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2026 National Conference on Trusteeship
March 28–30, 2026
Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center
Denver, CO
Innovation in Action
Colleges and universities are confronting unprecedented challenges—shifting student expectations, financial headwinds, accelerating technological change, and eroding public trust. At the same time, governing boards face growing pressures around institutional autonomy, academic freedom, and their role in safeguarding mission and values.
The 2026 AGB National Conference on Trusteeship is designed for higher education leaders who recognize the need to think differently. Presidents, board members, and senior administrators will come together to explore new approaches, share effective practices, and collaborate on forward-looking strategies. Through engaging sessions and peer-to-peer dialogue, participants will gain insights and tools to lead their institutions with resilience—and turn innovation into practical action.
Reasons to attend the 2026 National Conference on Trusteeship:
Explore Fresh Thinking
Higher education faces an inflection point. This conference invites leaders to critically examine emerging models, confront uncomfortable truths, and question legacy structures that no longer serve today’s students or society. Through plenaries, panel discussions, and curated sessions, explore how governance can both steward tradition and embrace the disruptive change needed to fulfill institutional missions.
Elevate Proven Strategies
Bold leadership doesn’t mean abandoning the fundamentals—it means refining them. Learn from institutions that are sustaining academic integrity, protecting free expression, and advancing student success amid turbulence. Sessions will spotlight real-world examples of governing boards that are leading with intention, forging strong presidential partnerships, and applying the core tenets of trusteeship to inspire progress.
Develop a Strategy for Collaborative Leadership and Innovation
When presidents and board leaders attend together, they create space to align on priorities, build trust, and develop a collaborative forward-looking vision for their institution. This conference offers unique programming designed to support those partnerships. Current and prospective board chairs will gain insights into the responsibilities of board leadership, learn practical tactics to strengthen presidential partnerships, and troubleshoot real-world governance challenges. Presidents and campus leaders will benefit from candid dialogue with peers and sector leaders on how to lead both strategically and collaboratively.
Curious about the National Conference on Trusteeship 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.
Call for Proposals for the National Conference on Trusteeship
We hope you will share your suggestions for the 2026 AGB National Conference on Trusteeship taking place in Denver, Colorado, March 28-30, 2026. It’s a valuable opportunity to engage board members, presidents, and staff leaders; highlight your institution’s achievements; and connect with peers around shared challenges and priorities.
We invite AGB members to submit proposals for conference sessions, share topics on which they might be willing to present, nominate others as speakers, or just let us know they’d like to get involved.
Share your proposals, recommendations, or just your interest in getting involved by filling out this online form.
Hear about the value of the National Conference on Trusteeship
from past attendees.
Jim Clements
President
Clemson University
Sharon Reishus
Chair, Board of Trustees
Unity Environmental University
Register as a group and save.
Register now to reserve your spot in Denver, Colorado.
Early Bird Rate
Individual Member*
$1,995
Early Bird Rate
Group**
$1,795
Regular Rate
Individual Member*
$2,250
Regular Rate
Group**
$2,150
Nonmember Rate
$3,495
*Member exclusive pricing.
**Three or more, members only. All members in the group must be registered at the same time.
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 5, 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 National Conference on Trusteeship 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 National Conference on Trusteeship. 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 National Conference on Trusteeship.
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.