The academic world in 2026 is not slowing down, and yes, this can be both very exciting and a bit frightening. New research and technology keep emerging, while hundreds of conferences fight for attention at the same time. So if you have ever stared at a calendar full of events, wondering which ones actually matter, you are not alone.
In this guide, we have compiled the educational and academic events worth tracking in 2026. Every single event we’ve selected provides a unique opportunity to learn about research, technology, education, policy, and innovation.
Upcoming Academic Events In 2026Â
Here are 12 key academic events taking place in 2026 across fields and regions.
1. Consumer Electronics Show(CES) 2026
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has some of the best and brightest minds in technology working on new products and providing us with a glimpse of what the future may hold for technologies such as AI, digital health technologies, learning technologies, cybersecurity, connectivity, and many others.
Date: January 6-9, 2026
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Who should attend
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- College students interested in next-gen tech and innovation
- Early career researchers exploring applied technology trends
- Developers and DevOps professionals seeking networking opportunities
Pricing
CES offers different pass types depending on access level and date of registration. Enter your email address in the website form to start registration.
2. Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) 2026
The Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) has, for decades, been an important meeting place for educators, innovators, and others in the education technology field to discuss how technology will impact learning environments. This year’s event will include keynote presentations, carefully designed tracks, workshops, and extensive exhibit hall space.
As one of the most comprehensive academic events focusing on innovative approaches to K-12 and beyond, FETC includes more than 600 sessions covering a wide variety of subjects.
Date: January 11-14, 2026
Location: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida, USA
Who should attend
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- Students focusing on education technology or learning sciences
- Early career researchers exploring digital learning systems
- Educators and instructional designers interested in innovation
- EdTech developers and product builders
Pricing
FETC offers several registration categories that may include early-bird pricing before the event starts.Â
3. 4th Global Conference on Innovations in Education 2026
The 4th global conference for innovation in education is a platform for educators, scholars, and researchers from all over the world to discuss the most recent research, best practices, and current findings in education, which will shape the way we teach and learn.
The conference covers research papers and presentations, panel and roundtable discussions, and interactive workshops where the most innovative curriculum design, methods of instruction, and use of educational technology are presented.
Date: February 20-22, 2026
Location: London, United Kingdom
Who should attend
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- Graduate students conducting research in education
- Early career researchers interested in pedagogy and learning technologies
- Education practitioners with research interests
- Academic writers looking to publish or present findings
Pricing
Official registration pricing for EDUGLOBALCONF 2026 is not listed on the conference website.Â
4. MWC26 Barcelona
MWC is hosted by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association and attracts professionals that are involved in the entire mobile space (engineers, developers, policy makers) to review current trends, including 5G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and how AI will integrate with mobile and Internet of Things (IoT).
Keynote speakers, exhibition space, workshop areas, and networking events at MWC provide attendees with an overview of the state of the digital infrastructure worldwide.
Date: March 2-5, 2026
Location: Fira Barcelona Gran Via, Barcelona, Spain
Who should attend
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- College students exploring mobile tech, networks, and connectivity research
- Early career engineers and technologists
- Technical researchers interested in wireless systems and AI trends
PricingÂ
MWC Barcelona uses tiered pass pricing based on access level and event segments.
| Pass Type | Typical Price (EUR) |
| Exhibition Pass | €989 (VAT included), €899 (VAT excluded) |
| Leaders Conference Pass | €2,419 (VAT included), €2,199 (VAT excluded) |
| The VIP Pass | €5,499 (VAT included), €4,999 (VAT excluded) |
Check their official site to see all that is included in this year’s program.
5. SXSW EDU 2026
SXSW EDU is an academic conference that will take place in Austin over the course of four days. In 2026, the program includes approximately 300+ workshops and sessions, as well as 15+ films and performances.
Attendees will have access to at least two competitive events, 50+ interactive exhibitions, and 120+ opportunities for mentoring and networking. New technology in education, learning research, discussions on education policy, and new approaches to teaching are among the topics covered, too.
Date: March 9-12, 2026
Location: Austin, Texas, USAÂ
Who should attend
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- Graduate students researching education innovation
- Early career researchers in learning sciences and education policy
- EdTech developers and instructional designers
- Learning analytics and assessment professionals
- Faculty, trainers, and education consultants
Pricing
Official SXSW EDU 2026 pricing is available on the registration site.
6. HumanX 2026Â
The 2026 HumanX conference will be an International AI conference that unites the world’s top AI influencers, researchers, developers, and innovators (as well as those using AI within their organization).
Each session of the 2026 HumanX conference will include workshops, interactive discussions, curated content, and networking opportunities to turn ideas into reality. Thousands of people attend HumanX every year, many of whom have leadership roles as well as those who specialize in AI strategy, ethics, and implementation in various industries.
Date: April 6-9, 2026
Location: Moscone Center South, San Francisco, California, USAÂ Â
Who should attend
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- College students interested in AI research and real-world applications
- Early career researchers focused on AI innovation and ethics
- Developers and data scientists building AI systems
Pricing
| Ticket Type | Early Price (USD) |
| All-Access Pass | $2,650 |
| Investors Pass | $2,650 |
| Startup Pass | $950 |
| Media/Press | Free |
| Buyers | Free |
Check their official site to see all that is included in this year’s program.
