Educause 2026
Event Date
September 29 – October 2, 2026
Location
Denver, CO
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe EDUCAUSE Annual Conference is the premier gathering for higher education technology professionals. The conference connects the best thinkers in higher education technology, bringing together professionals and technology providers from around the world to network, share ideas, grow professionally, and discover solutions to today's challenges. It is billed as the largest gathering of higher ed IT peers—people you can relate to, learn from, and stay connected to throughout the year.
The event serves CIOs and senior technology leaders, IT staff, teaching and learning professionals, cybersecurity and privacy experts, and edtech vendors who serve colleges and universities. Attendees explore themes spanning artificial intelligence, digital transformation, analytics, cybersecurity, and student success.
The 2026 program runs as a hybrid experience. The 2026 EDUCAUSE Annual Conference will be held in person in Denver, CO, September 29–October 2, followed by an online event on October 14–15. Attendees can choose the immersive in-person experience in Denver or participate online, and in-person conference attendees gain access to the online conference after the Denver event.
Show Highlights
The 2026 conference is built around three pillars: Learn about the latest trends in higher ed technology from experts and community peers; Connect through numerous opportunities for meaningful connections with your community; and Explore the latest innovative technology and solutions.
General session speakers include:
- Heather McGowan — Future of Work Strategist, Speaker, and Best-Selling Author
- Paul LeBlanc — Owner, After the Hurricane
- The 2026 EDUCAUSE Top 10 — the annual list of top IT issues facing higher education
Signature experiences and add-on programming include the EDUCAUSE Commons (exhibit hall), the EDUCAUSE Leadership Series, the Teaching and Learning Summit, the Executive Leaders Experience, and the Young and Early Career Professionals Experience.
Registration
Registration is completed online through the EDUCAUSE registration platform, and an EDUCAUSE profile is required for all registrations. Exhibitors working a booth must work with their booth contact to register.
Full conference attendee rates (tiered by deadline):
- EDUCAUSE member: $1,185 (Early Bird through July 28), $1,285 (Advance, July 29–Sept. 2), $1,385 (Regular, Sept. 3–Oct. 2)
- Nonmember: $1,739 (Early Bird), $1,839 (Advance), $1,939 (Regular)
Other options include single-day registration, an EDUCAUSE Commons (exhibit hall) visitor pass, and add-on enhancements such as preconference workshops and the Teaching and Learning Summit. Teams can save with bulk discounts: 10% off when buying 5+ additional registrations, and 15% off when buying 10+ additional registrations after purchasing one full-price registration.
Key deadlines:
- Registration opens in early June.
- Register by July 28 for the lowest (Early Bird) rates.
- September 2 is the final day to register at advance registration rates.
Individual cancellations received on or before September 2 are entitled to a full refund; no refund will be provided for cancellations after September 2. Scholarships offering financial assistance are available to help recipients attend an EDUCAUSE conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 EDUCAUSE Annual Conference?
The in-person conference takes place September 29–October 2, 2026, at the Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St, Denver, CO 80202. An online conference follows on October 14–15, 2026.
Who should attend the EDUCAUSE Annual Conference?
It is designed for higher education technology professionals—including CIOs and senior IT leaders, IT staff, teaching and learning professionals, and edtech providers. It is described as the largest gathering of higher ed IT peers, where professionals and technology providers from around the world network, share ideas, and discover solutions.
How much does registration cost and how do I register?
Registration is completed online and requires an EDUCAUSE profile. Full conference registration for EDUCAUSE members is $1,185 (Early Bird through July 28), $1,285 (Advance through Sept. 2), and $1,385 (Regular); nonmember rates are $1,739, $1,839, and $1,939 respectively. Single-day passes and team bulk discounts are also available.
Where should I stay, and what is the hotel booking deadline?
EDUCAUSE offers an official housing block of downtown Denver hotels near the Colorado Convention Center, bookable through Maritz Global Events during registration. Book within the block by September 10, 2026, to receive the negotiated rates, many at hotels within about a tenth of a mile of the venue.
What are the highlights of the 2026 program?
The 2026 conference features general session speakers including future-of-work strategist Heather McGowan and Paul LeBlanc, plus the 2026 EDUCAUSE Top 10 IT issues. Attendees can explore the EDUCAUSE Commons exhibit hall and add-on experiences such as the Leadership Series, Teaching and Learning Summit, and preconference workshops.
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