2027 Annual Conference

Join us in Baltimore,
February 28-March 4, for #ACUI27! Register by December 10 for the best rate!

Register Now

Belonging. Empowerment. Restorative Energy and Action.

Registration
Schedule
All-Conference Sessions
Travel

The 2027 Annual Conference is an opportunity to come together with those in a similar field and foster belonging through shared learning and community.

In addition to equipping attendees with tangible tools and renewed motivation to drive meaningful change on their campuses, we will focus on belonging, empowerment, and restorative energy and action.

Each day of the conference will feature multiple programs to facilitate attendees to connect with colleagues, learn best practices, and explore opportunities to advance their campus community through receptions, showcases, community gatherings, meals, and more. 

We are excited for you to join us February 28-March 4, 2027 in Baltimore!

All-Conference Sessions

The 2027 Annual Conference will feature four all-conference sessions on topics intended to help attendees to consider how environmental design contributes to healthy communities; to be better equipped to navigate change and innovative trends; and to gain actionable strategies to help them thrive in their work on campus. 

Jay Kiew 

Jay Kiew is an innovation strategist and bestselling author of Change Fluency, having delivered over $2B in impact for category-leading organizations like the World Bank, Marriott, DELL, Lincoln Financial, National Safety Council, and more. At the age of 19, Jay Kiew became the world’s youngest Distinguished Toastmaster and has since been featured in Forbes, Financial Times, USA Today, and more. He will share mindsets that help shape our relationship with disruption and help attendees develop the tactics necessary to integrate innovation at work. 

Dr. Claire Brady

Dr. Claire Brady talks about AI for a living—but she’s much more interested in what it can give back to people. A higher education consultant, keynote speaker, and author of AI with Intention, Claire works with colleges and universities across the country to navigate what AI means for how we work, how students experience our institutions, and how we invest human time and energy. With 25+ years in higher education, Claire’s work is grounded in a belief that the future of higher education should not just be more technologically capable. It should create more room for people to connect, contribute, belong, and do work that truly matters.

Julia Hotz

Julia Hotz is a solutions-focused journalist and author of The Connection Cure—the world’s first book exploring the science, stories, and spread of social prescribing. For her work scaling social prescriptions—referrals to non-medical, community-based activities involving art, nature, movement, and service—she has been featured on NPR, CNN, PBS, and hundreds of other news outlets and podcasts. Julia will help attendees consider how to apply these concepts to their work and to tap into what really matters to them.  

ACUI Talks

The opening all-conference session will feature two talks that explore how learning environments can be designed intentionally to support holistic wellbeing and community engagement:

  • Focused on settings-based health promotion, Chris Dawe is a founding member of the United States Health Promoting Campuses Network and has co-led the implementation of the Okanagan Charter at four institutions.
  • Through a powerful local example, Baltimore Living Classrooms demonstrates how partnerships and place-based learning generate energy, resilience, and opportunity in urban environments.

Schedule

The 2027 Annual Conference will be full of meaningful opportunities to learn and connect as a community of professionals. Each day includes an all-conference session, educational blocks, and opportunities to connect with others across the association. February 27 will hold opportunities for preconferences and tours. Then, we will kick off on February 28 with an all-conference session, regional meetings, and an opening event. We will begin Monday, March 1, with the ACUI Adventure before transitioning to educational session blocks and an all-conference session. Tuesday, March 2, will include the opening of the ACUI Expo with lunch included, along with additional educational sessions, a keynote speaker, and the Architecture & Design Showcase. We will close out our conference experience on Wednesday, March 3, with a day of education, the closing banquet, and celebration. 

Learn more about highlights from this year’s schedule below. 

Senior Managers Preconference Program
Saturday, February 27 | Noon–6 p.m. 
Registration Fee: $145 
Designed for senior student union and student affairs professionals, this preconference program offers an immersive experience focused on strategic leadership in today’s complex campus environments. Participants will explore how to balance mission-driven work with financial stewardship, navigate shifting institutional priorities, and lead with clarity and purpose. Through interactive discussions and applied case studies facilitated by experienced higher education leaders, this program addresses the real challenges senior managers face—from long-term planning and fiscal responsibility to change leadership and data-informed decision making. Walk away with practical frameworks and renewed confidence to lead your team and institution forward. Registration includes all program materials, lunch, and a coffee/snack break. 

