2026 AMA Senior Leader Experience

Pricing & Invitation Request

Register for the Symposium then request your invitation! This limited-space event is reserved for people with the most senior institution-level marketing role on campus. If this describes you, click below to request an invitation.

The deadline to request an invitation is October 20, 2026.

Sunday, November 8

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Senior Leader Experience Luncheon
Begin the Senior Leader Experience by gathering with fellow executives for an exclusive opening luncheon. Connect with peers from institutions across the country, build relationships, and set the stage for an afternoon of candid conversations, shared insights, and strategic learning.

12:30 – 1:15 PM
The View Ahead: What a professional pollster can tell us about what’s next
The decline of public confidence in higher education has been well documented but leaves us with little to respond to. In our opening session, Kenneth Goldstein, former Senior Vice-President for Survey Research & Institutional Policy at the Association of American Universities will present up to the minute insights on the emerging risks and unexpected opportunities for institutions to remain resilient and shape public perception.
Speaker:
Kenneth Goldstein

1:15 – 2:00 PM
Leading Through Transition
This has been a year (or two) for presidential transitions, and the trend is likely to continue. Gain practical insights from peers from across a range of public and private institutions who have successfully navigated presidential transitions while maintaining momentum and supporting their teams.
Speakers:
Ethan Braden, Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Texas A&M University
Robin Kaler, Associate Chancellor for Strategic Communications and Marketing, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

2:15 – 3:00 PM
Building the Next Generation of Talent
How are shifts across agencies, consumer brands, and adjacent industries creating new opportunities to recruit, develop, and retain exceptional marketing and communications talent. Hear what boards and subcommittees are looking for at the senior level), why higher will still appeal to the mid-career switcher, and what’s coming in the pipeline.
Speakers:
Melissa Fincher, WittKieffer
Jennifer Giddens, Assistant Vice President of Brand Strategy and Marketing, Pace University
Heather Kennedy, Faculty Director of Experiential Learning University of Colorado Boulder

3:00 – 3:45 PM
Strengthening Revenue Connections
It’s never been more important to connect marketing and communication activity to revenue. Hear from peers Jack Martin of University of Washington, Jonathan Coffington of Indiana, and Jonathan Purvis of Butler University on how they’ve successfully drawn the line of sight from to a range of revenue sources including enrollment, advancement, licensing, and strategic initiatives.
Speakers:
Jack Martin, Vice President for Marketing & Communications, University of Washington
Jonathan Purvis, Vice President for University Advancement and Marketing, Butler University
Jonathan Coffington, Vice President and Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, Indiana University

3:45 – 4:00 PM
Sponsor Message | EducationDynamics

4:15 – 5:00 PM
Peer Leadership Exchange
Participate in facilitated discussions driven by attendee priorities identified through a pre-conference survey. Come prepared to share challenges, exchange ideas, and leave with practical solutions from fellow senior leaders that you can apply or adapt for your organization.

5:00 – 6:00 PM
Senior Leader & Next Leader Reception
Conclude the day by bringing together participants from both the Senior Leader and Next Leader Experiences for an exclusive networking reception. Connect with fellow attendees, speakers, and invited guests to continue conversations, reflect on the day’s insights, strengthen relationships across leadership levels, and expand your network before joining the official AMA Symposium Welcome Reception.

Monday, November 9

10:20 – 11:10 AM
Priya Parker Book Signing
Reserved for Senior Leader Experience and Next Leader Experience participants, this special opportunity includes a complimentary copy of Priya Parker’s new book, The Art of Fighting, and the opportunity to meet Priya, have your book signed and continue the conversation following her keynote.

Tuesday, November 10

7:30 – 8:30 AM
Senior Leader Experience Breakfast
Reserved for Senior Leader Experience participants, this exclusive breakfast offers a chance to connect with fellow senior leaders, continue conversations from the event, and build meaningful relationships in a more intimate setting. Start the day with great conversation, fresh insights, and a little extra time to expand your network.

10:00 – 10:50 AM
Senior Leader Experience: Extended Conversation with Maureen Polo
Take the conversation further with an exclusive Q&A featuring Maureen Polo, CEO of Hello Sunshine. Available only to Senior Leader Experience participants, this intimate session offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with Maureen, ask questions and explore how leaders can adapt, innovate and build stronger connections in a rapidly changing landscape.

Wednesday, November 11

8:30 – 9:20 AM
Senior Leader Experience: Exclusive Q&A with Marcus Collins
Senior Leader Experience attendees are invited to an exclusive opportunity to connect with Dr. Marcus Collins before his keynote presentation. Join fellow industry leaders for an intimate Q&A session where Marcus will share insights on culture, leadership and the ideas behind his upcoming book, “Good Soil: How the Right Organizational Culture Helps People Grow, Teams Flourish, and Companies Thrive.”