Navigating InsightsEDU: What University and College Leaders Should Know Before Attending

By: Jesse Homan Nov 16, 2023

Navigating InsightsEDU: What University and College Leaders Should Know Before Attending

Everything to Know About InsightsEDU

For higher education professionals, staying informed about the latest industry trends and challenges is crucial for effective leadership, marketing, admissions, and enrollment management.

InsightsEDU is not the typical conference; it’s a decade-long tradition where the brightest minds and top speakers from leading higher education companies have gathered. This year, it’s stepping up its focus with three agenda tracks tailored to enrollment management, marketing, and leadership. Speakers will share their insights, break down best practices, and showcase the latest tools and technology for reaching and engaging career-ready online college students.

InsightsEdu 2024 Agenda Tracks: 1. Marketing, 2. Enrollment Management, 3. Leadership

To get the most out of the event, there are various ways to ensure your time and effort are worthwhile. With the conference right around the corner, now’s the perfect time to dive into this guide and get excited and well-prepared for InsightsEDU.

Preparing for InsightsEDU

Being well-prepared is crucial to ensure that you have clear goals and stay focused on your objectives for the conference. Researching sessions and speakers ahead of time can help you plan your conference schedule effectively, ensuring you attend the sessions, panel discussions, or presentations that are important to you.

By doing so, you can guarantee you’ll return with tangible outcomes to address your higher education challenges. Being well-informed sets the stage for a successful conference experience.

Assemble the right team for InsightsEDU by ensuring a diverse group with skills that match different tracks. Define clear roles, plan session coverage goals, and discuss objectives in advance. This strategic approach will maximize your team’s impact at the conference.

Maximizing Your Conference Experience

Infographic illustrating strategies for maximizing your conference experience at InsightsEDU, focusing on managing time effectively, engaging with other attendees, asking questions, and exploring Post-InsightsEDU Conference Resources
Infographic showing the networking opportunities at InsightsEDU, including a welcome reception on the skyline terrace, Morning sessions with Dr. Jodi Ashbrook, and The EdUp Experience podcast

To optimize your experience at InsightsEDU, start by diving into the agenda, exploring speakers, and familiarizing yourself with exhibitors. Thorough research lays the groundwork for a fruitful conference, guaranteeing you come back with practical insights to tackle your higher education challenges. Want to elevate the value of your upcoming InsightsEDU conference for your institution’s success? Here’s a guide to ensure you extract the maximum benefit from the event.

Manage Your Time Effectively

Tailoring your conference experience to your needs and interests begins with researching the agenda. Conquer the conference by scoping out the agenda and speakers, then use the InsightsEDU conference app to build a personalized agenda that aligns with your goals.

If you’re bringing a team, divide and conquer by splitting up to ensure equal coverage of concurrent sessions. Each team member can attend a different session and later regroup to discuss the content.

Engage with Attendees

When you actively connect with other attendees, you’re not just socializing; you’re opening doors to valuable learning and networking opportunities. Engaging with fellow participants at the conference isn’t merely a formality; it’s a practical way to gather insights, build connections, and leave with a sense of accomplishment that contributes to personal and organizational success. You can do this by actively participating in discussions, exchanging contact information, and seeking out common interests during the conference.

Encourage yourself to sit at different tables with new faces during meals. It’s a simple move, but it can open up new conversations and perspectives.

And hey, don’t miss out on the welcome reception on the Skyline Terrace at 5:30 pm on Day 1. Grab a drink, mingle with some fantastic new people, and kick off the conference in style.

If you find yourself needing a calming way to increase your focus and boost your energy, consider joining Dr. Jodi Ashbrook for an invigorating yoga session at 7:00 am on Day 2. It’s not just about stretching; it’s an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in a refreshing way.

For a special treat and a unique networking opportunity, participate in an engaging session with The EdUp Experience. This session goes beyond the traditional panel discussion format.

Experience the vibe of a live podcast, filled with the energy of an engaged audience and featuring insights from three industry experts sharing their experiences, challenges, and successes. It’s not just a session; it’s an interactive experience with ample opportunities to connect with new people who are also gathering around.

Ask Questions

At InsightsEDU, don’t just attend—make your experience truly exceptional by throwing out insightful questions. Asking questions at InsightsEDU opens the door to meaningful discussions, connecting you with speakers and attendees for potential collaborations.

Engage with us in a unique flipped panel discussion. This is an audience-driven debate where you take the lead in asking questions. If you have any lingering inquires, bring them to the panel on Day 3, and experts will answer them.

Explore Post-InsightsEDU Conference Resources

After InsightsEDU concludes, the learning journey continues with the wealth of post-conference resources at your disposal. These materials are more than just an extra perk; they’re your key to reinforcing newfound knowledge and delving deeper into the conference topics that piqued your interest. Plus, the InsightsEDU app will be your hub, housing presentation slides and discussion forums. So, when the event is over, don’t hit pause; instead, embrace these resources on the app to elevate your conference experience and stay connected with the insights that matter to you.

