2027 Spring Higher Education CIO Congress

California
April 11th
- 13th
2027

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About The Program

The Spring Higher Ed CIO Congress brings together the CIOs, CTOs, and campus technology leaders defining what’s next in higher education, the decision-makers driving digital transformation and investment across the nation.


More than a trade show, it’s three days of curated one-on-one meetings and strategic discussions built to uncover challenges, explore solutions, and forge partnerships that deliver results. You’ll meet the right people, in the right context, at the right time.

Become a Partner

Topics of Discussion

How institutions can build policies, oversight structures, and ethical guardrails that enable AI innovation without exposing the institution to unnecessary risk.

Moving past AI hype to measure real impact, assess organizational readiness, and scale pilots into sustainable, value-generating initiatives.

Building the data infrastructure, quality standards, and governance protocols needed to turn institutional data into trustworthy, actionable insight.

Navigating the shift to modern ERP platforms while streamlining redundant systems.

Strategies for sustaining and improving IT services amid shrinking budgets, tight staffing, and growing demands.

Practical approaches to guiding institutions through continuous technological transformation without burning out staff and stakeholders.

Using technology and data to create more personalized, self-service, and seamless experiences across the student journey.

Building resilient, well-governed cybersecurity practices that protect the institution amid an increasingly complex threat landscape.

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Value of time OOO

89% of delegates said this is the best event they’ve attended all year

Past Keynote Speaker

Saby Waraich
Chief Information Officer,
Clackamas Community College, Oregon

Past Speakers

Dr. Simeon Ananou
Vice President for IT & Chief Information Officer,
Stony Brook University, New York
Dr. Bryan Aylward
Assistant Vice President, Academic Innovation, Operations, and Technology,
University of Arizona Global Campus, Arizona
Shelly Belflower
Director of IT Software Licensing & Contract Management,
Weber State University, Utah
Charles Butcher
Chief Educational Technology and AI Officer,
Arkansas Colleges of Health Education, Arkansas
Tony Chung
Chief Information Officer,
California State University-San Marcos, California
Patricia Clay
Associate Vice President for Information Technology and CIO,
Hudson County Community College, New Jersey
Kent Gerberich
Chief Information Officer,
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Lester Godsey
Chief Information Security Officer,
Arizona State University-Tempe, Arizona
Sharon Kelley
Executive Director of Information Security & CISO,
New Jersey Institute of Technology, New Jersey

The Schedule

10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Event Registration

12:20 pm - 1:20 pm

Opening Keynote

1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Strategy Session/Business Meetings

3:35 pm - 3:15 pm

Afternoon Refreshments and Networking

3:15 pm - 5:45 pm

Strategy Session/Business Meetings/Roundtable Discussions/Workshops

5:45 pm - 6:45 pm

Free Time

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Welcome Drinks and Networking Dinner

7:00 am - 8:00 am

Networking Breakfast

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Morning Keynote/Panel Session

9:00 am - 10:30 am

Strategy Session/Business Meetings

10:30 am - 11:00 am

Morning Refreshments and Networking

11:00 am - 11:45 am

Strategy Session/Business Meetings

11:45 am - 12:30 pm

Workshops/Roundtable Discussions

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Networking Lunch

1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Roundtables/Business Meetings/Workshops

3:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Afternoon Refreshments and Networking

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Strategy Session/Business Meetings

5:00 pm - 5:45 pm

Closing Session

5:45 pm - 6:45 pm

Free Time

6:45 pm - 8:30 pm

Networking Drinks and Dinner

8:00 am - 9:05 am

Business Meetings

9:10 am - 9:55 am

Breakfast

10:05 am - 10:50 am

Workshops/Roundtable Discussions

11:15 am - 11:45 am

Closing Session

If you have access to the full schedule, click here. Otherwise, click here to get access.

Our Commitments to You

Maximized Networking Opportunities

Cultivate meaningful relationships with peers and thought leaders via networking opportunities and functions, strategically designed and planned by our team ahead of the event.

A personal, customized itinerary

Participants customize their schedule by selecting from various sessions, tracks and private meetings that align specifically with their business needs and goals.

Exclusive qualified attendance

In order to facilitate the most optimal networking and meeting opportunities, participation is invitation only and strictly limited to Senior Level Administrators & Executives.

return on time and objective

Your time and the objectives you have set are our top priority. We strive to facilitate the right meetings and introductions to ensure your time with us is being justified with real value.

Delegate Testimonials

Isaac Abbs
Assistant Vice Chancellor for IT and CIO, Pima Community College (AZ)

RTM is a great opportunity to brainstorm with peers on existing and emerging challenges, as well as stay up-to-date on the latest innovations impacting higher education.

 

Steven D’Agustino
Senior Director for Online Programs, Fordham University (NY)

The CIO Congress is more than a conference. It is a small learning community of dedicated professionals committed to growth and excellence.

 

Jeremy Gamez
Chief Information Officer, East Texas A&M University (TX)

The CIO Congress by RTM provides an opportunity to engage w/ peers and hear their perspectives which may vary from East Coast, Southern, Midwest, and West Coast schools. Having like-minded individuals who are willing to share and collaborate is very much appreciated. The unique business meeting format is also beneficial. It allows me to have intentional focus with the vendors I want to engage and the dialogue is not one-sided. They listen and it doesn't feel like a typical "vendor floor" where I'm being pitched to buy their "latest and greatest" product.

 

Joanne Caione-Keating
Associate Vice President, Learning & Client Experience, Widener University (PA)

The way the RTM conference is planned ensures that I have multiple opportunities to meet and engage with other decision-makers in my field. Talking through our shared problems at RTM opens my mind to fresh ideas and new solutions. It's my favorite small-scale conference.

 

Joshua Tepen
Executive Director of Design & Development, Maryville University (MO)

In addition to amazing thought provoking sessions, the networking opportunities at RTM Higher Ed events are the best I’ve ever experienced. I have made some great connections and friendship's with other IT leaders in Higher Ed.

 

Become a Partner

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