Preliminary Schedule

Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026	Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM CST	Healthy Conclusion Speaker(s): Lannie Collard, Program Manager, Grand Rapids Community College Location: BEAUREGARD	Location: BEAUREGARD	2026012819:0019:30 000	WED, JAN 28
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026	Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM CST	Healthy Start Speaker(s): Lannie Collard, Program Manager, Grand Rapids Community College Location: BEAUREGARD	Location: BEAUREGARD	2026012906:3007:30 000	THU, JAN 29
Friday, Jan 30, 2026	Friday, Jan 30, 2026 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM CST	Healthy Start Speaker(s): Lannie Collard, Program Manager, Grand Rapids Community College Location: BEAUREGARD	Location: BEAUREGARD	2026013006:3007:30 000	FRI, JAN 30
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026	Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM CST	Designing Microcredentials that Matter Speaker(s): Brittany Hochstaetter, Senior Professor, Communication & Chair, Instructional Technology Council, Instructional Technology Council (ITC) Mrs. Amy Mackenroth, Associate Deputy Chancellor, National Partnerships & Innovation, Dallas College Dr. Amardeep Kahlon, VP Education and Learning, Central New Mexico Community College Mrs. Jessica Schook, Vice President of Workforce and Economic Development, Kentucky Community & Technical College System Keith Look, Vice President, Territorium Location: GALERIE 2	Location: GALERIE 2	2026012909:3010:45 002	THU, JAN 29
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026	Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 10:55 AM - 12:10 PM CST	Unlocking Rural and Remote Potential Speaker(s): Amanda Abens, Dean of Workforce Development and Continuing Education, Pima Community College Jonathan Townes, Vice President of Career and Technical Education, Sponsored Grants, and HBCU Initiatives, Hinds Community College Steve Sauceda, Vice President, Workforce Development, New Mexico Junior College Dr. Caron Daugherty, President, Flint Hills Technical College Jonathan Smith, Executive Director of Career and Technical Education and Workforce Development, zSpace Location: GALERIE 2	Location: GALERIE 2	2026012910:5512:10 000	THU, JAN 29
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026	Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM CST	Executive-Led Listening Session – Any College Staff Speaker(s): Dr. DeRionne Pollard, President and CEO, American Association of Community Colleges Location: GALERIE 2	Location: GALERIE 2	2026012914:3015:45 000	THU, JAN 29
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026	Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 3:55 PM - 5:10 PM CST	AI Theory and Practice Part 1 of 2: Theory Speaker(s): Chad Knights, Vice President, Infromation and Engineering Technologies and College Comput, Northern Virginia Community College Kathleen Nelson, American Association of Community Colleges Dr. Greg Bianchi, Director of US & Global Partnership, Microsoft Erika Guerra, Program Chair, Advanced Manufacturing & Mechatronics Technology, South Texas College Cynthia Pereda, Grant Director, Miami Dade College Location: GALERIE 2	Location: GALERIE 2	2026012915:5517:10 000	THU, JAN 29
Friday, Jan 30, 2026	Friday, Jan 30, 2026 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM CST	Critical Certifications in Industry 4.0 and Emerging Technologies Speaker(s): Dr. Richard Ammon, Executive Director of Workforce Initiatives, College of Lake County Sue Smith, Executive Program Director, Smart Automation Certification Alliance John Enamait, President, Stanly Community College Conrad Leiva, VP Workforce Development, CESMII - Smart Manufacturing Institute Jan Moore, Vice President of Economic Development, Ogeechee Technical College Location: GALERIE 2	Location: GALERIE 2	2026013009:3010:45 000	FRI, JAN 30
Friday, Jan 30, 2026	Friday, Jan 30, 2026 10:55 AM - 12:10 PM CST	Establishing a Workforce Vision of Excellence and Execution Speaker(s): Roger Tadajewski, Executive Director, National Coalition of Certification Centers Dr. Tom Mills, President, Hill College Jason Schmidt, Lincoln Electric Dr. Joni Gray, Director, Career and Corporate Training, Pierpont Community & Technical College Dr. Bryan Albrecht, President Emeritus, Gateway Technical College Dr. Josh Doak, Dean of Aviation, WSU Tech Location: GALERIE 2	Location: GALERIE 2	2026013010:5512:10 000	FRI, JAN 30
Friday, Jan 30, 2026	Friday, Jan 30, 2026 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM CST	Educating the Entertainers Speaker(s): Sherwood Taylor, Dean, Workforce Development, College & Career Pathways, Atlantic Cape Community College Robin Shaw, Upstaging Lannie Collard, Program Manager, Grand Rapids Community College Pete Delgrosso, Executive Director, All Within My Hands Renee Richardson, Director of Philanthropy, All Within My Hands Location: GALERIE 2	Location: GALERIE 2	2026013014:3015:45 000	FRI, JAN 30
Friday, Jan 30, 2026	Friday, Jan 30, 2026 3:55 PM - 5:10 PM CST	AI Theory and Practice Part 2 of 2: Practice Location: GALERIE 2	Location: GALERIE 2	2026013015:5517:10 000	FRI, JAN 30
