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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Of course, it can be difficult to properly budget for these events and to keep track of each event’s status. For instance: Which conferences have been adjusted? Will there be any changes to the conference format moving forward, such as shifting to a full virtual experience?
Knowing the status of these higher education conferences for 2023 is critical to mapping out your schedule to gain the most value for you and your institution. That’s why we’ve put together an updated list of the top higher ed conferences for your team to consider in 2023. 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 2023
1. ACE2023—The American Council on Education’s Annual Meeting
Date: April 13-15, 2023
Format: In-person
Location: Washington, DC
The American Council on Education’s annual meeting will take place in April 2023. It’s regarded as the most distinguished higher education event nationwide, with more than 2,000 executive leaders in higher ed regularly attending the annual conference each year. The topics of discussion typically focus on data-driven insights and thought-provoking content.
2. NACAC National Conference
Date: September 21-23, 2023
Format: In-person
Location: Baltimore, MD
This year, guests can attend the NACAC National Conference at the Baltimore Convention Center in Maryland, 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 best practices, inspirational ideas, cutting-edge research, and professional stories at the premier event for college admission counseling professionals.” The three-day event will feature more than 200 exhibitors and 100 educational sessions, along with unlimited networking opportunities.
3. NACADA’s 2023 Annual Conference
Date: October 4-7, 2023
Format: In-Person
Location: Orlando, FL
The NACADA’s 2023 Annual Conference will be held at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Flordia. This year’s conference theme is focused on “Reimagin[ing] the Magic of Academic Advising.” The speakers, sessions, and workshops will provide a forum for discussion, debate, and the exchange of ideas pertaining to quality academic advising and the future of the discipline. Attendees will be able to share their experiences and research in the field and utilize this networking event to make new connections with like-minded thought leaders.
4. Leadership in Higher Education Conference
Date: October 12-14, 2023
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.
5. 2023 Global Inclusion Conference
Date: October 31-November 7, 2023
Format: In-person
Location: Chicago, IL
The 11th annual Diversity Abroad Conference will be hosted in Chicago, IL, 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 2023 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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