7. ASU+GSV Summit 2026
The ASU + GSV summit is an industry-leading conference focused on educational technology and workforce development through innovation. The conference is hosted by Arizona State University and GSV Ventures.Â
The 2026 program includes keynote talks, panels, workshops, and specialized sessions exploring AI’s role in learning, digital transformation, equity in education, and scalable solutions across the “PreK to Gray” learning life cycle.Â
Date: April 12–15, 2026
Location: Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego, California, USAÂ
Who should attend
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- Students involved in education research or edtech development
- Early career professionals in learning sciences and instruction
- Policy analysts focused on workforce development and future skills
- Tech innovators building learning platforms or adaptive tools
- Academic leaders interested in education system transformation
Pricing
| Badge Type | Price (USD) |
| Entrepreneur Registration(verification required) | $2,700 (by Jan 1, 2026), $3,000 (by Apr 1, 2026), $5,250 walk-up (capacity permitting). |
| Attendee Registration | $3,850 (by Jan 1, 2026), $4,550 (by Apr 1, 2026), $5,250 walk-up (capacity permitting). |
| NFP/Educator registration (verification required) | $2,500 (by Jan 1, 2026), $2,800 (by Apr 1, 2026), $5,250 walk-up (capacity permitting). |
Check the official website for full details on what’s included.
8. Robotics Summit & Expo 2026
The Robotics Summit & Expo 2026 is one of the world’s largest and most well-known academic events for professionals interested in commercial robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). At this event, attendees will learn about the future of commercial robotic development, design, and implementation through sessions on emerging technologies in automation and AI, as they apply to manufacturing robotics and health care robotics.Â
Attendees can also see new tools that will be used in developing the next generation of robots.
Date: May 27-28, 2026
Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USAÂ
Who should attend
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- Students and graduate researchersÂ
- Engineers and developersÂ
- Early career technologists exploring robotics designÂ
- Technical professionals in industrial automation or healthcare robotics
Pricing
Final rates and discount categories will be listed on the official registration page once released.
9. Work and Family Researchers Network (WFRN) Conference 2026
The 2026 WFRN Conference will be focused on how work, family, and societal structures interconnect across national borders and cultural norms. Peer-reviewed research sessions, panel presentations, and small discussion groups on workplace policies, caregiving, and employment trends are included in the conference program.
Date: June 17-20, 2026
Location: Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Who should attend
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- Policy analysts focused on employment and social systems
- Scholars working in interdisciplinary research groups
Pricing
| Registration Type | Price (USD) |
| On-time registration (up to Feb 1, 2026) | Regular member – $400, Student/Low Income member – $240, Emeritus member – $375, Non-member – $800. |
| Late registration (after Feb 1, 2026) | Regular member – $500, Student/Low Income member – $300, Emeritus member – $475, Non-member – $900. |
Check their official site to see all that is included in this year’s program.
10. SIGGRAPH 2026
SIGGRAPH is the top international event for Computer Graphics and Interactive Technology (for both academia and business). SIGGRAPH’s 2026 Los Angeles meeting will be a five-day event consisting of lectures, talks, exhibits, and special academic events regarding the role of visualization, simulation, rendering, animation and other interactive multimedia applications in artistic and scientific endeavors.
Attendees can expect opportunities to see cutting-edge projects, engage in workshops, and connect across disciplines where graphics and computation meet.Â
Date: July 19-23, 2026
Location: Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
Who should attend
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- Students focused on computer graphics, visualization, or interactive media
- Researchers in graphics, HCI, and related technical fields
- Developers and engineers building tools for visualization and animation
Pricing
Registration details for SIGGRAPH 2026 are expected to be published in the spring of 2026 on the official site.Â
11. EDUCAUSE Annual Conference 2026
EDUCAUSE’s annual conference serves as a primary forum for those involved with higher education technology and digital strategy to gather. Rather than merely listening to theory at the EDUCAUSE 2026 Conference, participants will experience and review how their campuses are using actionable strategies to improve the delivery of teaching, the quality of research support, and the overall efficiency of campus operations.
The conference has recently transitioned to provide participants the opportunity to participate in person or online so that all can access the same insights.
Date: September 29-October 2, 2026
Location: Denver, Colorado, USA
Who should attend
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- IT directors and technology leaders in higher education
- Data analysts and enterprise architects
- Faculty engaged in digital teaching and learning scholarship
Pricing
Final rates and discount categories will be listed on the official EDUCAUSE 2026 registration page once released.
12. NACADA Annual Conference 2026
The NACADA Annual Meeting is the flagship conference for professional advisors of student success involved in academic advising. The NACADA Annual meeting includes an assortment of topics to address the diverse challenges advisors are experiencing today, such as data-informed decision making, inclusive support practices, and evolving student needs.Â
Date: October 4-7, 2026
Location: Oklahoma City Convention Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
Who should attend
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- Student success and retention specialists
- Graduate students interested in academic support systems
- Institutional researchers focused on advising outcomes
Pricing
The final 2026 registration prices for the NACADA Annual Conference will be posted on the registration page of their website when released.
Plan Your 2026 Academic Event Calendar With Confidence
Whether you’re about to give your very first presentation, begin working on your first research study, try out some new tools, or simply want to get an idea of where your area of focus is headed, these events offer a front-row seat to what is next. In other words, don’t go to conferences simply because they exist, go to ones because they will help you make progress with your work.Â
Book a demo with Dryfta today, and we’ll go over exactly how our platform helps support academic events from beginning to end.