The Active Dialogue Compass: Leading with Self-Awareness, Curiosity, Connection, and Courage 
Saturday, February 27 | 1–5 p.m. 
Registration Fee: $40 
This four-hour session introduces participants to active dialogue as a leadership practice for building authentic connection, navigating conflict, and strengthening campus communities. Grounded in the four principles of the Active Dialogue Compass—Self-Awareness, Curiosity, Connection, and Courage—the session helps participants explore how they show up in difficult conversations and how they can engage others with greater intention, empathy, and respect. Registration includes all program materials and a coffee/snack break. 

Assessment Preconference Program
Saturday, February 27 | 1–5 p.m. 
Registration Fee: $40 
This interactive preconference workshop will help participants distinguish between operational and program assessment, identify appropriate assessment methods, and develop strategies for measuring the impact of their work. Through peer discussion, practical examples, and hands-on planning activities, attendees will explore topics including student learning outcomes, co-curricular programs, student employment, CAS Standards, benchmarking, and external reviews. Participants will leave with practical tools, resources, and a personalized assessment plan ready to guide future data collection, analysis, and decision-making. Registration includes all program materials and a coffee/snack break. 

Basic Needs: Best Practices Preconference Program 
Sunday, February 28 | 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Registration Fee: $40 
Join the Student Basic Needs Community of Practice for an informal afternoon gathering focused on connection, collaboration, and shared learning. Colleagues will have the opportunity to meet others working in student basic needs, discuss common challenges, and exchange promising practices, resources, and ideas they can bring back to their campuses. Registration includes all program materials and a coffee/snack break. 

Mid-Level Management Preconference Program 
Sunday, February 28 | 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 
Registration Fee: $40 
Mid-level managers play a critical role in connecting organizational vision with day-to-day execution, yet they often navigate competing priorities, complex responsibilities, and limited support. This interactive workshop explores the realities of mid-level management and why organizations should invest in their professional development. Using practical leadership strategies and relatable examples, participants will examine common challenges such as feeling overextended, isolated, unsupported, or undervalued. Attendees will leave with actionable approaches for building peer networks, communicating effectively, seeking mentorship, clarifying priorities, and investing in their own growth as leaders. Registration includes all program materials and a coffee/snack break. 

Student Organization Advisors: From Foundations to Future Impact: Connecting Today’s Basics to Tomorrow’s Challenges 
Sunday, February 28 | 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 
Registration Fee: $40 
From Foundations to Future Impact: Connecting Today’s Basics to Tomorrow’s Challenges explores the evolving role of advisors in supporting collegiate student organizations by examining both enduring best practices and emerging trends in student engagement. This half-day session highlights core advising principles, including relationship building, leadership development, risk management, and fostering inclusive organizational cultures, while also addressing the changing needs of today’s students. Participants engaged in discussions about navigating increasing mental health concerns, leveraging technology, promoting belonging in diverse campus communities, and preparing student leaders to address complex social and organizational challenges. Attendees will gain insights into balancing foundational advising approaches with innovative practices to help student organizations remain resilient, relevant, and impactful in the years ahead. Registration includes all program materials and a coffee/snack break. 

Restorative Energy in Leadership: Strategies for Fostering Strategic Well-Being in the Workplace 
Sunday, February 28 | 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 
Registration Fee: $50
Well-being is the foundation of good leadership. Yet today’s senior and mid-level leaders are asked to hold that foundation steady amid shifting political and social landscapes, limited resources, and the unease of AI’s evolution, often faster than organizations can adapt. What do “strategic wellness” and “healthy leadership” mean in times like these? How do leaders reclaim their agency, restore their energy, and meet expectations while centering well-being in ways that are practical and sustainable? Join Dr. Rae Chresfield, assistant vice president for health and wellbeing at the University of Maryland–Baltimore County, for a thought-provoking, interactive session that unpacks these questions. Participants will leave with actionable steps for their campus or organization. Geared toward mid and senior level professionals who are, or aspire to be, supervisors or leads. Registration includes all program materials and a coffee/snack break. 

Washington, D.C. Georgetown University & Smithsonian Museum 
Saturday, February 27 | 7 a.m.–7:15 p.m. 
Registration Fee: $80 
Make your way to the nation’s capital and get an up-close look at the oldest university in Washington, D.C., including its student centers! Then enjoy lunch on your own at the National Mall, before experiencing the rich history offered by D.C.’s multiple Smithsonian museums. The tour will provide approximately three hours to explore the National Museum of African American History and Culture (timed ticket provided) or any other Smithsonian Museums that do not require timed entry tickets and are located within walking distance (American History Museum, Natural History Museum, American Indian Museum DC, Hirshorn Museum, Smithsonian Castle, African Art Museum, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Gardens). Registration includes bus transportation to all sites from the conference hotel.

