Higher Learning Commission - HLC Annual Conference 2027
Event Date
April 17–19, 2027
Location
Phoenix, AZ
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Annual Conference — branded "Higher Learning" — is one of the leading higher education conferences in the United States, convened by the Higher Learning Commission, a major institutional accreditor. The multi-day event invites participants to explore new ideas and build community in pursuit of innovation and continuous improvement across higher education. For 2027, the conference is themed Higher Learning Phoenix and takes place April 17–19 at the Phoenix Convention Center.
The conference draws a nationwide audience of administrators, faculty members, presidents and chancellors, HLC institutional representatives, peer reviewers and representatives from higher education organizations. Professionals from other parts of the higher ed industry are also welcome, though some programming focuses specifically on HLC's accreditation process and is most relevant to member institutions.
Attendees learn from HLC staff and leading thinkers, researchers and advocates, and network with peers from institutions of every classification and size. Registration for the General Program includes keynote and featured presentations, HLC and institutional sessions, access to the expo hall, and the welcome reception — making it a valuable destination for anyone focused on accreditation, quality assurance and institutional improvement.
Show Highlights
Key features of Higher Learning Phoenix 2027 include:
- Keynote and featured presentations from HLC staff and leading higher ed thinkers, researchers and advocates.
- HLC and institutional presentations covering trends, promising practices and accreditation topics.
- The expo hall, where attendees connect with sponsors offering products and services for campuses.
- Welcome reception and select networking and meal functions.
Signature preconference programs (sold separately) include:
- Navigating Disruption Workshop for cabinet-level leaders such as provosts, CFOs and student affairs executives (Sheraton Phoenix Downtown).
- Seeking Accreditation Workshop for representatives from non-member institutions.
- Peer Reviewer Updates and Training for current members of HLC's Peer Corps.
- Conversations with Presidents and Trustees, a day-long program for institutional presidents and trustees.
- New Attendee Orientation, hosted virtually in the weeks before the conference for first-time attendees.
Registration
Registration for Higher Learning Phoenix opens in mid-November 2026. Prospective attendees can sign up for HLC's email interest list to be notified when registration opens.
General Program registration includes access to keynote and featured presentations, HLC and institutional presentations, the expo hall, the welcome reception, and some networking and meal functions specified during registration. Published General Program rates are tiered:
- Early Bird Rate: $775 member / $975 non-member
- Standard Rate: $875 member / $1,075 non-member
- Late Registration Rate: $975 member / $1,175 non-member
Preconference programs are sold separately and have their own registration fees; you do not need to register for the General Program to attend a preconference program, and vice versa. Preconference rates were scheduled to be released in fall 2026. The full conference schedule is typically released in January. Attendees must complete registration before booking a room in HLC's discounted hotel blocks.
History
The Higher Learning Commission's Annual Conference, now branded "Higher Learning," is HLC's flagship annual event bringing together representatives from accredited and prospective member institutions across the country. HLC rotates the conference among major U.S. cities each spring. Recent and upcoming editions include Higher Learning Phoenix (April 17–19, 2027), followed by Higher Learning Denver at the Colorado Convention Center (April 1–3, 2028) and Higher Learning Tampa (April 14–16, 2029).
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the HLC Annual Conference in 2027?
Higher Learning Phoenix takes place April 17–19, 2027, at the Phoenix Convention Center in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. Preconference programs are held on Saturday, April 17, before the General Program begins.
Who should attend Higher Learning?
The conference is designed 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 education industry are also welcome, though some programming focuses on HLC's accreditation process and is most relevant to member institutions.
How much does registration cost and when does it open?
Registration opens in mid-November 2026. General Program rates are $775 member / $975 non-member (early bird), $875 / $1,075 (standard), and $975 / $1,175 (late registration). Preconference programs are sold separately with their own fees.
What is included in the General Program registration?
General Program registration includes access to keynote and featured presentations, HLC and institutional presentations, the expo hall featuring sponsor products and services, the welcome reception, and some networking and meal functions specified during registration.
How do I get to the venue and where should I stay?
The Phoenix Convention Center sits on the Valley Metro Light Rail line and is a short ride from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). HLC will offer discounted room blocks at several downtown hotels near the venue, with details available in fall 2026; attendees must book through official HLC channels only, as HLC does not authorize third-party hotel resellers.
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