Higher Learning 2025

HLC Annual Conference

April 5–8, 2025, Chicago

About the Conference

The HLC Annual Conference, now branded Higher Learning, brings the higher ed community together in Chicago to share ideas and insights on the latest in the field.

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.

Higher Learning 2025

The 2025 HLC Annual Conference will explore the ways colleges and universities use higher learning to meet the needs of their students and society. Whether through imparting the skills and knowledge needed for today’s workforce, fueling innovation, or exploring solutions to our most pressing problems, higher learning is the force that propels us all.

Program and Fees

Pre-Conference Programs

Saturday, April 5, 2025

Seeking Accreditation Workshop

$475

Peer Review Updates and Training
Current peer reviewers only

$150

Centering Learning Workshop
limit 100

$250

Strategies for Experienced ALOs Workshop
limit 150

$250

Conversations with Presidents and Trustees

limit 300, price includes discounted General Program registration*

Member
$835
Non-member
$1,035

Seeking Accreditation Workshop

$475

Peer Review Updates and Training
Current peer reviewers only

$150

Centering Learning Workshop
limit 100

$350

Strategies for Experienced ALOs Workshop
limit 150

$350

Conversations with Presidents and Trustees

limit 300, price includes discounted General Program registration*

Member
$935
Non-member
$1,135

Seeking Accreditation Workshop

$475

Peer Review Updates and Training
Current peer reviewers only

N/A

Centering Learning Workshop
limit 100

N/A

Strategies for Experienced ALOs Workshop
limit 150

N/A

Conversations with Presidents and Trustees

limit 300, price includes discounted General Program registration*

Member
$1,035
Non-member
$1,235

General Program

Saturday, April 5 – Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Higher Learning 2025 General Program

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

Member
$735
Non-member
$935

Higher Learning 2025 General Program

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

Member
$835
Non-member
$1,035

Higher Learning 2025 General Program

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

Member
$935
Non-member
$1,135

Sunday Lunch

Due to the limited selection of nearby open restaurants on Sunday, HLC offers an on-site lunch option for attendees. In 2025, we’re offering multiple new luncheon opportunities that will allow attendees to connect and share promising practices over a specific higher ed topic related to their work. These plated lunches will be at the Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago, which is connected to the Hyatt Regency conference hotel. Space will be limited.

Alternatively, attendees can pre-purchase a boxed lunch for Sunday, served without programming.

These options are only for Sunday. Attendees are encouraged to visit the many nearby restaurants for lunch on Monday and Tuesday.  

Special Topic Luncheon 1 (Topic TBA)

$30

Special Topic Luncheon 2 (Topic TBA)

$30

Boxed Lunch

$25

Hotel and Travel

Higher Learning 2025 will take place at the Hyatt Regency, Swissôtel and Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago. We offer discounted room blocks at the conference hotels and at multiple hotels nearby:

  • Hyatt Regency Chicago
  • Swissôtel Chicago
  • Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago
  • Fairmont Chicago 
  • Renaissance Chicago Downtown

Attendees flying in to Chicago should plan to arrive at O’Hare International Airport or Midway Airport. O’Hare is 17 miles northwest and Midway is 10 miles southwest of downtown. Multiple transportation options, including rapid transit trains, are available from both airports to the conference hotels.

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 2025 also comes with several options to share your brand with attendees, including recognition on conference materials, showcase sessions, and more.

The 2025 sponsor application will open in November 2024.

Save the Date

2025 Conference:
April 5-8, 2025

2026 Conference:
March 21-24, 2026

Questions?

[email protected]