Insider Tips for Success

Dress in Professional Yet Weather-Appropriate Attire

InsightsEDU 2024 is in Phoenix, Arizona, February 20-22, so expect temperatures between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s a good idea to bring a sweater or light jacket to stay comfortable. In terms of attire, business casual or smart casual is usually a safe choice for conference sessions and networking. Wear comfortable shoes because you might be doing a fair amount of walking within the conference venue.

A group of women posing in different business casual attire
A group of men posing in different business casual attire

Strategies for Notetaking and Follow-up

To make the most of your InsightsEDU experience, consider strategies for notetaking and follow-up. During the sessions, take clear and concise notes, either on paper or digitally, so you capture the key insights. Create sections or pages for each session or topic and use clear headings and bullet points to keep your notes well-structured and easy to reference later. In addition to taking notes, consider utilizing your smartphone to take photos of PowerPoint slides and handouts in the sessions, if allowed. This can be a valuable backup in case you miss something important or want to revisit the content later. Just be sure to respect any privacy and photography policies in place.

After the conference, develop a plan for implementing what you’ve learned. Share these insights with your colleagues and superiors and discuss how to apply these newfound ideas to your institution’s goals. By translating knowledge into action, you’ll ensure the conference leaves a lasting impact on your institution’s success.

Use the InsightsEDU Conference App

The InsightsEDU Conference app is your ultimate conference sidekick! Easily view event details, explore the schedule, and learn about speakers in a single tap. Build your personalized agenda, connect with fellow attendees, and don’t forget to submit your valuable feedback.

Downloading the InsightsEDU Conference app is a breeze—simply follow these steps to enhance your conference experience:

  1. Visit Your App Store and search for “Cvent Events”: Head to the App Store or Google Play on your mobile device. Type “Cvent Events” into the search bar.
  2. Download and Install: Once you find the app, hit the download button to install.
  3. Launch the App: After installation, search for “InsightsEDU” in the search bar. It should be the only event listed. Click the download icon on the right

Now you’re all set to navigate the conference like a pro, from checking out event details to building your customized agenda. Download the app now to unlock a seamless experience, from accessing session material to networking and more!

Stay Updated by Following Our Social Media

To ensure you receive all event announcements, follow our social media accounts. Keep up with the latest InsightsEDU announcements and conference discussions by following our social channels and monitoring the conference hashtag, #InsightsEDU on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Social media is a great way to stay in the loop and connect with fellow attendees before, during, and after the event.

A blue background with white letters that say Follow EducationDynamics on LinkedIn using hashtag #InsightsEDU

Post-Conference Follow-Up

One of the crucial post-conference activities is debriefing with your team. This is your opportunity to sit down with your colleagues and discuss the key takeaways and insights you gathered during InsightsEDU.

By sharing what you’ve learned and your perspective, you can collectively process the information and discuss how to implement these valuable lessons into your institution’s strategy. This is the time to clarify doubts, brainstorm, and outline a plan for how these insights will be integrated into your operations. Through these discussions, you’ll ensure that everyone on your team is aligned and on the same page, making it more likely that your conference experience will have a meaningful impact on your institution.

While learning from conferences is essential, the real value comes from putting those ideas into action. Take the knowledge and insights you’ve gathered and convert them into practical solutions for your institution.

Staying Connected With InsightsEDU Year-Round

The impact of InsightsEDU doesn’t need to end when the conference does. Look ahead by incorporating the next annual conference into your event budget review, keep an eye on your emails for InsightsEDU announcements, and proactively plan for future attendance. Beyond the conference, this journey is ongoing, filled with webinars, newsletters, and more. By actively engaging in these continuous activities, you ensure that the inspiration and growth from InsightsEDU continue to shape and influence your work.

Unlock the Future of Higher Education at InsightsEDU

InsightsEDU is not just a conference; it’s a transformative experience for higher education professionals. For university and college leaders, attending InsightsEDU is not only beneficial but essential. It’s an opportunity to stay informed about industry trends, connect with thought leaders, and gain actionable insights to enhance your institution’s success. By preparing well in advance, assembling your team, and maximizing your conference experience, you can ensure that the time and effort you invest is worthwhile.

Additionally, remember that the benefits of participating in InsightsEDU extend far beyond the conference itself. Debriefing with your team, implementing actionable takeaways, and staying connected year-round can impact your institution’s growth and success.

Whether you’re a university provost, a dean, an admissions officer, or a marketing professional, InsightsEDU offers valuable opportunities for the future success of your institution. Join us in Phoenix, Arizona, this February 20-22, and unlock the knowledge, connections, and strategies you need to navigate the intricate landscape of higher education. Register for InsightsEDU 2024, and don’t miss this opportunity to empower yourself and your institution for long-term success.