2026 Arkansas Community Colleges Conference
Welcome to the 2026 ACC Conference website. The ACC Annual Conference is the state's premier event dedicated to community college professional development. All 22 public, comprehensive community colleges in the state participate in the conference. Last year, more than 500 administrators, faculty and staff attended, and we expect 2026 to be even bigger and better! Join us in Hot Springs as we Level Up Arkansas higher education.
Featured Events & Speakers
5 Levels of AI at Work: A Practical AI Workshop for College Professionals
Sunday, October 11, 2026
3:00 PM
Hot Springs Convention Center, 207
There is a big difference between asking AI to help draft an email and using it to rethink how an entire workflow gets done. In this practical, interactive learning lab, attendees will explore five levels of AI use at work: from beginner-friendly tasks and individual productivity to workflow improvement, prototyping and more advanced automation. Through real examples from community colleges, participants will see what becomes possible as AI use grows more sophisticated, where complexity and risk begin to increase, and why some AI opportunities can be tackled individually while others require a team or leadership approach. Attendees will also learn how to map their own workflow and identify where AI may or may not belong. Bring a laptop and come ready to participate. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of where you are today, practical ideas you can begin exploring, and a path for determining where AI could help next.
Sponsored by Tailwind
Opening Ceremony & Welcome Reception
Sunday, October 11, 2026
5:00 PM
Hot Springs Convention Center, 208/209
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, PTK Honor Society
"Taking Engagement to the Next Level: What Really Drives Student Success"
Prizes
(4) $200 Visa Gift Cards; School Spirit Award
Sponsored by Tailwind
Team Trivia Scholarship Competition
Sunday, October 11, 2026
8:30 PM
Hotel Hot Springs, Grand Ballroom
Prize
$500 scholarship for your institution's Academic All-Star
Monday Welcome & Keynote
Monday, October 12, 2026
8:30 AM
Hot Springs Convention Center, Horner Hall
Keynote Speaker
Ravi Hutheesing
"PIVOT: Empowering Students Today to Succeed in an Unpredictable Tomorrow"
Sponsored by Tailwind
Academic All-Star Awards Lunch
Monday, October 12, 2026
12:00 PM
Hot Springs Convention Center, Horner Hall
Speaker
Ravi Hutheesing
"Pivoting Your Passion into Your Profession"
Sponsored by ADHE
Networking Reception
Monday, October 12, 2026
3:30 PM
Hot Springs Convention Center, Plaza/Grand Lobby
Prize Drawings @ 4:15 PM
Academic All-Star Raffle
Sponsor Quest
Sponsored by Envoc
Karaoke
Monday, October 12, 2026
8:30 PM
Maxine's
700 Central Avenue
Seating is limited
Winners of the Opening Ceremony School Spirit Award will receive a reserved table for 6.
Outstanding Faculty & Staff Awards Brunch
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
10:00 AM
Hot Springs Convention Center Horner Hall
Door Prizes
(4) $200 Visa Gift Cards
Sponsored by ADHE
Professional Development Overview
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Administrative Support Staff
Artificial Intelligence
CTE/Workforce
Emerging Leaders
Finance & Administration
Marketing & Advancement
Student Services & Support
Teaching & Learning
WORKSHOPS
Building Culture from the Middle
Effective Communication in High-Stakes Conversations
Service Excellence: Make Every Interaction Count
Using AI to Improve Back Office Workflow
BIRDS OF A FEATHER MEETINGS
& BUSINESS MEETINGS
Administrative Support Staff
Allied Health
Arts, Humanities & Education
Business, Trade & Industry
CAOs/CSAOs
CTE/Workforce
Finance, HR, IT & IR
Marketing & Advancement
Math & Science
Mid-Level Managers
Presidents & Chancellors
Student Services