CAEL | CAEL Conference

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.

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.

Key for Agenda (4)

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)

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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

Key for Agenda (4)

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)

Key for Agenda (4)

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

Join us at The Peabody Memphis, a perfect blend of Southern charm, luxury, and historic elegance. Known for its world-famous Peabody Ducks, this iconic hotel provides a unique and memorable experience for attendees. With lavish ballrooms, modern meeting spaces, and top-tier catering services, The Peabody can accommodate a variety of events, from corporate conferences to elegant galas. Its prime location in downtown Memphis allows easy access to entertainment, dining, and cultural attractions, making it an ideal venue for a distinctive and unforgettable event.

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.

Registration is now open!

Jessica Gibson | Keynote Speaker

Summer Owens | Keynote Speaker

Agenda

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