Washington, D.C. Georgetown University & National Mall/Monuments Tour 
Saturday, February 27 | 7 a.m.–7:15 p.m. 
Registration Fee: $80
Make your way to the nation’s capital and get an up-close look at the oldest university in Washington, D.C., including its student centers! Then enjoy lunch on your own at the National Mall, before experiencing a guided tour of the many monuments that make up Washington, D.C.’s historic National Mall! Registration will include both bus transportation to and from Washington, D.C., as well as a guided tour of the D.C. monuments and transportation between each monument to maximize the tour. Registration includes bus transportation to all sites from the conference hotel.

Baltimore Aquarium Insiders Tour
Sunday, February 28 | 8:15–10:30 a.m. 
Registration Fee: $125 
Get a peek at life in the aquarium before it opens! Feed breakfast to the fish in Atlantic Coral Reef, experience our interactive touchpools without the crowds, watch an archerfish feeding in Australia: Wild Extremes, and gain access to exclusive behind-the-scenes spaces! After the tour, you will have access to general admission. Registration includes the guided tour experience and general admission to the aquarium after the tour. The aquarium is about a 0.5-mile walk from the conference hotel. 

Baltimore Museum of Industry: Forging Progress Tour 
Tuesday, March 2 |1:30–3:30 p.m. 
Registration Fee: $25
Forging Progress is a tour that highlights the remarkable connections between the movements for labor rights and civil rights in Baltimore. Delving into the stories of resilience, unity, and change, it spotlights individuals and events that shaped the city’s industrial and civil landscape. Explore the complexities of labor strikes that forced businesses to serve all. Visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for the intertwined legacies that have left an indelible mark on Baltimore. Registration includes the guided tour experience and bus transportation from the conference hotel.

M&T Bank Stadium Tour 
Tuesday, March 2 | 2:30–5:45 p.m. 
Registration Fee: $40 
See the home of the Baltimore Ravens up close and personal, with this ultimate behind-the-scenes tour of M&T Bank Stadium, the first existing outdoor professional sports facility in the United States to earn a LEED-certified “Gold” designation. This VIP tour offers unparalleled access to some of the most coveted areas of the stadium including the suite level, club level, Blackwing suites, locker room, and Miller Lite Gatehouse. Registration includes the guided tour experience and bus transportation from the conference hotel.

Kneads Bakery Tour Experience 
Wednesday, March 3 | 8:30–11:30 a.m. 
Registration Fee: $60
Step behind the scenes at Kneads Bakery and experience the magic of artisan baking up close. Follow the journey from carefully selected ingredients to warm, freshly baked breads and pastries, while learning how skilled bakers mix, shape, and transform dough into the treats you love. Enjoy the inviting aroma of the bakery, discover the creativity behind each recipe, and leave with a deeper appreciation—and likely a craving—for everything made fresh at Kneads. Everyone will also take home a freshly baked loaf of bread and a recipe to recreate a taste of the Kneads experience at home. The bakery is about a 0.3-mile walk from the conference hotel. 

Water Taxi Tour of Baltimore Harbor 
Wednesday, March 3 | 3:15–4:30 p.m. 
Registration Fee: $45 
Take to the water and see all that Baltimore Harbor has to offer with this hour-long water taxi tour! From stunning views of the inner harbor to a firsthand view of Ft. McHenry from the water, this tour will provide the ultimate scenic look at a city defined by its relationship with water. Please note that the tour will run rain or shine and attendees should dress accordingly based on any anticipated acclimate weather. Registration includes the guided tour experience on the water taxi, which will depart from right outside the conference hotel. 

The ACUI Connects: Peer Program is a pilot program that will pair conference newcomers with experienced ACUI attendees to create connections, share experiences, and optimize their conference experience. Veterans can assist newcomers navigating session scheduling, networking, learning about ACUI traditions and potential involvement opportunities, or simply provide a friendly face throughout the conference. Newcomers can gain an instant connection, discover new opportunities within ACUI, and feel more comfortable during their time at the conference. Program participation is intentionally low-pressure and low commitment, with simple opportunities to connect. As a new pilot program, we’re starting with a target of matching up to 20 newcomer/veteran pairs to keep the experience high-quality and personal, though we’ll happily expand if interest (especially from veteran volunteers) allows.  

