Securing the Future of Leading Research Institutions
A CBO Retreat at Arizona State University
Partner Event
Join Managing Director Ann Forman Lippens and Executive Vice President, Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer at Arizona State University Dr. Morgan Olsen for an intimate gathering of chief business and operations officers from leading research institutions. This closed-door session will offer a candid forum to discuss the most pressing challenges and emerging opportunities shaping the future of higher education.
Reimagining the Modern Research University for an Environment of Change
In this two-day experience at Arizona State University, CBOs from leading research universities will have the opportunity to learn and discuss with EAB experts and experienced peers how to reshape institutional capacities to support stakeholders’ changing priorities.
Topics will include the impact that emerging technologies, industry partnerships, and evolving stakeholder expectations will have on university structures and strategies. Discussion will include the opportunity for transformational designs and investments that support robust academic and research capabilities.
Event Details
Audience: This session is limited to chief business officers and chief operations officers.
For travel planning:Â The event will begin at 10:00 a.m. on April 23 and adjourn at 12:00 p.m. on April 24. EAB will host a dinner for attendees following the first day of presentations.
There is no registration cost associated with this meeting. Space is limited, so please register at your earliest convenience.
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Meeting Location
Crimson Room, Omni Tempe at ASU
7 East University Drive
Tempe, AZ 85281
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Hotel Accommodations
Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU
7 East University Drive
Tempe, AZ 85281 -
Reservations
- $239/Room
- Call 888-444-6664 and mention Special CBO Roundtable Cohosted with Arizona State University to access our preferred rate or book online here
- Please reserve by April 1, 2026
Please make your reservation at your earliest convenience, as space and rates are subject to availability. For alternative hotel information, contact us at [email protected].
Agenda
Day One
10:00 a.m.
Guest Arrival, Registration, and Introductions
10:30 a.m.
The Financial State of the Sector
EAB will provide an overview of the financial health of leading research institutions, including case studies showing how universities are responding to these pressures.
12:00 p.m.
Lunch
1:00 p.m.
Identifying and Scaling Opportunities for Back-office Function Improvement
An engaging conversation on the core opportunities for redesign and innovation centered on talent redeployment, shared services, and AI, including a facilitated conversation on AI upskilling, starting with an overview of ASU’s internal program.
2:30 p.m.
Break
2:45 p.m.
Postcards in Back-office Redesign
Participants will have the opportunity to present their successful redesigns of back-office function (submitted in advance), with a facilitated conversation by EAB to follow.
4:30 p.m.
Travel to Next Session
4:45 p.m.
Experiencing ASU’s Novus District
A tour of ASU’s Novus Innovation District, including a Q&A on ASU’s work in establishing P3s.
5:30 p.m.
Dinner
Blanco (Novus District)
Day Two
8:00 a.m.
Breakfast and Reflections from Day One
8:45 a.m.
Travel to Dreamscape
9:00 a.m.
Experiencing ASU’s Dreamscape
A tour and interactive experience with ASU’s Dreamscape facility.
10:00 a.m.
Travel from Dreamscape
10:30 a.m.
Sustaining Innovation in Administrative Functions
Participants will unpack the lessons learned from changing and maintaining innovations in back-office function redesign, including time to review and share out key themes from the roundtable.
12:00 p.m.
Adjournment