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Higher Learning 2026

About Higher Learning

At HLC’s leading higher ed conference, we invite you to explore new ideas and build a community in pursuit of innovation and continuous improvement.

Learn from HLC staff and leading thinkers, researchers and advocates during this multi-day event to inspire your work on campus. Network with attendees from institutions of every classification and size from across the country.

Save the Date

Higher Learning PHOENIX

April 17–19, 2027 | Phoenix Convention Center

Call for Proposals opens July 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

Administrators, faculty members, CEOs, presidents and chancellors, representatives from higher ed organizations, and HLC institutional representatives and peer reviewers are welcome. Some programming during the conference is exclusive to representatives of member institutions that have an accreditation relationship with us.

The General Program includes most sessions during the conference. Registered General Program attendees have access to:

  • All General Program sessions, including the Welcome Address, keynotes, and presentations by HLC and institutions.
  • The expo hall featuring products and services from sponsors.
  • Some networking and meal functions as specified during registration.

Preconference programs are separate and have their own registration fees. You do not have to register for a preconference program to participate in the General Program.

The full conference program is typically released in January. Be sure you’re subscribed to our conference email interest list to be notified when it’s available.

We will offer discounted room blocks at several hotels near the Phoenix Convention Center for Higher Learning 2027. Information about partner hotels will be available in fall 2026. All attendees must complete registration before making a hotel reservation in our discounted room blocks.

Warning: HLC does not authorize third‑party hotel resellers. Any individual or company contacting you about conference housing is not endorsed or affiliated with HLC. All official housing communications will come directly from HLC and from an email address ending in @hlcommission.org. Please do not click links or share information unless you have confirmed the message is from this domain.

To receive HLC’s discounted hotel rates, only book rooms through official HLC channels.

If you have received a notification that seems like it could potentially be from a third-party organization, please contact the Annual Conference team directly at [email protected] for verification. 

The call for proposals for Higher Learning 2027 will open in July 2026. See the Higher Learning 2026 rubric and samples for more information about the proposal submission process. Please note: information related to Higher Learning 2026 proposals is subject to change for Higher Learning 2027.

All programs during the conference take place in person. Slides may be accessed on the conference mobile app and website during and after the conference. HLC also offers a variety of virtual programs and events throughout the year.

There are several preconference programs offered at Higher Learning that typically occur on Saturday before the General Program begins. Each preconference program may be open to different institutional representatives depending on their role and relationship with HLC.

Recurring preconference programs include Peer Reviewer Updates and Training for current HLC peer reviewers, Conversations With Presidents and Trustees, Seeking Accreditation for representatives from non-member institutions, and workshops on relevant areas of higher ed. Preconference programs for Higher Learning 2027 will be announced in fall 2026.

Preconference programs are sold separately from the General Program. You do not need to register for the General Program to attend a preconference program.

Yes. HLC is committed to making all reasonable accommodations that will allow attendees to fully participate in the conference. Please indicate any accommodations during registration, or contact us at [email protected].

For questions related to the conference, please contact [email protected].

The conference brings representatives from institutions of every classification and size from across the country to Chicago to gather information and learn promising practices. In the expo hall, attendees connect with sponsors to learn about products and services that can provide solutions and opportunities to innovate their work.

Sponsoring Higher Learning also comes with several options to share your brand with attendees, including recognition on conference materials, showcase sessions, and more.

The 2027 sponsor application and Prospectus will be available in fall 2026.

  • View the Higher Learning 2026 Sponsor Prospectus for opportunities typically available for sponsors. Please note: all information in the 2026 Prospectus is subject to change for Higher Learning 2027.
  • Sponsorship questions? Contact Destiny Quintero, Vice President of Education, Training and Events.

Save the Date

Higher Learning Phoenix
April 17–19, 2027 | Phoenix Convention Center

Higher Learning Denver
April 1–3, 2028 | Colorado Convention Center

Higher Learning Tampa
April 14–16, 2029