April 17–19 | Phoenix Convention Center

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Call for Proposals Frequently Asked Questions Program Sponsors Resources

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.

Call for Proposals

Open July 22 – September 14, 2026

Have a presentation idea that can offer new insights and foster engaging, open discussions? Apply to present.

Learn More and Apply

Program

Preconference Programs

Rates will be released in fall 2026.

Open to all attendees. Details about additional workshop offerings will be added soon.

Navigating Disruption Workshop

Saturday, April 17 | Time TBA | Sheraton Phoenix Downtown

With shifting federal policies, funding changes, political mandates and technological advancements, cabinet-level leaders face constant disruption. This workshop offers timely insights through peer-to-peer strategy exchange and examples from senior leaders. Strengthen your ability to advise presidents, manage uncertainty, keep students at the center and uphold your institution’s mission.

For provosts, chief financial officers, student affairs executives and other cabinet-level administrators

Open only to certain roles and groups:

New Attendee Orientation

Hosted Virtually in the Weeks Before the Conference | Time TBA

HLC staff and conference committee members will share what you need to know to attend your first Higher Learning. Get an overview of key HLC accreditation topics in the program, tips on selecting sessions, and learn about the resources available to you as a new attendee.

Registrants who indicated they have not attended the conference before are invited via email

Seeking Accreditation Workshop

Friday, April 16 | Time TBA | Phoenix Convention Center

HLC staff members and experienced peer reviewers conduct this workshop to help institutions interested in seeking accreditation with HLC understand the process and requirements, including hearing perspectives of representatives from institutions that have attained initial accreditation with HLC.

For representatives from non-member institutions

Peer Reviewer Updates and Training

Saturday, April 17 | 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Phoenix Convention Center

Current members of HLC’s Peer Corps are invited to attend this program to refresh and enhance their skills, as well as get updates on accreditation processes. The day-long program includes sessions on skill-building, information-sharing, and policy updates. Specific training required for certain peer review roles will be offered.

For current peer reviewers

Conversations with Presidents and Trustees

Saturday, April 17 | 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Sheraton Phoenix Downtown

This day-long program covers critical issues in higher ed in a space designed for leadership to participate in candid and real discussions.

For institutional presidents and trustees only

General Program

Saturday, April 17 – Monday, April 19, 2027

Higher Learning Phoenix General Program
4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 17 – 3:45 p.m. Monday, April 19 | Phoenix Convention Center

Registration for the conference General Program includes access to keynote and featured presentations, HLC and institutional presentations, the expo hall, the welcome reception and more. 

Member
$775
Non-member
$975

Higher Learning Phoenix General Program
4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 17 – 3:45 p.m. Monday, April 19 | Phoenix Convention Center

Registration for the conference General Program includes access to keynote and featured presentations, HLC and institutional presentations, the expo hall, the welcome reception and more. 

Member
$875
Non-member
$1,075

Higher Learning Phoenix General Program
4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 17 – 3:45 p.m. Monday, April 19 | Phoenix Convention Center

Registration for the conference General Program includes access to keynote and featured presentations, HLC and institutional presentations, the expo hall, the welcome reception and more. 

Member
$975
Non-member
$1,175

Higher Learning 2026 Highlights

Frequently Asked Questions

Higher Learning is for administrators, faculty members, presidents and chancellors, HLC institutional representatives, peer reviewers and representatives from higher ed organizations. Professionals from other parts of the higher ed industry are also welcome to attend. Some conference programming is focused on HLC’s accreditation process, which may be most relevant to our member institutions. 

Preconference programs for Higher Learning Phoenix will be on Saturday, April 17 before the start of the General Program. General Program will begin at 5 p.m. Saturday evening and conclude at 5 p.m. on Monday. There will be no programming on Tuesday.

Registration for Higher Learning Phoenix will open in mid-November 2026. Sign up for our email interest list to be notified when registration opens.

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. 

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.

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].

Yes, new attendee orientation is offered virtually in the weeks before the conference. If you indicate that you’re a new attendee during registration, you’ll receive an invite to orientation via email in early 2027.

The conference brings representatives from institutions of every classification and size from across the country 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.

  • 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 2027.
  • Sponsorship
    questions? Contact Destiny Quintero, Vice President of Education, Training and Events.

The Higher Learning Phoenix sponsor application will open in fall 2026.

Save the Date

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

Higher Learning Tampa
April 14–16, 2029

Questions?

[email protected]