6 Must-Attend Higher Ed Marketing Conferences in 2026
Fine-tune or revamp your institution’s marketing strategy this year with insights from industry experts.
By Kyle Crafton
Higher education marketers are always up against a unique set of challenges, and the current climate of declining enrollment and reduced state and federal funding only amplifies the issue. Industry events are essential for staying ahead of the game, but not all conferences are created equal. Here are six not to miss in 2026.
1. CASE Editors Forum 2026
March 11–13 | Boston
The annual conference from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education gives editors, writers, designers and creative directors practical, how-to advice and information that helps improve how they do their jobs as soon as they set foot back on campus. Discuss the art of strategic storytelling, analyze data and research related to trends in education publications, and build strong professional relationships with peers and partners.
2. Web Con
April 9–10 | Virtual
The University of Illinois’ annual virtual conference is always packed with tips and tidbits “for navigating all things www and related workplaces.” Content creators, designers, developers, marketers, data analysts and others learn from each other as well as industry leaders and experts.
3. eduWeb Summit
July 14–16 | Orlando
Much of eduWeb’s programming is designed to move topics from theoretical to action, with sessions, master classes and networking opportunities in nine learning topics, ranging from evergreen categories like enhancing student and alumni experience to of-the-moment issues like artificial intelligence. You’ll have ample opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from attendees and exhibitors from all 50 states and around the world.
4. CAMMP Annual Conference
July 21–23 | Lincoln, Nebraska
Members of the Council of Alumni Marketing and Membership Professionals gather each year in a different college town to network with fellow alumni association professionals while also gaining fresh insights they can bring back to campus. Some sessions are split by focus — membership, marketing and business development — to maximize each attendee’s learning potential and make their work more effective.
5. Digital Collegium 2026 Annual Conference
Oct. 18–21 | Online and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Digital Collegium (formerly HighEdWeb) schedules a weekend of educational sessions and networking opportunities for higher education professionals across departments. The event focuses on providing insight and solutions to the unique challenges facing digital teams at colleges and universities.
6. AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education
Nov. 8–11 | Aurora, Colorado
For more than 30 years, the largest community-based marketing association in the world has provided opportunities for higher ed marketers to network with peers and bone up on the latest research in the field. No event has more higher-ed solution providers in one place. Plus, it’s an opportunity for AMA-certified marketers to get continuing education units.
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Kyle’s career experience spans the media landscape, beginning as a magazine publisher and later as CFO and publisher of MediaBistro.com. He served as the publisher and GM of the Curbed Network, now part of Vox media. In 2010, he swapped New York City for Arizona and dove into agency life, leading digital initiatives — design and development, interactive marketing, UX and search — and working with clients such as Nationwide Insurance, Charles Schwab and NASCAR.
Kyle has taught courses on digital media entrepreneurship and the business and future of journalism at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism. He feels at home among the many Chicago ex-pats in Phoenix. His passions include cooking, college basketball and spending time with his (significantly more talented) creative director wife, his teen children and his dog.