2026 Career Education Convention

Join hundreds of leaders, educators, innovators, and partners from across the career education sector for the premier event dedicated to advancing student success and strengthening workforce-focused education.

The Career Education Convention brings together professionals from every area of career education for three days of learning, networking, collaboration, and inspiration. Whether you are focused on leadership, admissions, marketing, student services, financial aid, compliance, workforce development, or institutional strategy, Convention delivers practical insights and meaningful connections that help you move your organization forward.

Why Attend?

Learn from thought leaders and sector experts through engaging keynote presentations and breakout sessions.
Explore the latest products, services, and innovations in a dynamic Exhibit Hall featuring leading partners and solution providers.
Connect with colleagues from across North America through intentional networking opportunities, meetups, and special events.
Discover new ideas, best practices, and strategies you can bring back to your institution immediately.

Experience Cleveland
This year’s Convention takes place in the heart of downtown Cleveland, a city known for its vibrant culture, rich history, waterfront views, and world-class attractions. Attendees will enjoy an unforgettable evening at the iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, featuring exclusive access to exhibits, great food and drinks, live entertainment, and opportunities to connect with peers in a truly unique setting.

Build Your Network. Discover New Ideas. Find Your Rhythm.
Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime Convention participant, you'll leave with new connections, fresh perspectives, and practical solutions to help your institution thrive.

We look forward to welcoming you to Cleveland for Career Education Convention 2026.

Higher Ed Dive lists CECU’s North American Career Education Convention as one of the top events to attend in 2026!

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Thank you to our sponsors!

Future Event Dates

2027 Career Education Convention

June 21 - 23, 2027
Colorado Convention Center | Denver, CO

2028 Career Education Convention of North America

June 13 - 15, 2028
Calgary TELUS Convention Center | Calgary, AB, Canada

2029 Career Education Convention

June 25 - 27, 2029
The Cosmopolitan | Las Vegas, NV

Jordan Utley, PhD, ATC, FNAP

Corporate Education Director

Pima Medical Institute

While not new to higher education, this is my first position with a career college and my first time at this event. On the first day, I felt immersed in the content, which was augmented by being surrounded by my peers who shared the same goal - student success. I found the conference program to be highly relevant and contemporary in nature, hitting all of the big-ticket items facing career colleges and higher education today. Of special note, the programming on AI in Education was eye-opening and sparked multiple conversations with my PMI peers and those at subsequent events and sessions. Overall, a great sense of community was developed quickly, which enabled networking and powerful conversations during the planned social hours. This event was top-notch!

Mikhail Shneyder

Chief Executive Officer

Nightingale Education Group

The Career Education Convention is always one of the professional highlights of my year. Annually, I look forward to reconnecting with friends in the sector, discovering emerging trends and innovations, sharing ideas, and expanding my professional network. I am consistently inspired by thoughtful keynote presentations like the one recently delivered by Robert Herjavec of the Shark Tank fame. This year, I was also thrilled to meet our Canadian colleagues and learn more about career education north of the border. Year after year, I find the Convention worth the time and investment and always encourage my Nightingale collaborators to join me in attending.

Tara Dailey

Regional Director of Operations

Pima Medical Institute

Attending the CECU conference is something I look forward to each year. Not just for the educational sessions, but more so to network and connect with colleagues. It is a great chance to collaborate with both schools and vendors, and I always walk away with wonderful tools to help strengthen our schools.

Alexander Arthur

Chief Operations Officer

Orbund

At Orbund we always look forward to the CECU conferences because they are part of the premier conferences in the higher education sector. As premier events, we get the opportunity to meet and interact with our fellow competitors, customers and prospects. They tend to be the sector's go-to events to learn new market trends and solutions; hence, it is worth participating and getting involved.

Craig Tucker

President

Keyin College

I had the most incredible time as a sponsor and speaker at the recent conference in Kansas City! The event showcased the powerful bond between Canadian and American educators, fostering an enriching exchange of ideas and collaboration. It was truly a testament to the strength of the CECU and NACC partnership, and I'm grateful to have been a part of such a remarkable experience.

D. Scott Casanover

General Counsel/Sr. Vice President of Government Affairs

American Career College/West Coast University

Given all that is happening in the higher education landscape, I can’t imagine a better investment of time than the few days spent at the annual CECU Convention. The breakout sessions offer timely regulatory and compliance tips that have meaningful suggestions for school operators. The keynotes are always entertaining and inspiring and the comradery with peer school leaders is rewarding. Kansas City captured many of our hearts in 2023, and I am looking forward to seeing what Indianapolis has to offer in 2024!

Noah Brandon, MBA

Chief Executive Officer

Unitech Training Academy

Every detail of the CECU conference was intentional this year. The tour of Arrowhead stadium, the after-hours networking events, and getting to know the members of NACC were all complimentary to forming a great experience. Further, the sessions reaffirmed the sector's unity through information sharing on new regulations, governmental updates, and best practices.

Jennifer Pesci-Kelly

Senior Director of Marketing, Institutional

Cengage

The 2023 CECU Conference was a great way for us to connect with leaders around a topic they are passionate about – the student experience. We were thrilled to have the keynote speaker come to connect with people in our booth while continuing this conversation. CECU created a dynamic environment to network and share, and we look forward to future years of collaboration.

Bill Buchanon

President

Becker

The Convention is the best place for us to reconnect with clients and sector leaders each year. As a longstanding sponsor and exhibitor, Becker Media has had the chance to watch the event develop and grow into the leading event for education professionals. It’s great to see familiar faces each year as well as the chance to meet with new contacts. We are excited to continue our partnership with CECU for years to come.