2026 Fall Higher Education CIO Congress

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, Phoenix AZ
November 15th
- 17th
2026

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About The Program

The Fall Higher Education CIO Congress brings together 75 senior technology leaders from colleges and universities to address generative AI, cybersecurity, and student success. Sessions deliver practical strategies to strengthen finances, modernize IT, and advance digital transformation. Join us this November to connect with peers and shape the future of higher education technology.

 

Applications close on October 6.

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Topics of Discussion

This will explore how technology leaders are developing governance frameworks, identifying high-impact use cases, aligning stakeholders, and building the infrastructure needed to support institution-wide AI initiatives while balancing innovation, security, and risk.

Examine strategies for strengthening cybersecurity posture, including layered defenses, identity and access management, backup and recovery planning, incident response readiness, and campus-wide awareness efforts to ensure continuity of operations and rapid recovery in the event of an attack.

Explore how higher education organizations are breaking down silos, improving data quality, and enabling analytics that directly support institutional goals such as enrollment, retention, and financial sustainability.

Examine practical approaches to prioritizing modernization efforts, leveraging cloud and SaaS solutions, reducing technical debt, and demonstrating ROI for incremental transformation initiatives.

With shifting demographics and declining traditional student populations, institutions must rethink how technology supports recruitment, retention, and student success.

Explore how higher education leaders are developing AI policies, managing risk, and building the infrastructure needed to safely and effectively integrate AI into teaching, learning, and operations.

Explore how institutions are embedding accessibility into procurement, design, and development processes to ensure inclusive access while improving usability for all users.

IT teams in higher education are under increasing pressure from constant change, limited staffing, and expanding responsibilities. Examine strategies for reducing burnout, improving workload balance, leveraging automation, and building sustainable team structures that support long-term resilience.

Explore approaches to securing digital identities, detecting fraud, and building trust in online systems across the campus ecosystem.

Focuses on building governance models that improve transparency, align technology investments with institutional strategy, and enable faster, more informed decision-making.

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88% of delegates said this is the best event they’ve attended all year

Past Keynote Speakers

A dynamic roster of keynote speakers drives innovation at our congress events. Discover thought leaders and game-changers whose invaluable insights foster growth and excellence in each of our delegates.

Paul Ross
Associate Vice President Chief Information Officer,
Phoenix College, Arizona
Dr. Kellie Campbell
Chief Information Officer,
University of Vermont, Vermont
Albert Veysel Erdag
Chief Information Security Officer,
University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Arkansas

Past Speakers

Isaac Abbs
Assistant Vice Chancellor for IT & Chief Information Officer,
Pima Community College, Arizona
Dr. Bryan Aylward
Assistant Vice President, Academic Innovation, Operations, and Technology,
University of Arizona Global Campus, Arizona
Kristin Benoodt
Assistant Director of Cybersecurity,
University at Buffalo, New York
Angela Camaille
Director of Instructional Technology, Support and Professional Development,
Delgado Community College, Louisiana
Dr. Kellie Campbell
Chief Information Officer,
University of Vermont, Vermont
Christopher Dechter
Manager, Instructional Technology,
University of Wyoming, Wyoming
Neal Dyer
Chief Technology Officer,
Southeastern University, Florida
Michael Eaton
Executive Director of Public Safety Technology,
University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado
Ryan Gray
Director of Technology Engagement and Strategy,
Yavapai College, Arizona

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 Meeting

3:35 pm - 3:15 pm

Afternoon Refreshments and networking

3:15 pm - 5:45 pm

Strategy Session/Business Meeting/Round tables Discussions/Workshops

5:45 pm - 6:45 pm

Free time

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Welcome drinks and 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 Meeting

10:30 am - 11:00 am

Morning Refreshments and networking

11:00 am - 11:45 am

Strategy Session/Business Meeting

11:45 am - 12:30 pm

Workshop/Roundtable disccussions

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Networking Luncheon

1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Roundtables/Business meetings/Workshops

3:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Afternoon refreshements and netwotking

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Strategy Session/Business Meeting

5:00 pm - 5:45 pm

Closing Day keynote

5:45 pm - 6:45 pm

Free time

6:45 pm - 8:30 pm

Networking Drinks and Dinner

8:00 am - 8:15 am

Morning Refreshments and networking

8:20 am - 9:05 am

Workshop/Roundtable disccussions

9:10 am - 9:55 am

Brunch

10:05 am - 11:05 am

Strategy Session/Business Meeting

11:15 am - 12:00 pm

Closing Keynote

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

Reginald Brumfield
Chief Information Officer, Houston Christian University (TX)

This is a great opportunity to network with peers to discuss issues and solutions at the executive level but also how it affects students.

Albert Chavez
Associate Vice President of Information Technology, Laredo College (TX)

The event provides a great opportunity to network with other technology leaders in higher education. The pace of the event allows attendees time to ask questions and discuss with peers. Meeting with vendors one to one is a better experience than when going to a trade show and trying capture information there. Overall an excellent experience!

Angela Melero
Assistant Vice President of Technology Architecture and Chief Technology Architect, University of the Pacific (CA)

This has been one of the best conferences I have attended. The speakers are great and the networking with others in Higher Ed has been wonderful.

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.

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