Saturday, Jan 31, 2026	Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM CST	Credential Transparency Location: GALERIE 2	Location: GALERIE 2	2026013108:3009:45 000	SAT, JAN 31
Saturday, Jan 31, 2026	Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 11:20 AM - 12:35 PM CST	Developing Technical Leaders Through Accreditation Speaker(s): Mehran Mostajir, Dean of Business & Technology, Columbia State Community College Brandy Tyson-Polk, Department Chair, Technology, Baton Rouge Community College Jen Dupre, Chair of the Department of Industrial Technology, Delgado Community College Chuck Blanchard, Training Manager, Placid Refining Sparkle Lewis, Graduate of Columbia State Community College Location: GALERIE 2	Location: GALERIE 2	2026013111:2012:35 000	SAT, JAN 31
Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026	Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM CST	Preconference Session 2: Develop Your Future-Ready Leadership Pipeline for Advanced Manufacturing Location: GALERIE 2	Location: GALERIE 2	2026012810:0016:00 033	WED, JAN 28
Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026	Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM CST	New to WDI Attendees Forum Speaker(s): Ms. Jen Worth, SVP, Academic and Workforce Development, American Association of Community Colleges Location: STUDIO 9-10	Location: STUDIO 9-10	2026012815:0015:45 000	WED, JAN 28
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026	Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM CST	The Data Center Spectrum Speaker(s): Dr. Matthew Janisin, EVP - Academic Affairs, Gateway Technical College Dr. Chad Patton, Dean of Career and Occupational Technology, Southside Virginia Community College Kathleen Nelson, American Association of Community Colleges Dr. Victoria Seals, President, Atlanta Technical College Location: GALERIE 6 Sponsored By Microsoft	Location: GALERIE 6	2026012909:3010:45 005	THU, JAN 29
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026	Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 10:55 AM - 12:10 PM CST	Reducing the Time and Friction Between Work and Learning Speaker(s): Ms. Marie Bruin, Director, Workforce Education, WA State Board for Community and Technical Colleges Kristi Wellington-Baker, Business Development Leader, Student Experience, Amazon Web Services (AWS) Meg Maguire, Pearson Location: GALERIE 6	Location: GALERIE 6	2026012910:5512:10 000	THU, JAN 29
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026	Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM CST	Critical Networks to Support Workforce Initiatives Location: GALERIE 6	Location: GALERIE 6	2026012914:3015:45 000	THU, JAN 29
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026	Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 3:55 PM - 5:10 PM CST	Post-Retirement/Transition - How do I Keep Contributing? Location: GALERIE 6	Location: GALERIE 6	2026012915:5517:10 000	THU, JAN 29
Friday, Jan 30, 2026	Friday, Jan 30, 2026 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM CST	Culture will Eat Strategy for Breakfast Speaker(s): Nerita Hughes, President, Bay De Noc Community College Michael Heindl, President, Northwest Mississippi Community College Location: GALERIE 6	Location: GALERIE 6	2026013009:3010:45 000	FRI, JAN 30
Friday, Jan 30, 2026	Friday, Jan 30, 2026 10:55 AM - 12:10 PM CST	Executive-Led Listening Session – Non-College Leaders Speaker(s): Dr. DeRionne Pollard, President and CEO, American Association of Community Colleges Location: GALERIE 6	Location: GALERIE 6	2026013010:5512:10 000	FRI, JAN 30
Friday, Jan 30, 2026	Friday, Jan 30, 2026 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM CST	Executive-Led Listening Session – College President, Chancellor and CEOs Only Speaker(s): Dr. DeRionne Pollard, President and CEO, American Association of Community Colleges Location: GALERIE 6	Location: GALERIE 6	2026013014:3015:45 000	FRI, JAN 30
Friday, Jan 30, 2026	Friday, Jan 30, 2026 3:55 PM - 5:10 PM CST	Building the Future: Innovative Talent Pipeline Development from Pre-Apprenticeship to Postsecondary Success Location: GALERIE 6	Location: GALERIE 6	2026013015:5517:10 000	FRI, JAN 30
Saturday, Jan 31, 2026	Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM CST	Keeping Military Mindfulness Location: GALERIE 6	Location: GALERIE 6	2026013108:3009:45 000	SAT, JAN 31
Saturday, Jan 31, 2026	Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 11:20 AM - 12:35 PM CST	Workforce Pell Insights Speaker(s): David Baime, Senior Vice President, Government Relations & Policy Analysis, American Association of Community Colleges Jim Hermes, American Association of Community Colleges Location: GALERIE 6	Location: GALERIE 6	2026013111:2012:35 000	SAT, JAN 31
Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026	Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM CST	Exhibit Hall Open Location: MARDI GRAS BALLROOM	Location: MARDI GRAS BALLROOM	2026012818:0020:00 000	WED, JAN 28
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026	Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM CST	Exhibit Hall Open Location: MARDI GRAS BALLROOM	Location: MARDI GRAS BALLROOM	2026012907:0019:00 000	THU, JAN 29
