Home - 2026 NCAN National Conference

The 2026 National College Attainment Network (NCAN) National Conference is heading to Las Vegas, NV, from October 5–7, 2026! This multi‑day gathering brings together thousands of postsecondary access and success practitioners, leaders, and advocates for three days of networking, learning, idea‑sharing, and celebrating the incredible work happening across our field.

You won’t want to miss it!

NCAN’s 2026 National Conference will be intentionally curated to address the pressing issues and opportunities that matter most to the students and communities you serve. Staying true to NCAN’s mission, the Conference will be responsive to the field and center on the experiences and needs of students.

All presenters are chosen through a competitive national call for proposals, ensuring that sessions highlight proven practices, innovative approaches, and real lessons learned from experts across the country—delivered with you in mind.

The NCAN National Conference is designed for anyone committed to expanding postsecondary access and success. This gathering brings together professionals from across the education, nonprofit, policy, and philanthropy sectors who are working to support students on their pathways to and through college.

🏢 National, state, regional, and local nonprofit organizations

🎓 College and universities

🏫 K-12 schools

🏛️ Local, state, and federal government agencies

💰 Foundation and corporate funders

📊 Research organizations

Here's what's new and returning for this year's event:

🎓 NEW: Higher Education Symposium

For the first time, we're bringing higher ed professionals together to learn, problem solve, and make new connections. This symposium unites admissions, enrollment management, financial aid, student affairs, first-generation student initiatives, and academic affairs around a shared mission: helping more students earn a college degree.

🤝 NEW: Higher Ed & Scholarship Fair

Partnerships don't happen by accident — they're built. This new fair creates dedicated space for institutions to connect directly with CBO leaders, college access and success practitioners, and K-12 counselors and administrators. Come ready to build the relationships that help students thrive long after the conference ends.

🤖 NEW: AI Exploration Lab

AI is already changing how advising happens — are you ready for it? Get hands-on, no-pressure time with a curated group of AI platforms and providers working directly in the advising space. Explore what's possible, ask hard questions, and leave with a clearer picture of where this technology fits into your work.

🌟 RETURNING: Executive Leaders Retreat

This retreat is built exclusively for executive leaders in college access and success to step away from the day-to-day and gather for a high-level, candid dialogue with your peers. NCAN is creating the space for reflective leadership conversations and practical strategies for the challenges every leader is wrestling with: sustainability and scalability.

Join us October 5-7 in Las Vegas, NV!

What Will We Discuss?

Who Should Attend?

This Year's Highlights

Caesars Palace

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