
Registration is now open!
The CAEL Annual Conference will be held in Memphis, TN, at the Historic Peabody Memphis from November 11th to 14th. The CAEL Conference is widely known as the leading place to connect and network with experts from postsecondary education and training providers, workforce and economic development leaders, industry groups, and more.

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Summer Owens | Keynote Speaker
Award-Winning Author, International Speaker, Trainer
Winning with Whatever Cards You’re Dealt: Resilience, Confidence, and the Power of Your Impact
Going to college—or going back—while balancing life’s challenges is no easy feat. Many adult learners show up with more responsibility than resources, more questions than confidence. But with the right mindset—and the right support—they can still win. That’s where you come in. This keynote is more than inspiration—it’s a powerful reminder of how your work changes lives. Through my personal story—from teen mom to college graduate, corporate leader, and national speaker—I’ll show how the belief and support of just a few people made it possible for me to overcome the odds and build a future I never imagined. And, just as you help others win with the cards they’ve been dealt, you’ll walk away with encouragement and tools to play your own hand with confidence, resilience, and purpose.
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Jessica Gibson | Keynote Speaker
Senior Director of Adult Learner Initiatives at the Tennessee Higher Education Commission
The Future is Collaborative: Reimagining Ecosystems for Adult Learner Success
Adult learners navigate a complex landscape of education, work, and life responsibilities. No single institution can meet these challenges alone. This keynote explores how partnerships across workforce development, education, community organizations, government, and employers are essential to building systems that truly serve adult learners. Discover success stories, actionable strategies, and a shared vision that brings sectors together to drive impact.
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8-5pm: Pre-Conference Workshops (Link)
*Half day and full day workshops are available - Check full agenda for specific times once available
9am: Virtual Conference Begins
9-9:30 am: Welcome from CAEL
10-10:50 am: Workshop Series
11-11:50 am: Workshop Series
1-1:50 pm: Workshop Series
2-2:50 pm: Workshop Series
3-3:50 pm: Networking Roundtables
4-4:50 pm: Workshop Series
5:30-6:30 pm: Member Appreciation Reception (Invite & In-person Only)
8-9 am: Newcomer Session
9-10:30 am: Opening Keynote
**10-12pm: Exhibit Hall Setup**
11-11:50 am: Workshop Series #1
12-1pm: Exhibit Hall Opens, Networking Luncheon *In Exhibit Hall
1-1:50 pm: Workshop Series #2
2-2:50 pm: Workshop Series #3
2:50-3:20pm: Ice Cream Social *In Exhibit Hall
3:20 - 4:05pm: Roundtable Series *In Exhibit Hall
4:25-5:15pm: Workshop Series #4
5:30-6:30pm: Welcome Reception *In Exhibit Hall
7-8am: Continental Breakfast *In Exhibit Hall
8-8:50am: Regional Gatherings: *In Exhibit Hall
9 - 9:50am: General Session Series
10 -10:50am: Workshop Series #5
10:50 - 11:15am: Coffee Break *In Exhibit Hall
11:15-12pm: Roundtables Series: *In Exhibit Hall
**12pm - 2pm: Exhibit Hall Teardown**
12:15-1:45pm: Lunch Awards Keynote
2-2:50pm: Workshop Series #6
2:50p-3:15pm: Coffee Break - Energizer Break
3:15pm-4:05pm: Workshop Series #7
4:15-5:15pm: The Talks
6-7 pm: President’s Reception (Invite & In-person Only)
8-8:50am: Workshop Series #8
9am-10am: General Session Series
10-10:15am: Coffee Break
10:15-11:05am: Workshop Series #9
11:15-12:30 pm: Closing Keynote & Rally

Interested in Sponsoring?
By becoming a conference or collaborator sponsor, you have the chance to connect with postsecondary education, training, employers and workforce development professionals from hundreds of colleges, universities and organizations across the country as they seek solutions to help their institutions better serve this population. Download the sponsorship prospectus here.
