2026 APLU Annual Meeting

Join colleagues for the 2026 APLU Annual Meeting on November 15-17 at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk to explore how Our Enduring Mission continues to guide and strengthen the work of public and land-grant universities. 

The 2026 APLU Annual Meeting will bring together more than 1,500 presidents, chancellors, provosts, and senior leaders. This year’s theme reflects the continued role of our institutions as anchors of opportunity, innovation, and community impact in a rapidly changing world. 

We are pleased to announce that the keynote speaker at the 2026 APLU Annual Meeting will be David Brooks, bestselling author and contributing writer at The Atlantic. Brooks will share thoughts on the state of the nation 250 years after its founding and the role public and land-grant universities can and should play to help the nation address a vast array of challenges and opportunities. 

Across the program, participants will engage with ideas and strategies at the intersection of higher education, industry, and government. Sessions will highlight how public and land-grant universities are strengthening talent pipelines, advancing research and innovation, and deepening their impact on the communities they serve. Attendees will gain practical insights and peer-driven perspectives to inform their work and leadership. 

The meeting also provides meaningful opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the APLU community, share experiences, and build partnerships that extend beyond the conference. From the Welcoming Session to concurrent sessions and council meetings, the program is designed to foster dialogue and collaboration among leaders shaping the future of public higher education. 

Session topics will include:  

• Workforce, Career Outcomes, and Postsecondary Value 
• Public Impact Research and the Research Value Narrative 
• AI on Campus (Governance and Implementation)
• Graduate Education
• Student Success (Strategy, Systems, Outcomes) 
• Community and Economic Development
• International Collaboration
• Communications and Advocacy 
• Leadership Development and Institutional Management 
• Enrollment, Faculty, and Academic Operations 
• Shifting College Athletics Landscape