ACE Experience 2026
Yes
2/25/2026 12:00 AM
2/28/2026 9:00 AM

About the Experience

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The ACE Experience 2026 is a high-impact convening that will gather college and university leaders to confront the most urgent challenges of our time—including the value of higher education; public trust; and demographic, technological, and political shifts. This week of events held in Washington, DC will emp​ower campus leaders to foster innovation and resilience as well as to champion higher education’s vital role in building our nation’s future.​​

Schedule-at-a-Glance
Event Breakdown

​​ACE on the Hill 2026: February 25, 2026

ACE on the Hill 2026 will bring together American Council on Education (ACE) member presidents and chancellors from across the country to advocate in Washington, DC for the future of higher education. This high-level policy engagement event provides a rare opportunity to connect directly with lawmakers, share institutional perspectives, and drive meaningful change.

ACE Annual Meeting: February 26–27, 2026

​The ACE Annual Meeting is the centerpiece of the ACE Experience 2026, and it will provide attendees with strategic insights into the national and global issues that are shaping higher education. Attendees will explore the sector’s most pressing challenges and opportunities as they hear from thought-leading speakers during inspiring sessions and engage in dialogue that inspires transformative action.

​ACE Women’s Network Leadership Conference: February 27–28, 2026

The ACE Women’s Network Leadership Conference will bring together a vibrant community that is committed to advancing women in higher education leadership. Grounded by ACE’s Moving the Needle: Advancing Women in Higher Education® initiative, the conference will offer actionable strategies to address systemic inequities and prepare leaders for the evolving policy landscape. The event is open to all and will be a meaningful space for building empowerment, sharing knowledge, and enhancing capacity for lasting impact.

Women’s Leadership Dinner: February 27, 2026

​​The ACE Women’s Leadership Dinner will celebrate and honor the achievements and leadership of women in higher education. Attendees will enjoy an evening of connections, inspiration, and community as they focus on the importance of inclusive leadership across the sector. The di​nner is included in registration for the ACE Women’s Network Leadership Conference, but it is also open to others through advanced ticket purchase.

​​​ACE Council of Fellows Gathering: February 27–28, 2026​

​The ACE Council of Fellows Gathering is a dynamic homecoming for alumni of the ACE Fellows Program. This event will offer a rich blend of networking, leadership development, and reflection to reconnect past ACE Fellows with one another and prepare the next generation of senior leaders in higher education.​​

Hotel

Grand Hyatt Washington​

1000 H Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Room block information coming soon.

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Sign Up for Updates​

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