The higher education industry is experiencing significant changes to curricula, teaching methods, technology, student affairs, recruitment, and retention. Accelerating these changes even further was the emergence of COVID-19, which impacted nearly every facet of higher education.
Additionally, academic institutions—and their leaders—are faced with increased scrutiny from the academic community, accreditors, students, and parents. More than ever, effective and flexible leadership is critical to an educational institution’s success.
One way for leaders in higher ed to stay ahead of the curve is by attending the nation’s top higher education conferences. These conferences are an excellent opportunity for education professionals to develop valuable connections, exchange innovative ideas, share best practices, and learn new skills.
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That’s why we’ve put together an updated list of the top higher ed conferences for your team to consider in 2024. Use this list to narrow your choices for any upcoming must-attend conferences so your school can stay abreast of emerging trends in the ever-evolving landscape of higher education.
Top higher education conferences of 2024
1. NACAC Conference
Date: September 26-28
Format: In person
Location: Los Angeles, CA
This year, guests can attend the NACAC National Conference in Los Angeles, where speakers will focus on the individual and collective resilience of all counseling and admission professionals. Over 6,000 attendees will come together to share their experiences, learn about best practices, and explore cutting-edge research.” The three-day event will feature more than 200 exhibitors and 100 educational sessions, along with unlimited networking opportunities.
2. PLTW Summit 2024
Date: October 3-5, 2024
Format: Virtual and in person
Location: San Diego, CA
The PLTW Summit gathers STEM educators, administrators, and advocates from all over the country to discuss programs, improve student outcomes, and make connections. Attendees can get hands-on experience with PLTW’s curriculum and engage in more than 80 sessions designed specifically for STEM educators and administrators.
3. Leadership in Higher Education Conference
Date: October 10-12
Format: In person
Location: Orlando, FL
The Leadership in Higher Education Conference keeps both new and experienced higher ed leaders at the cutting edge of academic innovation. Attendees will learn strategies, trends, and best practices for effectively managing staff and resources in academic and administrative leadership roles. This conference helps build on existing leadership skills while providing actionable strategies to give participants additional assets to improve efficiency and effectiveness in their positions.
4. NACADA’s 2024 Annual Conference
Date: October 27-30
Format: Virtual and in person
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
The NACADA’s 2024 Annual Conference focuses on helping colleges and universities provide their students with high-quality academic advising. The event features regional working groups to connect with other professionals in your area, numerous exhibits and panels, and keynote addresses touching on issues of national importance.
5. 2024 Global Inclusion Conference
Date: October 29-November 1
Format: In person
Location: Washington, DC
The 12th annual Diversity Abroad Conference will be hosted in Washington, DC, this October. Since 2013, this week-long event has constituted the “most comprehensive forum for education professionals, students, and stakeholders committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in global education.”
Hundreds of education professionals, student leaders, employers, and leading graduate programs will share innovations, build community, and collaborate to make progress toward addressing and accelerating systemic and equitable change in all aspects of global education and cultural exchange.
Opportunities to improve your leadership training
These higher education conferences for 2024 are a great place for educational leaders to start improving their organizational leadership capabilities.
For education professionals looking for more comprehensive leadership training, however, a Doctor of Education (EdD) might be the next step. Northeastern’s Doctor of Education program, for example, rigorously prepares leaders to investigate, explore, and transform organizational and institutional landscapes, empowering its graduates to pursue the issues they’re passionate about.
To learn more and to see if an EdD is right for you, explore our program page, or download our e-book below.
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