2026 Spring Higher Education CIO Congress

California
March 29th
- 31st
2026

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About The Program

The Spring Higher Ed CIO Congress will focus on 75 c-level executives on the technology side of higher education (CIOs, CTOs and VPs of Technology). These leaders are mainly focused on generative AI, cybersecurity, maximizing student success ,and the quality and practices associated with undergraduate, graduate, and professional study at the college/university. Conference sessions will address how technology leaders can improve their institution’s finances, technology programs, support services, and organizational design to drive innovation and help students from all backgrounds succeed.

Past Topics of Discussion

Integrating AI into campus operations and administration streamlines processes such as enrollment, resource allocation, and student support services, enhancing efficiency and decision-making. By leveraging AI technologies, institutions can automate routine tasks, analyze vast amounts of data for insights, and improve overall campus experiences for students and staff alike.

Employee well-being significantly impacts retention by fostering a supportive work environment that enhances job satisfaction, productivity, and overall morale. Prioritizing mental health resources, work-life balance, and professional development can lead to lower turnover rates and a more engaged, committed workforce.

Best practices in cybersecurity for educational institutions involve implementing robust security protocols, regular training for staff and students, and comprehensive incident response plans. By prioritizing data protection, utilizing encryption, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, institutions can safeguard sensitive information and mitigate potential threats in an increasingly digital landscape.

Equity and inclusion in technology implementation ensure that all users have equitable access to digital tools and resources, addressing barriers related to socioeconomic status, ability, and cultural background.

Fostering a culture of innovation in higher education involves encouraging creativity, collaboration, and risk-taking among faculty, staff, and students to explore new ideas and approaches.

Leveraging technology for improved student services enhances accessibility and efficiency by streamlining processes such as registration, advising, and support services through digital platforms. Implementing user-friendly tools and data-driven solutions allows institutions to provide personalized experiences, promptly address student needs, and foster greater engagement throughout the academic journey.

Transformational leadership in changing educational landscapes emphasizes inspiring and motivating stakeholders to embrace change, foster innovation, and pursue a shared vision for institutional improvement.

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Overall Experience
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Value of time OOO

92% of delegates said this is the best event they’ve attended all year

Past Keynote Speakers

Lucy Avetisyan
Associate Vice Chancellor and CIO,
University of California-Los Angeles, California
Dr. Joe Way
Executive Director, Digital Spaces,
University of California-Los Angeles, California
Dr. Vince Kellen
CIO,
University of California at San Diego, California

Past Speakers

Dr. Simeon Ananou
Vice President for IT & CIO,
Stony Brook University, New York
Kent Gerberich
Chief Information Officer,
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Wisconsin
BC Hatchett
Associate Director, Classroom Technology,
Vanderbilt University, Tennessee
Mark Johnson
Vice President of Technology and Chief Information Officer,
Minnesota State University-Mankato, Minnesota
Dr. Maeghen Kuhn
Director of UC Online, Prior Learning, and General Studies,
University of the Cumberlands, Kentucky
Chi Hang Lo
Manager of AV/IT Solutions, Digital Spaces,
University of California-Los Angeles, California
Zachary Rossmiller
Chief Information Officer,
The University of Montana, Montana
Darin Seiler
Chief Information Officer,
Adrian College, Michigan
Saby Waraich
Chief Information Officer,
Clackamas Community College, Oregon

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

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.

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