Higher ed marcomm leaders: check out these upcoming conferences
By Helena Macario | Aug. 26, 2026
As we say goodbye to summer, we look ahead to the diverse professional development opportunities for higher education communicators and marketers. The fall of 2026 offers an exciting lineup of conferences to help you stay ahead of the ever-evolving world of higher education communications and connect with your peers.
Higher education marketing & communication conferences
Digital Collegium 2026 Annual Conference
Oct 18-21, 2026
Pennsylvania, USA
Digital Collegium’s annual conference is the premier gathering for higher education professionals passionate about digital innovation. Among the speakers will be Joyce Peralta, digital communications manager at McGill University, who will present “Consistency at scale: unified digital experiences through governance, standards and communities of practice.” The event offers an opportunity to network and find practical communications solutions you can bring back to campus.
2026 American Marketing Association (AMA) Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education
Nov. 8-11, 2026
Colorado, USA
The American Marketing Association’s four-day event is a peer-reviewed program offering discussions about marketing strategy, strengthening institutional reputation and supporting long-term financial health. Among the speakers is Tina Fisher, senior director of brand and marketing at Queen’s University, as well as marcomm leaders from schools such as Arizona State University, Drexel University, North Carolina State University, the University of Oregon and the University of Washington. New this year is AMA Braindate, a space to discuss your big idea or challenge one-on-one or in a small group.
Higher education conferences
EAIE Glasgow 2026
Sept. 8-11, 2026
Glasgow, Scotland
Hosted by the European Association for International Education, this four-day event is a premier international gathering for higher education professionals. The conference will feature 240+ sessions and activities designed for learning and networking with peers from around the world, and includes a professional development track focused on marketing and admissions.
ACHE 2026
Oct. 26-28, 2026
Virginia, USA
“Navigating Uncharted Waters: Leadership, Resilience & Renewal” is the theme of the 88th annual conference of the Association for Continuing Higher Education. Learn about the main trends affecting continuing education and so that you can help your institution take advantage of new opportunities. Regular registration ends on Aug. 31.
Marketing and communication conferences
SMX Advanced Europe
Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 2026
Berlin, Germany
Hosted by Rising Media, this three-day conference is designed for advanced search marketers. Attendees will attend two days of advanced sessions discussing search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC), generative engine optimization (GEO) and AI, followed by a dedicated Deep Dive Day for hands-on learning. A vendor agnostic event, it is designed around the questions senior practitioners are trying to answer.
Content Marketing World
Oct. 5-7, 2026
Colorado, USA
This conference, hosted by Content Marketing Institute is open to marketing leaders, communications experts and creative professionals who want to advance their content marketing strategies. It will be held alongside the Market Research Event, and will feature 100+ sessions delivering real-world insight and practical takeaways.