Friday, Jan 30, 2026	Friday, Jan 30, 2026 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM CST	Exhibit Hall Open Location: MARDI GRAS BALLROOM	Location: MARDI GRAS BALLROOM	2026013007:0015:00 000	FRI, JAN 30
Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026	Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM CST	Welcome Reception for All Attendees Location: MARDI GRAS BALLROOM	Location: MARDI GRAS BALLROOM	2026012818:0020:00 000	WED, JAN 28
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026	Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM CST	Exhibit Hall Breakfast Location: MARDI GRAS BALLROOM	Location: MARDI GRAS BALLROOM	2026012907:0008:00 000	THU, JAN 29
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026	Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM CST	Exhibit Hall Coffee Break Location: MARDI GRAS BALLROOM	Location: MARDI GRAS BALLROOM	2026012909:0009:30 000	THU, JAN 29
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026	Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM CST	Exhibit Hall Coffee Break Location: MARDI GRAS BALLROOM	Location: MARDI GRAS BALLROOM	2026012914:0014:30 000	THU, JAN 29
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026	Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 5:15 PM - 7:15 PM CST	Networking Reception for All Attendees Location: MARDI GRAS BALLROOM	Location: MARDI GRAS BALLROOM	2026012917:1519:15 000	THU, JAN 29
Friday, Jan 30, 2026	Friday, Jan 30, 2026 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM CST	Exhibit Hall Breakfast Location: MARDI GRAS BALLROOM	Location: MARDI GRAS BALLROOM	2026013007:0008:00 000	FRI, JAN 30
Friday, Jan 30, 2026	Friday, Jan 30, 2026 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM CST	Exhibit Hall Coffee Break Location: MARDI GRAS BALLROOM	Location: MARDI GRAS BALLROOM	2026013009:0009:30 000	FRI, JAN 30
Friday, Jan 30, 2026	Friday, Jan 30, 2026 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM CST	Exhibit Hall Coffee Break Location: MARDI GRAS BALLROOM	Location: MARDI GRAS BALLROOM	2026013014:0014:30 000	FRI, JAN 30
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026	Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM CST	Embedding Industry Mindsets into Sector Strategies Speaker(s): Hugh Shadeed, Director, Learning and Development, Rivian Gretchen Schultz, Director of Workforce Development, Tooling U-SME Dr. Keith Cornille, President, Heartland Community College Paul Helton Ty McCearley, Senior Manager Learning and Development Strategy, AccelerateMS Location: GALERIE 5	Location: GALERIE 5	2026012909:3010:45 004	THU, JAN 29
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026	Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 10:55 AM - 12:10 PM CST	Registered Apprenticeship: Gaining Buy-in on the ROI Speaker(s): John Colborn, Executive Director, Apprenticeships for America Dr. Pamela Lau, President, Parkland College Chris Allen, Dean of Apprenticeship Programs & Strategic Partnerships, Foothill College Location: GALERIE 5	Location: GALERIE 5	2026012910:5512:10 000	THU, JAN 29
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026	Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM CST	Investing in Justice-Impacted Talent Speaker(s): Julia Stotts, Director of Strategic Priorities, Alamo Colleges District Elisa Waldman, Vice President, Workforce Development and Continuing Education, Johnson County Community College Stavan Corbett, Interim Executive Director - Division of Workforce and Economic Development, College of Southern Nevada Dr. Stacy Holliday, Director, Jobs for the Future Location: GALERIE 5	Location: GALERIE 5	2026012914:3015:45 000	THU, JAN 29
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026	Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 3:55 PM - 5:10 PM CST	Competency-Based Education Speaker(s): Dr. Amber Garrison Duncan, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN) Location: GALERIE 5	Location: GALERIE 5	2026012915:5517:10 000	THU, JAN 29
Friday, Jan 30, 2026	Friday, Jan 30, 2026 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM CST	Dual Enrollment Healthcare Programs Speaker(s): Charnetia Young-Callaham, CVS Rhett Poche, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic and Workforce Development, Baton Rouge Community College Dr. Teddy Farias, San Jacinto College District - North Dr. Angela Belnap, Associate Dean, Division of HealthCare Technologies, Salt Lake Community College Location: GALERIE 5	Location: GALERIE 5	2026013009:3010:45 000	FRI, JAN 30
Friday, Jan 30, 2026	Friday, Jan 30, 2026 10:55 AM - 12:10 PM CST	Book Exchange Speaker(s): Lisa Avery, President, Linn-Benton Community College Lin Zhou, President, Bates Technical College Location: GALERIE 5	Location: GALERIE 5	2026013010:5512:10 000	FRI, JAN 30
Friday, Jan 30, 2026	Friday, Jan 30, 2026 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM CST	Upskill Me Now, My Way, and With Exactly What I Need/Want Speaker(s): Joy Forehand, Interim Vice President, Workforce & Community Success, Central New Mexico Community College Tadd Wamester, Director of Partnership Development, EnGen Location: GALERIE 5	Location: GALERIE 5	2026013014:3015:45 000	FRI, JAN 30
