Save the date for the
2026 Encoura + RNL National Conference
Chicago, Illinois | July 21-23, 2026
Registrations and hotel will open January 2026
What are the strategies and solutions that are helping institutions meet their goals for marketing, recruitment, and student success? How can you find a path to stability and sustainability in such an uncertain environment?
The 2026 Encoura + RNL National Conference will help you find the path through those challenges to meet your goals, now and in the years to come. You will explore the innovations and solutions that will help you do more with less, uncover your greatest opportunities for success, and interact with higher ed professionals and experts who will share strategies that are working right now for their institutions.
Encoura + RNL will convene the 40th annual National Conference
RNL has joined Encoura, and together we will bring you the exceptional conference experience that has informed and engaged higher education professionals for 40 years.
Submit your proposal by January 30, 2026
3 reasons to submit your proposal
- Present on nearly any enrollment topic—We’re looking for sessions on undergraduate enrollment, graduate enrollment, student success, campuswide issues, and more.
- Share your expertise with higher ed professionals from every type of institution—Each year, hundreds of attendees join us from four-year institutions, two-year colleges, and graduate and professional programs.
- Add a milestone to your professional development—The National Conference is one of the most respected enrollment events and a great addition to your professional experience.
Conference tracks
- Undergraduate Marketing, Recruitment, and Financial Aid
- Graduate and Online Enrollment
- Student Retention and Success
- Strategic Enrollment and Institutional Planning
- Campuswide Strategies
- AI, Analytics, and Technology
Who should attend?
Executive Cabinet
- Presidents, provosts, and chancellors
- Chief academic officers
- Chief financial officers
- Chief technology officers
Enrollment and Student Success
- Chief enrollment officers
- Directors of admission and financial aid
- Deans
- Campus marketing professionals
- Director of student success/retention
Growth and Innovation
- Chief AI officers
- Chief growth officers
Hear attendees say why they love attending the National Conference
Schedule At-A-Glance
More details will be posted in early 2026
(conference schedule is subject to change)
All times below are Central Time (ET). Please note that this schedule is subject to change. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Monday, July 20
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pre-Conference Workshops
4:00 – 7:00 PM
Conference Registration Open
Tuesday, July 21
9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Registration/Exhibits Open
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Welcome and Opening Keynote Session
12:15 – 1:45 PM
Lunch Jubilee
1:45 – 2:45 PM
Breakout Sessions
3:15 – 4:15 PM
Breakout Sessions
4:30 – 5:30 PM
Opening Reception
5:30 PM
Free Evening to Explore Chicago