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2026 Board Professionals Conference
March 26–28, 2026
Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center
Denver, CO
Innovation in Action
Higher education is at an inflection point. Colleges and universities continue to face financial pressures, shifting student demographics, rapid technological change, and declining public trust. At the same time, governing boards are navigating growing challenges to their autonomy and the erosion of their long-standing partnership with the federal government. In this environment, the role of board professionals is more essential than ever. As trusted advisors and strategic partners, they help boards stay focused on mission, uphold effective governance practices, and make informed decisions in the face of complexity.
At the 2026 AGB Board Professionals Conference, participants will explore how boards can respect important traditions while also being open to new ideas and changes that help colleges and universities succeed.
Who Should Attend
“Board professionals” encompass a wide range of titles at colleges, universities, systems, and institutionally related foundations. Titles include:
- Assistant to the president/CEO
- General counsel
- Secretary to the board
- Chief of staff
- Vice president or
- Others who staff higher education governing board
A discount is available for board professionals who register for both the Board Professionals Conference and either the Foundation Leadership Forum or National Conference on Trusteeship at the same time.
Reasons to attend the 2026 Board Professionals Conference:
Elevate Proven Strategies While Embracing Innovation
Bold leadership doesn’t mean abandoning governance fundamentals—it means refining them. Learn how board professionals are helping boards address challenges to independence, sustain academic integrity, protect free expression, advance student success, and adapt their business models in a time of turbulence—and how board professionals are innovating in their own work in a period of uncertainty and rapid change.
Develop a Strategy for Collaborative Leadership and Innovation
Effective board professionals work in partnership with their boards and presidents/CEOs. Attending AGB’s Foundation Leadership Forum or National Conference on Trusteeship in addition to the Board Professionals Conference affords an opportunity to learn about the issues of top concern to college, university, and foundation leaders; develop a shared understanding with your board and president/CEO about the challenges and opportunities to be addressed in the year ahead; and identify strategies to address them in the work of the board.
By Board Professionals. For Board Professionals.
The AGB Board Professionals Conference is the only national convening of board professionals. Designed by AGB’s Board Professionals Leadership Group, the program affords a unique opportunity for board professionals to meet with peers, build their professional networks, share innovative practices and strategies, and explore the issues shaping higher education and the work of governing boards.
Curious about the Board Professionals Conference program?
Browse the 2025 schedule of events to learn more about the types of sessions, speakers, and networking opportunities the event typically includes and see who attended in 2025.
Hear about the value of the Board Professionals Conference from a past attendee.
Richard Uchida
Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary of the College
Colby College
Save your spot.
Register now to reserve your spot in Denver, Colorado.
Early Bird Rate*
$895
Regular Member Rate*
$1,195
Dual Registration Offer
National Conference on Trusteeship and Board Professionals Conference*
Dual Registration Offer
Foundation Leadership Forum and Board Professionals Conference*
Foundation board professionals who register for the 2026 Foundation Leadership Forum will receive a discount when registering for the 2026 Board Professionals Conference. To take advantage of this bundled rate, members should register for the Foundation Leadership Forum first; or contact the AGB registrar for assistance.
$2,345
Nonmember Rate
$1,795
*Member exclusive pricing.
Please note: The only legitimate way to reserve your room at the conference hotel is by using the hyperlink provided in the confirmation email you receive upon registration.
Key Dates
- Early bird deadline: December 6, 2025
- Deadline for cancellation: February 27, 2026
- Deadline to receive discounted hotel rate: March 4, 2026 (provided space is available)
Registration and Cancellation Policy
This program is available only to registrants who are serving a higher education institution or foundation. Please contact registrar@AGB.org with any questions.
All cancellations and requests for refunds must be submitted in writing to cancellations@AGB.org and will be processed after the meeting. Requests for refunds must be received by close of business on February 27, 2026, to receive a full refund minus a $25 cancellation fee. No refunds will be issued for registrants who cancel after February 27, 2026. If you are unable to attend, a substitute is welcome in your place at no additional charge. AGB is not responsible for cancellations due to airline disruption, inclement weather, COVID-19, or schedule changes.
Group Discounts: If a cancellation causes the group to fall below the required three registrations, the refund will be issued minus the discount benefit received by the original group.
Hotel Information
AGB has secured a room block for Board Professionals Conference attendees at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center at the group rate of $269 per night, exclusive of 12.75% taxes and $28 resort fee. Once you have registered for the conference, you will receive a hotel reservation link in your meeting registration confirmation. To receive the group rate, reservations must be made online through the reservation link received. Reservations should be made in the name of the person registered for the 2026 Board Professionals Conference. Multiple reservations under the same name will not be accepted.
The deadline for reserving a room at the group rate is March 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
With thanks to our 2026 sponsors.
View our 2026 sponsors and see how you can support the Board Professionals Conference.
Contact.
Registration
AGB is committed to excellence in member service. Should you have questions about registering for the National Conference on Trusteeship, contact the AGB registrar.
Become a Member and Save
If you currently are not an AGB member but want to take advantage of member pricing, contact Matt Stevens, director of membership outreach.
Sponsorship
To learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact Steve Abbott, senior director of partnerships.