Friday, Jan 30, 2026	Friday, Jan 30, 2026 3:55 PM - 5:10 PM CST	Gaining More Complete Access to State-Level Workforce Data and Using it More Effectively Speaker(s): David Baime, Senior Vice President, Government Relations & Policy Analysis, American Association of Community Colleges Sandra Kurtinitis, President, Community College of Baltimore County Aaron Fichtner, President, NJ Council of County Colleges Michelle Van Noy, Director, Education and Employment Research Center, Rutgers University Ms. Summer Kenesson, Director, Policy Research, Washington State Board For Community & Technical Colleges Location: GALERIE 5	Location: GALERIE 5	2026013015:5517:10 000	FRI, JAN 30
Saturday, Jan 31, 2026	Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM CST	Predictive Maintenance in Manufacturing Speaker(s): Marcella Gale J. Craig McAtee, Executive Director, National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers Location: GALERIE 5	Location: GALERIE 5	2026013108:3009:45 000	SAT, JAN 31
Saturday, Jan 31, 2026	Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 11:20 AM - 12:35 PM CST	Staff-Led Listening Session on Student Services to Support Persistence and Success Speaker(s): Kevin Christian, Director, Academic & Student Affairs, American Association of Community Colleges Location: GALERIE 5	Location: GALERIE 5	2026013111:2012:35 000	SAT, JAN 31
Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026	Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM CST	Preconference Session 4: Microsoft Learn for Educators Bootcamp Location: GALERIE 5	Location: GALERIE 5	2026012812:0016:00 037	WED, JAN 28
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026	Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM CST	Accreditation and Workforce-Ready Graduates Speaker(s): Antonio Delgado, Vice President of Innovation, Miami Dade College Mike Bottorff Seth Robinson, Vice President of Industry Research, CompTIA Location: STUDIO 7-8	Location: STUDIO 7-8	2026012909:3010:45 001	THU, JAN 29
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026	Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 10:55 AM - 12:10 PM CST	Centering Workforce Students: Comprehensive Supports that Propel College and Career Progression Speaker(s): Kate Kinder, Executive Director, National Council for Workforce Education Robert Matthews, Associate Vice President, Workforce & Economic Development, Mott Community College Dr. Eric Heiser, President, Coconino Community College Dr. Jessica Howard, President/CEO, Chemeketa Community College Location: STUDIO 7-8	Location: STUDIO 7-8	2026012910:5512:10 000	THU, JAN 29
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026	Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM CST	Scaling Non-credit Credentials – Four Approaches Speaker(s): Sierra Elbert, President, Groom Curriculum Rebecca Corbin, President & CEO, National Association For Community College Entrepreneurship Dr. Justin Snyder, Senior Vice President, Student learning and Workforce Development, Alamance Community College Misty Campbell, Coordinator Correctional Education, Austin Community College Patti Hanson, Vice President Continuing Education & Economic Development, North Iowa Area Community College Patricia Pierce, Groom Curriculum Location: STUDIO 7-8	Location: STUDIO 7-8	2026012914:3015:45 000	THU, JAN 29
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026	Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 3:55 PM - 5:10 PM CST	Innovative Baccalaureate Solutions at Community Colleges Speaker(s): Terri Sandu, Director, Talent and Business Inovation, Lorain County Community College Angela Kersenbrock, President, Seminole State College of Florida Dr. Steven Gonzales, Chancellor, Maricopa Community College District Molly Kostenbauder, Associate Vice President, School of Business, Health and Public Safety, Seminole State College Location: STUDIO 7-8	Location: STUDIO 7-8	2026012915:5517:10 000	THU, JAN 29
Friday, Jan 30, 2026	Friday, Jan 30, 2026 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM CST	Community Safety and Infrastructure Resilience Speaker(s): Kirk Laflin, National Partnership For Environmental Technology Education Ellen Bluth, Consultant, Ellen Bluth Location: STUDIO 7-8	Location: STUDIO 7-8	2026013009:3010:45 000	FRI, JAN 30
Friday, Jan 30, 2026	Friday, Jan 30, 2026 10:55 AM - 12:10 PM CST	Delivering Student Services Across Credit and Non-Credit Programs in Workforce Development Speaker(s): Dr. Peter Jordan, President, Dutchess Community College DeDe Griffith, Vice President Workforce Development, Temple College Ms. Anita Belle, Director of Workforce Pathways, Hudson County Community College Kevin Christian, Director, Academic & Student Affairs, American Association of Community Colleges Dr. Linda Garcia, Executive Director, Center For Community College Student Engagement Location: STUDIO 7-8	Location: STUDIO 7-8	2026013010:5512:10 000	FRI, JAN 30
Friday, Jan 30, 2026	Friday, Jan 30, 2026 3:55 PM - 5:10 PM CST	Drone Technology - Applications Across Multiple Industry Training Programs Speaker(s): Jeff Miller, SVP for Workforce Development & Consulting, Sinclair Community College Cathy Scruggs, Director of Product Development, American Technical Publishers Mr. Peter Zurlis, President, American Technical Publishers Dr. Irl Davis, Professor, UAS Technology, Columbia Gorge Community College Location: STUDIO 7-8	Location: STUDIO 7-8	2026013015:5517:10 000	FRI, JAN 30
Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026	Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM CST	Opening Plenary: Deliberate by Design Speaker(s): Dr. Sunem Beaton-Garcia, President, Chippewa Valley Technical College Betsy Conway, Lowe's Foundation Dr. Charlotte Warren, President, Lincoln Land Community College Dr. DeAnna Burt-Nanna, President, Monroe Community College Dr. Stephanie Fujii, President, Arapahoe Community College Ms. Jen Worth, SVP, Academic and Workforce Development, American Association of Community Colleges Location: GRAND BALLROOM	Location: GRAND BALLROOM	2026012816:3018:00 000	WED, JAN 28
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026	Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM CST	Morning Plenary: AACC’s Future Workforce and Economic Development Interests Speaker(s): Dr. Leigh B. Goodson, President and CEO, Tulsa Community College Dr. Marta Yera Cronin, President, Columbia Gorge Community College Dr. DeRionne Pollard, President and CEO, American Association of Community Colleges Location: GRAND BALLROOM	Location: GRAND BALLROOM	2026012908:0009:00 000	THU, JAN 29
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026	Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 12:15 PM - 2:00 PM CST	Lunch Plenary: Using Advanced Technology Trainings in Emerging Industries: Voices of EV Industry Leaders Speaker(s): Ricky Baeza, Staff Program Manager, Recruiting & Workforce Development, Tesla Hugh Shadeed, Director, Learning and Development, Rivian David Widawsky, Director of United States Program, World Resources Institute Location: GRAND BALLROOM	Location: GRAND BALLROOM	2026012912:1514:00 000	THU, JAN 29
Friday, Jan 30, 2026	Friday, Jan 30, 2026 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM CST	Morning Plenary: Rethinking the College’s Business Model: What Matters as We Design the Makers and the Builders Location: GRAND BALLROOM	Location: GRAND BALLROOM	2026013008:0009:00 000	FRI, JAN 30
Friday, Jan 30, 2026	Friday, Jan 30, 2026 12:15 PM - 2:00 PM CST	Lunch Plenary: Activating AI Experience: Using Advanced Technologies for Your College and Students in Service to Changing Industry Needs Speaker(s): Dr. Greg Bianchi, Director of US & Global Partnership, Microsoft Location: GRAND BALLROOM	Location: GRAND BALLROOM	2026013012:1514:00 000	FRI, JAN 30
Saturday, Jan 31, 2026	Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 9:50 AM - 11:15 AM CST	Brunch Plenary: Meeting Student Needs, Even as Needs Grow and Evolve: Federal and State Policy Insights from Washington, DC Speaker(s): David Baime, Senior Vice President, Government Relations & Policy Analysis, American Association of Community Colleges Lisa Avery, President, Linn-Benton Community College Dr. Walt Tobin, President, Orangeburg-Calhoun Tech College Dr. Dean Fisher, President, College of Southern Idaho Dr. DeRionne Pollard, President and CEO, American Association of Community Colleges Location: GRAND BALLROOM	Location: GRAND BALLROOM	2026013109:5011:15 000	SAT, JAN 31
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026	Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM CST	LMI: How Do I Use the Data I Have? (And What Do I Do If I don’t Know Where to Look to Begin?) Speaker(s): Dr. Carlos Penaloza, Chancellor, Leeward Community College Dr. Cathie Cline, Chancellor, University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College Dr. Joshua Baker, President, Mountwest Community & Technical College Dr. Jason Taylor, Assistant Professor, Higher Education, University of Utah Location: GALERIE 3	Location: GALERIE 3	2026012909:3010:45 003	THU, JAN 29
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026	Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 10:55 AM - 12:10 PM CST	Building Trades: Construction Speaker(s): Cathy Tyler, National Center for Construction Education Research Lauren Norman, Senior Manager, Lowe's Foundation, Lowe's Justin MacDougall, Associate Director, Apprenticeship Programs, Sante Fe Community College Sara Emmanuel, Executive Officer, Director of Apprenticeship, Builders Association of North Central Florida Dr. Elijio Marquez Veray, District Associate Dean, Trade & Industry Programs, Palm Beach State College Location: GALERIE 3	Location: GALERIE 3	2026012910:5512:10 000	THU, JAN 29
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026	Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM CST	Building Trades: HVAC Speaker(s): Dr. Laura McCullough, President/CEO, Maysville Community & Technical College Jason Evertt, Regional Manager, Amatrol Dr. R.E. Davis, Dean of Industry and Manufacturing Programs , Lamar State College Orange Dr. James Crisp, Executive Director of Accreditation, HVAC Excellence Jennifer Applebaum, Managing Director for Workforce Development, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center Location: GALERIE 3	Location: GALERIE 3	2026012914:3015:45 000	THU, JAN 29
