FAQs

The Academic Chairpersons Conference is an annual forum where academic chairpersons, administrators and faculty from all areas of higher education share the most successful, innovative ideas and strategies to assist each other in becoming more effective in their positions. The emphasis of the conference is to provide practical, usable information in a climate of open discussion and collaborative exchange. 

The conference format includes an optional pre-conference for new chairs, engaging plenary session and general session panels, concurrent sessions of interactive workshops, best practice presentations and roundtable discussions, networking and mentoring.  

ACC 2027 Info Sheet

The Academic Chairpersons Conference is February 3-5, 2027 at The Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center in Atlanta, GA.

Proposals are encouraged from all types of professionals in the academic field. For more information, please see the For Presenters page.

There is a wide range of topics covered by our presenters, with a consistent focus on practical solutions to the challenges facing academic leaders. Session topics fall within the following categories: Department Leadership; Culture, Climate and Conflict; Professional Development; and Emerging Trends in Higher Education. Sessions will be organized into three presentation types – Best Practice Presentations, Interactive Workshops and Roundtable Discussions. Additional details can be found on the 2026 Submission Guidelines & Selection Criteria document - to be updated soon.

• Department chairs/heads
• Aspiring department chairs
• Division chairs/heads
• Deans
• Academic vice presidents
• Program or project directors
• Faculty development coordinators
• Anyone responsible for directing, coordinating or supervising academic programs and/or faculty

Due to the high demand for this type of training, desire to improve academic leadership across the country, and longstanding direction provided by the ACC Advisory Board, we anticipate 250 attendees at the 2027 event.

• Opening networking reception
• Plenary sessions and general session panels 
• Best practice presentations 
• Interactive workshops 
• One-on-one mentoring opportunities  
• Program materials through a mobile scheduling app 
• Networking with colleagues and national experts in higher education 

The Academic Chairpersons Conference is a program of Indiana University Indianapolis Event and Conference Services. ACC also maintains an Advisory Board of experts to guide its direction and content.