The Academic Chairpersons Conference is an annual forum where academic chairpersons, administrators and faculty from all areas of higher education share the most successful, innovative ideas and strategies to assist each other in becoming more effective in their positions. The emphasis of the conference is to provide practical, usable information in a climate of open discussion and collaborative exchange.
The conference format includes an optional pre-conference for new chairs, engaging plenary session and general session panels, concurrent sessions of interactive workshops, best practice presentations and roundtable discussions, networking and mentoring.
The Academic Chairpersons Conference is February 4th - 6th, 2026 at The Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center in Atlanta, GA.
Proposals are encouraged from all types of professionals in the academic field. For more information, please see the For Presenters page.
There is a wide range of topics covered by our presenters, with a consistent focus on practical solutions to the challenges facing academic leaders. Proposed topics for 2026 fall within the following categories: Department Leadership; Culture, Climate and Conflict; Professional Development; Emerging Trends in Higher Education; and other compelling topics. Sessions will be organized into a variety of theme areas and three presentation types – Best Practice Presentations, Interactive Workshops and Roundtable Discussions. Additional details can be found on the Submission Guidelines & Selection Criteria document (coming soon).
Department chairs/heads
Aspiring department chairs
Division chairs/heads
Deans
Academic vice presidents
Program or project directors
Faculty development coordinators
Anyone responsible for directing, coordinating or supervising academic programs and/or faculty
Due to the high demand for this type of training, desire to improve academic leadership across the country, and longstanding direction provided by the ACC Advisory Board, we anticipate 250 attendees at the 2026 event.
Opening networking reception
Plenary sessions and general session panels
Best practice presentations
Interactive workshops
One-on-one mentoring opportunities
Program materials through a mobile scheduling app
Networking with colleagues and national experts in higher education
The Academic Chairpersons Conference is a program of Indiana University Indianapolis Event and Conference Services. ACC also maintains an Advisory Board of experts to guide its direction and content.
