Architects of the Modern Student Journey

Join higher education leaders, practitioners, EAB experts, and guest speakers for a conference focused on improving outcomes across the full student journey, from enrollment and advising to student success, career readiness, advancement, and institutional strategy.

Tell us a little about yourself

Whether you are ready to register, building the case to attend, or exploring whether CONNECTED26 is the right fit for your team, our team can share details based on your role, institution, and interests.

What to expect at CONNECTED26

CONNECTED26 brings together the people responsible for helping students and institutions thrive. Over three days, attendees will explore how colleges and universities are using data, technology, strategy, and cross-functional collaboration to address higher education’s most urgent challenges. This is more than a conference about tools or trends. It is a working forum for leaders who need practical ideas, peer-tested examples, and clearer ways to move from strategy to action.

  • Inspiring Keynotes from Industry Leaders

    Hear the latest insights on higher education’s most urgent issues, including federal policy, AI, career preparation, and more.

  • Hands-On Workshops

    Leave the conferences with tools, templates, and research to put what you learn into practice as soon as you get back to campus.

  • Lasting Connections

    Leaders like you will be attending and presenting. Walk away with new connections to peers who are facing similar challenges and trying new ideas.

See Why Your Peers Attend

Frequently Asked Questions

The Basics

What is CONNECTED?

CONNECTED is a national conference focused on student success and institutional strategy. It is the only event that supports the full student journey—from enrollment to advancement—helping institutions align technology, people, data, and strategy to drive measurable outcomes. The name CONNECTED reflects the reality that student success depends on connection between students and support services, data and decision-making, and campus teams working toward shared goals. The “26” in CONNECTED26 reflects the calendar year of the event, not how many times the conference has occurred.

Where and when is CONNECTED26?

CONNECTED26 will take place at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, FL on October 26–28, 2026.

What are the conference start and end times?

CONNECTED26 will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 26 and conclude at noon on Wednesday, October 28.

Will there be any pre- or post-conference sessions?

Content is still in development. Any pre- or post-conference sessions will be announced soon.

Who can attend CONNECTED26?

The event is open to leaders from any institution that uses EAB technology, including Navigate360, Starfish, and Edify. There is no limit on how many individuals each partner institution can send. Programming is designed for executive leaders, Program Sponsors, Program Owners, and Application/Tenant Administrators. To support strategic discussions and networking, CONNECTED is designed for leaders driving technology strategy and implementation, not general end users. If you have any questions about whether you are eligible to attend, please contact [email protected].

How many individuals can attend from my institution?

There is no limit on individual attendees from partner institutions. We strongly recommend that the Program Sponsor, Program Owner, and Application/Tenant Administrator attend.

Is CONNECTED26 fully in-person, or is there a virtual option?

All CONNECTED26 sessions will take place in person in Orlando. To ensure an optimal, engaging, and full live experience, there will not be a simultaneous virtual option. However, a limited number of sessions may be run as webinars after the conference.

Travel

Am I responsible for booking my own hotel?

Yes — the conference registration fee does not include hotel accommodations. A special CONNECTED rate has been secured at the Orlando World Center Marriott.

Please book before September 25 for the negotiated rate of $269/Single or Double per night. An additional $38 nightly resort fee and taxes will be applied to the total. We encourage you to make your reservations as soon as possible since space and rates are subject to availability.

Can I book additional nights at the conference hotel before or after the conference?

Yes. The hotel will extend the conference room rate for up to three days before and three days after the conference, subject to availability. Please contact the hotel directly for details and book early.

 

Am I responsible for booking my own flights?

Yes — attendees are responsible for booking their own travel to and from Orlando.

 

Is transportation available between the hotel and Orlando International Airport?

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is approximately 17 miles from the Orlando World Center Marriott. While the hotel does not operate a shuttle, several transportation options are available:

  • Mears Connect: Shared service starting at approximately $18 per person, one way. Reservations required. See Mears Transportation for details.
  • Taxi and rideshare: Uber, Lyft, and taxi fares typically range from $35 to $55 one way.

The Orlando World Center Marriott offers parking options for attendees:

    • Self-parking: $38/day (CONNECTED attendees receive a $5 discount).
    • Overnight valet parking: $55/day.

Want to attend CONNECTED26?

Fill out the form and our team will be in touch.

Connect With Us