Higher Ed in Action
What are the strategies and solutions that will help your institution meet its goals for recruitment, student success, and institutional sustainability? Find out at the 2026 Encoura + RNL National Conference.
The 2026 Encoura + RNL National Conference will show you how institutions like yours are addressing their greatest challenges and meeting their goals. 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.
Encoura + RNL will convene the 2026 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.
Registration Information
| by June 1 | by June 29 | after June 29 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 attendees | $795 | $895 | $995 |
| 3+ attendees | $695 | $795 | $995 |
Registration fees are per person. Save when 3 or more people from your institution attend.
Hotel Accommodations
Marriott Marquis Chicago
Encoura has secured a discounted rate of $269 per night for Encoura + RNL National Conference attendees. The Marriott Marquis Chicago Hotel, located in the heart of the city, will host all of our activities.
Marriott Marquis Chicago
2121 S Prairie Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Book your room before June 29 to take advantage of this discounted rate!
Additional Accomodations
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile
511 North Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL 60611
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
301 E North Water St, Chicago, IL 60611
Courtyard Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
165 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile
505 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
2026 Featured Speakers
Kathleen deLaski
Founder & Board Chair, Education Design Lab
Jonathan Martin
Politics Bureau Chief and Senior Political Columnist, POLITICO
Whitney M. Young, Jr. Professor of Marketing at the Wharton School
Clint! Runge
CEO & Founder,
Archrival
Call for Proposals
We invite you to submit your conference session proposal by January 30. Our conference tracks are as follows:
Undergraduate Marketing, Recruitment, and Financial Aid
Graduate and Online Enrollment
Strategic Enrollment and Institutional Planning
Student Retention and Success
Campuswide Strategies
Analytics and Technology
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.
Encoura+RNL National Conference
July 21-23, 2026
Chicago, IL
Who Should Attend
Enrollment and student success
- Chief enrollment officers
- Directors of admissions
- Directors of financial aid
- Enrollment deans
- Marketing/communications directors
- Directors of student success/retention
Financial/technology cabinet members
- Chief financial officers
- Chief technology officers
Agenda Overview
Monday, July 20
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 10:00am - 5:00pm | Pre-Conference Workshops |
| 4:00 - 7:00pm | Conference Registration Open |
Tuesday, July 21
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 9:00am - 4:30pm | Registration / Exhibits Open |
| 11:00am - 12:15pm | Welcome & Opening Keynote Session |
| 12:15 – 1:45pm | Lunch Jubilee |
| 1:45 - 2:45pm | Breakout Sessions |
| 3:15 -4:15pm | Breakout Sessions |
| 4:30 - 5:30pm | Opening Reception |
| 5:30pm | Free Evening to Explore Chicago |
Wednesday, July 22
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:00am - 4:00pm | Registration / Exhibits Open |
| 8:00 - 9:00am | Breakfast |
| 9:00 - 10:00am | Keynote Session |
| 10:30 - 11:30am | Breakout Sessions |
| 11:30am - 1:15pm | Lunch on Your Own |
| 1:15 - 2:15pm | Breakout Sessions |
| 2:45 - 3:45pm | Breakout Sessions |
| 4:00 - 5:00pm | Breakout Sessions |
| 5:00pm | Free Evening to Explore Chicago |
Thursday, July 23
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:00am - 4:00pm | Registration / Exhibits Open |
| 8:00 - 9:00am | Breakfast |
| 9:00 - 10:00am | Breakout Sessions |
| 10:30 - 11:30am | Breakout Sessions |
| 11:30am - 12:45pm | Hosted Lunch |
| 12:45 - 1:45pm | Breakout Sessions |
| 2:00 - 3:00pm | Keynote Session |
| 3:00 - 4:00pm | Closing Reception |
| 4:00pm | Conference Adjournment |