Experience an objective, strategic digital higher education perspective

Explore how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping the future of higher education. From enhancing student experience to building the AI‑enabled university, gain practical insights to modernize your institution and deliver greater value.

Connect with peers and Gartner analysts to navigate disruption, rethink your strategy and turn innovation into measurable outcomes.

Connect with education technology experts and peers

Industry Content

Industry-Specific Sessions:

  • Hype Cycle for Higher Education, 2026
  • Higher Education: The AI Enable University: Predictions, Pathways and CIO Priorities
  • Higher Education: Top Campus Technology Trends Driving the Student Experience
  • Higher Education: The SaaS SIS Magic Quadrant: Strategy to Selection

With over 300+ sessions, there’s more to explore. Top-trending sessions include:

  • 7 Disruptions You Might Not See Coming: 2026-2031
  • Signature Series: 2027 CIO & Tech Executive Agenda
  • Decision Intelligence: Getting Value From AI Agents and Multiagent Systems
  • Signature Series: CEO Watch 2026
  • Signature Series: Top Strategic Predictions for 2027 and Beyond
  • Signature Series: Top Strategic Technology Trends for 2027

View Agenda

*Agenda as of June 2026

Industry Networking

Connect with education industry peers - across organizational size and specialty - through a variety of networking gatherings. 

Join large-group keynotes setting the stage for emerging technology and trends, and sessions featuring Gartner education experts and external thought leaders. Discuss topics impacting the education industry in smaller-setting roundtables and workshops. You have a variety of ways to discover new insights, engage and validate your strategy, and walk away ready to make smarter, faster decisions.

Industry Interactive Sessions

Engage with a small group of industry peers - facilitated by a Gartner analyst - covering specific topics and issues most relevant to education.*

Conference Networking Activities

Take advantage of curated, relaxed environments to connect - from CIO-exclusive lunches to informal breaks and evening receptions.

Throughout the conference, choose from multiple opportunities to meet peers and build lasting connections.

Connect 1-1 with Industry Peers

Start connecting before the conference and plan your onsite schedule to grow your professional network. Download the Conference Navigator app and opt in to Attendee Networking. Search for peers by role, organization size, industry sector, and region.

*Pre-registration is required. These sessions are not available to vendors; space is limited.

 

Conference Highlights

Get fresh perspectives and collaborate with industry leaders and experts as you access exclusive Gartner research, solve shared challenges, and engage in unique experiences.

  • Join the Gartner CIO Circle Program—designed for Chief Information Officers, offering exclusive sessions tailored to your priorities to explore new strategies, share ideas, and grow your peer community.

  • Discover critical insights for the year ahead in Gartner Signature Series sessions, including Top Strategic Technology Trends, Top Strategic Predictions, and the CIO and Technology Executive Agenda.

  • Participate in industry roundtables to connect with peers from leading organizations, inspired by the latest research and hosted by a Gartner analyst.

  • Attend industry-specific sessions tailored specifically to education.

  • Meet one-on-one with a Gartner analyst to address your key initiatives and challenges with actionable outcomes.

  • Engage in peer networking events for natural conversations during meals, receptions, and a special event.

  • Access the IT Xpo to connect with leading technology providers, explore innovative, cost-effective solutions, and attend the Gartner Hype Cycle for Higher Education, 2026.

“Best conference! Always new content and great people. The one on ones are extremely helpful. Very grateful for being able to attend.”

Amy Contrera
Deputy CIO, Monroe Community College