcome enrollment challenges using tech-enabled, personalized enrollment marketing and management solutions. We encourage all of our clients to use higher education marketing conference opportunities to find ways to supplement their existing strategies. If you’ll be at any of the conferences Archer is attending,[ drop us a line] (https://www.archeredu.com/contact/) and let’s schedule a time to chat!