About Alliance

Alliance 2026:
Where Innovation Meets Collaboration

Welcome to Alliance 2026, the premier conference that brings together visionaries, leaders, and professionals from the education, government, and healthcare sectors. This is where innovation thrives, and collaboration fuels progress.

ORLANDO, FL

March 8 - 11, 2026

Orlando World Center Marriott

MAINSTAGE

Features Keynote presentations, TED-style talks and interactive workshops, to roundtable discussions on a gamut of topics, we’re planning on equipping you to lead projects, teams, and institutions with greater vision and confidence than ever before.

Why Should You Attend?

Peer-to-peer learning

Hear directly from colleagues in similar roles, facing similar challenges and find out what’s working for them.

Future-focused

Stay ahead of the curve with insights into AI, data strategy, and innovation shaping the future of higher education.

Tangible outcomes

No fluff. Just practical takeaways, proven solutions, and real implementation strategies you can trust.

Community-powered

Build lasting connections with a network that supports you before, during, and long after the event.

Immediate impact

Return with ready-to-use ideas and tools you can apply on day one.

In-person Inspiration

Physically being at a conference allows you to step away from your daily routine and fully immerse yourself in the content. No distractions. No multitasking.

Save the Date
We are excited to invite you to make Alliance 2026 your must-attend technology conference for the year!


As we enter a new era in higher education—one that is tech-enabled, data-driven, and centered on innovation—let's join forces and step confidently into the future of technology in our field.

Convince Your Boss

Program Themes

Real outcomes. Peer-to-peer collaboration. Practical solutions you can use right now.

At Alliance 2026, each theme addresses real-world challenges higher education professionals face, ensuring alignment and relevance across all tracks. You’ll walk away with answers to real problems, ideas that are working at other institutions, and a powerful peer network that supports your success long after the conference ends.

Empowering Student Success

Discover effective strategies in student engagement, retention, advising, and leveraging AI tools from institutions like yours. Sessions feature tangible solutions, results-oriented approaches, and peer collaboration addressing current challenges.

Operational Excellence

Explore how institutions enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve compliance through streamlined processes, effective tools, and AI-driven approaches. Sessions offer practical workflows and best practices ready for immediate implementation.

Strategic Use of Data, AI & Infrastructure

Learn how institutions effectively leverage data analytics, AI technologies, and integrated platforms to inform decisions, solve problems, and drive strategy. Gain practical insights and actionable solutions shared by experienced peers.

Securing Trust: Compliance, Risk & Accessibility

Address data security, risk management, and accessibility with confidence. Engage with actionable strategies and best practices from peers who successfully build trust and sustainability, including responsible use of AI.

Innovation & Leading Change

Hear firsthand how institutions manage change, embrace innovation, and utilize AI to achieve transformational goals. Sessions highlight creative solutions, leadership strategies, and peer experiences to help you effectively navigate and drive change.

Conference Venue - Orlando World Center Marriott

Imagine immersing yourself in learning, networking, and inspiration—all in a world-class resort setting. This year’s conference at the Orlando World Center Marriott isn’t just another event—it’s your gateway to growth, connection, and unforgettable memories.

Located just minutes from Walt Disney World, the Orlando World Center Marriott offers the perfect blend of professional enrichment and leisure. Whether you're a seasoned industry expert or new to the scene, the setting itself inspires big ideas.

Our conference will feature innovative keynotes, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities tailored to help you level up. The Marriott’s expansive and modern conference space sets the stage for impactful conversations and breakthrough moments.

Wake up to Florida sunshine, attend sessions that spark transformation, and end your days exploring Orlando’s vibrant attractions—or simply soaking in the luxury of your surroundings.

8701 World Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32821
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Conference FAQs

The premier annual member-driven conference for higher education users from around the world. Alliance's expanded vendor inclusion makes this the place for higher education and public sector professionals to share knowledge, collaborate and become inspired regardless of product or platform.

All attendees must be an Institutional Member, Allied Member, or a Subscriber of the Higher Education User Group at the time of registration. HEUG may accept a limited number of guests from other industries and employees of vendors as Exhibitors.

Alliance 2026 is held Sunday, March 8 through Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Workshops will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026.

Alliance 2026 will be held in Orlando, Florida, at the Orlando World Center Marriott (8701 World Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32821).

During registration, you will be asked if you require ADA assistance. If so, a HEUG staff member will contact you before the start of the conference. Advance notice is required for accessibility assistance, BEFORE Monday, February 17, 2026. Requests received after that will be handled on a case-by-case basis and assistance cannot be guaranteed. We ask that you please register as soon as possible, to provide the best experience at the conference.

The Higher Education User Group is committed to prioritizing the safety and well-being of our attendees. It's always good to take precautions when visiting a new city. Please refer to our Health and Safety at Alliance page for details.

Follow the designated entrances for Alliance 2026 (Cypress 3). Head to the Alliance 2026 Registration Desk and it will be in the Exhibit Hall.

No, your registration includes all the fun at Mainstage!

The closest major commercial airport to the Orlando World Center Marriott is Orlando International Airport (MCO).

Ride-share / Taxi

  • Fare estimate: ~ $25-40 for a standard ride.
  • Time: ~ 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Tip: Make sure you request the correct terminal pickup at MCO (Terminals A, B, C), and check the estimated ride cost in the app ahead of time.

Public Transportation

  • There is a local bus service (LYNX) route from the airport to near the hotel. However, this is much slower (~1 hour+ or more) and less convenient for those with luggage.
  • Fare is very low (around $2) but the time trade-off is significant.
  • Tip: If you’re traveling ultra-budget, light luggage, and have time, this is feasible; otherwise the convenience loss may not be worth it.

Rental Car / Driving Yourself

  • If you prefer maximum flexibility, you can rent a car at the airport and drive to the hotel (about 18-20 miles).
  • Useful if you plan to explore beyond the hotel or nearby area.
  • Tip: Check parking fees at the hotel and whether your rental car includes tolls (Central Florida has express toll roads).

There are third-party shared shuttle/transfer services you can pre-book to go between MCO and the hotel (via services like Shuttle Finder and Jayride).

You must be registered and paid in full before requesting a Visa Request Letter. Please contact support support@alliance-conference.com.

Yes! As a valued attendee, you and your guests can enjoy special access and savings through our Personalized Ticket Sites! From Partial-Day Tickets (perfect for post-meeting fun), Advance Purchase Savings, Multi-day tickets, and Flexible Dates - before, during, and after the event. Check out the Alliance Things to Do page for more information.