Friday, Jan 30, 2026	Friday, Jan 30, 2026 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM CST	Applying a Human Lens on Cybersecurity Speaker(s): Jenn Ji, IBM Harry Munroe, IBM Location: GALERIE 3	Location: GALERIE 3	2026013014:3015:45 000	FRI, JAN 30
Friday, Jan 30, 2026	Friday, Jan 30, 2026 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM CST	Building Trades: Welding Speaker(s): Mr. Jason Schmidt, Lincoln Electric Mrs. Shana Marbury White, Executive Vice President, Workforce Innovation, Cuyahoga Community College Monica Pfarr Jason Corder, Certification Manager, Ironworkers National Training Fund Location: GALERIE 3	Location: GALERIE 3	2026013009:3010:45 000	FRI, JAN 30
Friday, Jan 30, 2026	Friday, Jan 30, 2026 10:55 AM - 12:10 PM CST	Innovation and Success in a Sea of Change Speaker(s): Jo Alice Blondin, President, Clark State College Lynda Villanueva, President, Lee College L. Anthony Wise, President, Pellissippi State Community College John Rainone, President, Mountain Gateway Community College Brian Abernathy, General Manager, Convergent Joseph April, Senior Partner, Convergent Location: GALERIE 3	Location: GALERIE 3	2026013010:5512:10 000	FRI, JAN 30
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026	Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 3:55 PM - 5:10 PM CST	Show Me the Templates! Speaker(s): Ms. Jen Worth, SVP, Academic and Workforce Development, American Association of Community Colleges Location: GALERIE 3	Location: GALERIE 3	2026012915:5517:10 000	THU, JAN 29
Friday, Jan 30, 2026	Friday, Jan 30, 2026 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM CST	We Cannot Keep Doing More With Fewer Resources Speaker(s): Lin Zhou, President, Bates Technical College Dr. Paul Carlsen, President, Lakeshore College Avis Proctor, President, Harper College Location: GALERIE 3	Location: GALERIE 3	2026013014:3015:45 000	FRI, JAN 30
Friday, Jan 30, 2026	Friday, Jan 30, 2026 3:55 PM - 5:10 PM CST	AACC-Led Listening Session on Food Insecurity and Recovery Solutions Speaker(s): Ms. Jen Worth, SVP, Academic and Workforce Development, American Association of Community Colleges Location: GALERIE 3	Location: GALERIE 3	2026013015:5517:10 000	FRI, JAN 30
Saturday, Jan 31, 2026	Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM CST	Industry Expectations for Skills-Based Hiring Location: GALERIE 3	Location: GALERIE 3	2026013108:3009:45 000	SAT, JAN 31
Saturday, Jan 31, 2026	Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 11:20 AM - 12:35 PM CST	Making Every Program Cyber-Ready Speaker(s): Dr. Torie Jackson, President, WVU Parkersburg Kevin Walthers, Superintendent/President, Allan Hancock College Marcia Daniel, Chief Client Officer, www.ferrilli.com Location: GALERIE 3	Location: GALERIE 3	2026013111:2012:35 000	SAT, JAN 31
Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026	Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM CST	Preconference Session 3 Upskilling Construction Professionals Location: GALERIE 3	Location: GALERIE 3	2026012811:0016:00 035	WED, JAN 28
Friday, Jan 30, 2026	Friday, Jan 30, 2026 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM CST	AACC College President, Chancellor, and CEO Reception (by invitation) Location: RIVERVIEW 2	Location: RIVERVIEW 2	2026013018:0019:15 000	FRI, JAN 30
Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026	Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM CST	Preconference Session 1: Early Exposure to Long Term Success: K12 to CTE Models Location: GALERIE 1	Location: GALERIE 1	2026012810:0016:00 030	WED, JAN 28
Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026	Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM CST	Registration Desk Open Location:	Location:	2026012809:0018:00 000	WED, JAN 28
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026	Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM CST	Registration Desk Open Location:	Location:	2026012907:3017:00 000	THU, JAN 29
Friday, Jan 30, 2026	Friday, Jan 30, 2026 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM CST	Registration Desk Open Location:	Location:	2026013007:3017:00 000	FRI, JAN 30
Saturday, Jan 31, 2026	Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM CST	Registration Desk Open Location:	Location:	2026013107:3009:30 000	SAT, JAN 31
Saturday, Jan 31, 2026	Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 12:45 PM - 4:00 PM CST	EPIIC Private Meeting (by invitation) Location:	Location:	2026013112:4516:00 000	SAT, JAN 31
Saturday, Jan 31, 2026	Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 12:45 PM - 4:00 PM CST	ATMAE Private Meeting (by invitation) Location:	Location:	2026013112:4516:00 000	SAT, JAN 31
Saturday, Jan 31, 2026	Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 12:45 PM - 2:00 PM CST	Cyber ACCESS Project Meeting (by invitation) Location:	Location:	2026013112:4514:00 000	SAT, JAN 31
Saturday, Jan 31, 2026	Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 12:45 PM - 2:00 PM CST	EmployED Project Meeting (by Invitation) Location:	Location:	2026013112:4514:00 000	SAT, JAN 31
Saturday, Jan 31, 2026	Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 12:45 PM - 4:00 PM CST	AI for All: Community Colleges Lead the Way Project Meeting (by Invitation) Location:	Location:	2026013112:4516:00 000	SAT, JAN 31

Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026

Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM CST

Healthy Conclusion

Speaker(s):

Lannie Collard, Program Manager, Grand Rapids Community College

Location: BEAUREGARD

2026012819:0019:30 000

WED, JAN 28

Thursday, Jan 29, 2026

Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM CST

Healthy Start

Speaker(s):

Lannie Collard, Program Manager, Grand Rapids Community College

Location: BEAUREGARD

2026012906:3007:30 000

THU, JAN 29

Friday, Jan 30, 2026

Friday, Jan 30, 2026 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM CST

Healthy Start

Speaker(s):

Lannie Collard, Program Manager, Grand Rapids Community College

Location: BEAUREGARD

2026013006:3007:30 000

FRI, JAN 30

Thursday, Jan 29, 2026

Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM CST

Designing Microcredentials that Matter

Speaker(s):

Brittany Hochstaetter, Senior Professor, Communication & Chair, Instructional Technology Council, Instructional Technology Council (ITC) Mrs. Amy Mackenroth, Associate Deputy Chancellor, National Partnerships & Innovation, Dallas College Dr. Amardeep Kahlon, VP Education and Learning, Central New Mexico Community College Mrs. Jessica Schook, Vice President of Workforce and Economic Development, Kentucky Community & Technical College System Keith Look, Vice President, Territorium

Location: GALERIE 2

2026012909:3010:45 002

THU, JAN 29

Thursday, Jan 29, 2026

Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 10:55 AM - 12:10 PM CST

Unlocking Rural and Remote Potential

Speaker(s):

Amanda Abens, Dean of Workforce Development and Continuing Education, Pima Community College Jonathan Townes, Vice President of Career and Technical Education, Sponsored Grants, and HBCU Initiatives, Hinds Community College Steve Sauceda, Vice President, Workforce Development, New Mexico Junior College Dr. Caron Daugherty, President, Flint Hills Technical College Jonathan Smith, Executive Director of Career and Technical Education and Workforce Development, zSpace

