Key 2024 conferences for higher ed marcomm professionals
By Ruba Hassan | April 3, 2024
As we venture into 2024, an exciting array of conferences offer opportunities to stay at the forefront of the ever-evolving landscape of higher education communications. These dynamic gatherings promise a wealth of insights and opportunities to network that could meaningfully shape the future of your institution’s marcomm endeavours.
Higher ed marcomm conferences
8th Annual Marketing & Communications for Post Secondary Conference
This dynamic conference will discuss leveraging AI to help streamline your creative work, how to market your institution’s innovative research, how institutions can respond to the social justice and geopolitical issues affecting their communities, and much more. Experts from Humber College, the University of British Columbia, Wilfrid Laurier University and more will share their insights and case studies. Attend online or in person in Toronto, Canada from May 27-29, and register by April 12 for early bird rates. Higher Ed Communications principal Sharon Aschaiek is excited to chair the event again this year.
EUPRIO 2024 Turin
From June 12-15, the European Association of Communication Professionals in Higher Education will host its annual conference at the University of Turin in Italy. Participants will get to learn about key topics, trends, tools and tactics for elevating communications at your institution. Hear from speakers from post-secondary schools such as the University of Agder, the University of Copenhagen, the University of Iceland and the University of Manchester.
Annual Conference for Marketing and Branding Professionals 2024
This summer, gain actionable tools and tactics to help safeguard, sustain and measure the impact of your brand strategy. The Annual Conference for Marketing and Branding Professionals by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) will bring together higher ed marketing, branding and communications experts to identify creative, data-driven strategies that help inform successful brand strategy and market position. Participating institutions include the University of Arkansas, University of San Diego and the University of Redlands. The event will take place June 24-26 in Chicago, and early bird rates are available until May 15.
eduWeb Summit
For three days, eduWeb invites higher ed marcomm folks to engage in presentations, workshops and panel discussions on the latest strategies in higher ed marketing, communications and digital work. This year’s conference will take place July 9-11 in Philadelphia. Join experts from the Radford University, Texas State University, University of Michigan, the University of Rochester and more to delve into topics such as accessible design and developing student-centered content strategies. Register by April 30 for the lowest rates possible.
#PSEWEB 2024
Canada’s college and university digital marketing conference, #PSEWEB, is back for another year, this time hosted by Olds College of Agriculture & Technology in Alberta. The conference, which will take place July 10 and 11, brings together higher ed marketers, programmers, designers and digital architects to explore the latest trends and tactics in digital marketing. Sessions will explore marketing analytics, social media, design and more. Early bird ticket sales for the virtual and in-person events end on April 30.
HashtagHigherEd US
Happening Sept. 10-11 in Pittsburgh, HashtagHigherEd US is an engaging two-day event empowering professionals in higher ed marketing and communications to exchange ideas and best practices for dealing with contemporary challenges in the industry. This year’s forum is all about innovative marketing and leadership for 2025 and beyond, exploring new tools, creative campaigns and authentic branding to help resonate with the next generation of students. Super early bird rates are available until June 28.
HighEdWeb 2024
For higher ed marketers, communicators, programmers and designers, HighEdWeb is the place to be to learn strategies and solutions for the unique issues around digital at colleges and universities. This year’s conference is taking place Sept. 22-25 online and in person in Albuquerque. Take advantage of the early bird rates available until July 31.
ContedEd Conference 2024
ContentEd is an annual two-day conference dedicated to exploring emerging trends and advancements in higher ed content strategy and content marketing. Attendees can expect valuable insights and case studies on brand development, content marketing tactics, content measurement and community engagement strategies. This year’s conference is happening October 8 and 9 in Liverpool, UK.
2024 AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education
Looking to revitalize your marketing approach and discover innovative ideas and techniques? The AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education offers higher ed marketers invaluable tools and resources to help enhance marketing strategies, boost institutional reputation and build financial strength. The conference will be held from Nov. 10-13 in Las Vegas. Registration has yet to open but keep an eye out on the event website to snag early bird rates.
Marketing and Communications
Conversion Conference 2024
Higher ed marketers looking to gain cutting-edge knowledge and strategies in digital marketing and AI technology can join Conversion Conference this year from June 5-7 in Arizona. The event will explore a range of topics such as generative AI use for conversion, social media strategies for enhancing engagement, and how to write copy your audience will love. Pre-event discounted tickets are available until April 19.
2024 AMA Summer Academic Conference
Examining marketing’s role in navigating an uncertain future will be the focus of the American Marketing Association’s 2024 Summer Academic Conference taking place Aug. 16-18 in Boston. The conference theme, “Reconnecting with Humanity: Marketing’s Role in Promoting Responsible Technology While Serving People,” explores marketing’s responsibility to promote sustainable, inclusive and equitable uses of emerging technologies. Learn from experts from Dartmouth College, Fordham University, Loyola Marymount University and more. Virtual programming is available on Aug. 12 for remote attendees.
SMX Advanced Europe 2024
Are you a higher ed marketer looking to freshen up your SEO knowledge and learn the latest search marketing and PPC tactics? SMX Advanced Europe offers all of that and more with sessions delving into using AI to optimize ad copy, harnessing the power of Google Analytics 4 and using paid video to drive traffic. This year, the conference is coming to Berlin from Sept. 10-11, with early bird prices available until May 31.
VidCon Baltimore
VidCon is THE annual event where digital creators and digital media industry experts gather to explore the latest in video marketing and creation, digital culture and video platform innovation. The event welcomes more than 50,000 attendees every year. Higher ed marketers looking to power up their video marketing can learn best practices and insights to help them connect with the next generation of students. The event will take place in Baltimore from Sept. 26-29 and tickets go on sale on April 9.
Content Marketing World 2024
The 2024 Content Marketing World conference is set to take place on Oct. 22 and 23 in San Diego. This event is open to marketing leaders, communications experts and creative professionals who are looking to reinvigorate and advance their content marketing strategies. Sessions typically explore brand strategies, content creation and development, content management and optimization, social media marketing and more. Secure your super early bird discounted tickets before the April 26 deadline.
Higher Education
AACRAO Annual Meeting
Higher education professionals looking to network with peers, discuss emerging challenges and learn solutions for the advancement of higher ed can gather at the annual meeting of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. Taking place April 7-10 in Columbus, Ohio, this event will cover topics ranging from enrolment management to communications to career development to equity. Hear from experts from Cornell University, North Dakota State University, the University of Washington and more.
Digital Universities US
Digital Universities US returns for its third edition this year at Washington University in St. Louis, bringing together 100+ speakers to discuss the opportunities and challenges of a digital-first future in higher ed. Learn strategies to alleviate misinformation on campus, attract digital students, build communities for online learners and create equitable and accessible digital experiences. Join professionals from Bentley University, the University of Kentucky, the University of Missouri and more from May 6-8. Early bird rates expire on April 5.
EAIE Toulouse 2024
The EAIE Annual Conference and Exhibition, set to take place from Sept. 17-20 in Toulouse, France, is a premier international gathering for higher education professionals. With the theme “En Route!” or “We are on our way!” the conference will highlight the digital technologies, sustainable practices and innovative solutions that help propel our community towards a brighter future. Registration opens on May 29 and early bird discounts will be available until June 28.
OLC Accelerate 2024
This year, the Online Learning Consortium celebrates 30 years of Accelerate, the conference dedicated to overcoming the unique challenges in the evolving landscape of digital education. Accelerate will showcase groundbreaking research and highly effective practices in digital learning design and effectiveness, equity, access and inclusion in digital education, leadership, collaboration and more. Join this event from Nov. 18-21 at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in Orlando.