If you are interested in signing up for the peer program as a newcomer or veteran, please indicate interest in the conference registration form. Additional information and instructions will be shared with participants once participation and assignments have been confirmed.

Join us for an ACUI Adventure on Monday Morning! During this educational opportunity, conference participants will get the chance to experience Baltimore, area campuses, or take a deeper dive on a topic of interest. Conference attendees will be able to select from a number of unique experiences at a later date—all included in your conference registration fee.
 
Special thank you to our local partners working with the Conference Program Team to make this adventure possible! More details will be available closer to the event.

Educational session submissions are now closed and all proposals are being reviewed. All submissions will be notified by early November whether their submission has been accepted. Reflecting on this year’s conference vision, sessions will explore one or more of the following:

  • Belonging: How do you create and nurture a sense of welcome, shared learning, and community?
  • Empowerment: In what ways could you challenge others to take in a new idea and leave with tangible tools, confidence, and motivation?
  • Restorative Energy & Action: What perspective or knowledge would leave attendees feeling refreshed, motivated, and ready to take knowledge back home to enact real change?

Proposals will highlight tangible takeaways within these themes. In addition to the themes, there will be more education sessions on the topics members are asking for:

  • Fiscal management
  • Assessment, evaluation, and research
  • Marketing
  • Audio visual and technology
  • Programming
  • Advising and supervising

Registration

The 2027 Annual Conference offers valuable professional development opportunities included in your registration fee:

  • Nine educational session blocks
  • Four all-conference sessions
  • Two times to discover product solutions from exhibitors
  • A morning spent participating in an ACUI Adventure

Each day of the conference will feature multiple programs to facilitate attendees to connect with colleagues, learn best practices, and explore opportunities to elevate their campus community through receptions, showcases, community gatherings, meals, and more. Three meals are included in the registration: an opening reception; a lunch in the ACUI Expo, and dinner at the closing banquet.

Register NOw
Early Registration
(through December 10)
  • Professional Member: $825 
  • Professional Nonmember: $995 
  • Student Member: $425 
  • Student Nonmember: $525 
  • One-Day Member Registration: $325 
  • One-Day Nonmember Registration: $425 
  • Retiree Registration: $475 
REGULAR REGISTRATION 
(DECEMBER 11–JANUARY 14) 
  • Professional Member: $925 
  • Professional Nonmember: $1,095 
  • Student Member: $475 
  • Student Nonmember: $575 
  • One-Day Member Registration: $375 
  • One-Day Nonmember Registration: $475  Retiree Registration: $475
LATE REGISTRATION
(AFTER JANUARY 14) 
  • Professional Member: $995 
  • Professional Nonmember: $1,195 
  • Student Member: $525 
  • Student Nonmember: $625 
  • One-Day Member Registration: $450 
  • One-Day Nonmember Registration: $550 
  • Retiree Registration: $475

The cancellation policy for the event is available here. If you are interested in obtaining a meal ticket only for the Closing Banquet, these are available for $115. Email acui@acui.org to request this option.

Travel and Hotel

Hotel

The hub of all conference activities and lodging is at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront.

Baltimore Marriott Waterfront
700 Aliceanna Street
Baltimore, MD 21202

Book your hotel by February 1, 2027, to secure the ACUI group room rates, which are $255 per night.

Book HOtel

Travel

The Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is the closest airport to the conference venue, located around 12 miles away. Find more tips for planning your trip with the Baltimore Official Visitor’s Guide.

Justification to Attend

To support your professional development requests to join us at the 2027 ACUI Annual Conference, here are a variety of resources that can be utilized. We have drafted two template letters with key information included that you can download and edit for your purposes. Please review all the information to ensure it is relevant to your situation, and feel free to remove or add details prior to submitting as part of a request at your institution.

Download Templates

Meet the 2027 Conference Program Team

  • Clayton Kolb, Bryn Mawr College, Chair (Region VII)
  • Nicole BellCorelli, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (Region V)
  • Kedric Elmore, University of Maryland (Region VII)
  • Kat Masters, Texas State University (Region II)
  • Hannah Muldoon-Davis, Miami University (Region VI)
  • Vinny Jackson, University of Delaware (Region VII)
  • Jen Grossman Leopard, James Madison University (Region VI)
  • Zac Lomas, Rutgers University (Region VII)
  • Jamie Alt, Georgia Institute of Technology (Region III)
  • Marie-Clare Ofoegbu, University of Virginia (Region VI)
  • Justin Rudisille – ACUI Central Office