Community & Technical College Workshop
July 20, 2026
Preceding Encoura + RNL National Conference
Explore winning strategies for enrollment and student success at two-year institutions
Attend this pre-conference workshop with fellow colleagues in the two-year sector as we dive into the latest strategies and innovations. This workshop will feature an interactive development of a situational analysis for the community and technical college market. Colleagues will leave with actionable takeaways for their campus and have the opportunity to network with fellow practitioners in this space. Seating is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
The workshop is complimentary with your registration for the Encoura + RNL National Conference
The Community and Technical College Workshop will take place before the 2026 Encoura + RNL National Conference (July 21-23). Registration is complimentary with your registration for the National Conference, which features more than 100 sessions on campus marketing, student recruitment, student success, and more.
Workshop Registration
The Community and Technical Workshop is free with your National Conference registration. Simply select the Community College Workshop when registering.
Bring a team to spark discussion and create momentum for implementing new strategies.
Workshop Location
Marriott Marquis Chicago
2121 S Prairie Ave.
Chicago, IL 60616
Encoura Special Rate: $269/night
Rate available until June 29. Rooms may sell out sooner—please make your hotel reservations early.
Attend the National Conference
The 2026 Encoura + RNL National Conference follows the workshop on July 21-23. Choose from more than 100 sessions on:
- Marketing
- Student recruitment
- Student success
- Strategic planning
- Analytics and technology
Agenda overview
(Agenda subject to change)
Monday, July 20
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 9:30-10:00 a.m. | Coffee and Check-In |
| 10:00-10:45 a.m. | Navigating the Changing Landscape: Academic Programs,
Workforce Needs, and Enrollment Strategy
Community and technical colleges have experienced significant shifts over the past decade. This session will explore emerging demographic, employer, and competitor trends impacting community and technical colleges nation-wide. |
| 10:45-11:15 a.m. | Institutionalizing Enrollment
This session will highlight the components of comprehensive approach to enrollment. Participants will identify their enrollment focus areas, data needs, and vision for strategic enrollment. |
| 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | New Student Recruitment and Marketing: Aligning Future Student
Enrollment Strategy with Student Needs
Students today expect personalized, seamless experiences from inquiry through matriculation. Participants will map the new student journey, identify common barriers, and explore strategies to strengthen engagement and support across the enrollment lifecycle. The session will conclude with a preview of the future of AI in higher education. |
| 12:00-1:00 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:00-1:50 p.m. | Executive Insights Panel
Hear directly from senior leaders about the challenges, opportunities, and strategic priorities shaping community and technical colleges today. |
| 2:00-2:45 p.m. | Persistence = Continuing Enrollment
Retention is critical to your comprehensive enrollment strategy. Our Encoura + RNL experts will share best practices and leave you with an inventory to assess your campus strengths, gaps, opportunities, and external challenges relative to persistence, retention, and completion. |
| 2:45-3:15 p.m. | Assessing Your Institutional Enrollment Maturity
Using insights from Eduventures research, participants will explore the enrollment maturity model and assess enrollment maturity for your campus. |
| 3:15-3:45 p.m. | Pulling it All Together: Aligning Recruitment, Marketing, Retention, Data,
Academic Program Demand, Workforce Needs, Institutional Capacity,
Priorities, and Strategy
Participants will build a blueprint for their enrollment plan. This session will examine how colleges can use data and market intelligence to develop enrollment strategies and make informed decisions to ensure sustained enrollment in the future. |
| 3:45-4:00 p.m. | Key Takeaways, Action Planning & Workshop Adjournment
Reflect on the day's insights, identify immediate opportunities for your institution, and leave with actionable strategies to strengthen enrollment and student success. |
Register now for the Community and Technical College Workshop and the National Conference