Location: GALERIE 2

2026012910:5512:10 000

THU, JAN 29

Thursday, Jan 29, 2026

Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM CST

Executive-Led Listening Session – Any College Staff

Speaker(s):

Dr. DeRionne Pollard, President and CEO, American Association of Community Colleges

Location: GALERIE 2

2026012914:3015:45 000

THU, JAN 29

Thursday, Jan 29, 2026

Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 3:55 PM - 5:10 PM CST

AI Theory and Practice Part 1 of 2: Theory

Speaker(s):

Chad Knights, Vice President, Infromation and Engineering Technologies and College Comput, Northern Virginia Community College Kathleen Nelson, American Association of Community Colleges Dr. Greg Bianchi, Director of US & Global Partnership, Microsoft Erika Guerra, Program Chair, Advanced Manufacturing & Mechatronics Technology, South Texas College Cynthia Pereda, Grant Director, Miami Dade College

Location: GALERIE 2

2026012915:5517:10 000

THU, JAN 29

Friday, Jan 30, 2026

Friday, Jan 30, 2026 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM CST

Critical Certifications in Industry 4.0 and Emerging Technologies

Speaker(s):

Dr. Richard Ammon, Executive Director of Workforce Initiatives, College of Lake County Sue Smith, Executive Program Director, Smart Automation Certification Alliance John Enamait, President, Stanly Community College Conrad Leiva, VP Workforce Development, CESMII - Smart Manufacturing Institute Jan Moore, Vice President of Economic Development, Ogeechee Technical College

Location: GALERIE 2

2026013009:3010:45 000

FRI, JAN 30

Friday, Jan 30, 2026

Friday, Jan 30, 2026 10:55 AM - 12:10 PM CST

Establishing a Workforce Vision of Excellence and Execution

Speaker(s):

Roger Tadajewski, Executive Director, National Coalition of Certification Centers Dr. Tom Mills, President, Hill College Jason Schmidt, Lincoln Electric Dr. Joni Gray, Director, Career and Corporate Training, Pierpont Community & Technical College Dr. Bryan Albrecht, President Emeritus, Gateway Technical College Dr. Josh Doak, Dean of Aviation, WSU Tech

Location: GALERIE 2

2026013010:5512:10 000

FRI, JAN 30

Friday, Jan 30, 2026

Friday, Jan 30, 2026 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM CST

Educating the Entertainers

Speaker(s):

Sherwood Taylor, Dean, Workforce Development, College & Career Pathways, Atlantic Cape Community College Robin Shaw, Upstaging Lannie Collard, Program Manager, Grand Rapids Community College Pete Delgrosso, Executive Director, All Within My Hands Renee Richardson, Director of Philanthropy, All Within My Hands

Location: GALERIE 2

2026013014:3015:45 000

FRI, JAN 30

Friday, Jan 30, 2026

Friday, Jan 30, 2026 3:55 PM - 5:10 PM CST

AI Theory and Practice Part 2 of 2: Practice

Location: GALERIE 2

2026013015:5517:10 000

FRI, JAN 30

Saturday, Jan 31, 2026

Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM CST

Credential Transparency

Location: GALERIE 2

2026013108:3009:45 000

SAT, JAN 31

Saturday, Jan 31, 2026

Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 11:20 AM - 12:35 PM CST

Developing Technical Leaders Through Accreditation

Speaker(s):

Mehran Mostajir, Dean of Business & Technology, Columbia State Community College Brandy Tyson-Polk, Department Chair, Technology, Baton Rouge Community College Jen Dupre, Chair of the Department of Industrial Technology, Delgado Community College Chuck Blanchard, Training Manager, Placid Refining Sparkle Lewis, Graduate of Columbia State Community College

Location: GALERIE 2

2026013111:2012:35 000

SAT, JAN 31

Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026

Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM CST

Preconference Session 2: Develop Your Future-Ready Leadership Pipeline for Advanced Manufacturing

Location: GALERIE 2

2026012810:0016:00 033

WED, JAN 28

Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026

Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM CST

New to WDI Attendees Forum

Speaker(s):

Ms. Jen Worth, SVP, Academic and Workforce Development, American Association of Community Colleges

Location: STUDIO 9-10

2026012815:0015:45 000

WED, JAN 28

Thursday, Jan 29, 2026

Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM CST

The Data Center Spectrum

Speaker(s):

Dr. Matthew Janisin, EVP - Academic Affairs, Gateway Technical College Dr. Chad Patton, Dean of Career and Occupational Technology, Southside Virginia Community College Kathleen Nelson, American Association of Community Colleges Dr. Victoria Seals, President, Atlanta Technical College

Location: GALERIE 6