The Creative Edge: Why I’m Heading to Orlando (and Why You Should Too)
As we turn the page on another year, I am already looking forward to one of the highlights of my 2026 calendar.
Before we dive into the spring semester, I wanted to share where I’ll be January 21–22: The 2026 Carnegie Conference at Walt Disney World’s Yacht + Beach Club Resort.
While the location is undeniably spectacular, the real draw for me isn't the setting—it’s the conversation. This year, we have curated a schedule that breaks down the traditional silos of higher education. We are looking at the full lifecycle of the student experience, connecting the dots from initial marketing and enrollment all the way through to long-term student success.
The Tension Between Human Connection and Scale
I am particularly excited to lead a session that sits right at the intersection of my work as a strategist and a realist: "The Creative Edge: Resolving the Tension Between Meaningful Human Experience and Institutional Scale."
This is one of the defining challenges of our time, especially in the world of Online Enrollment Strategies (OES). We are constantly asked to grow—to increase enrollment, to expand access, and to operate at an institutional scale. Yet, we know that true education is a deeply human, intimate endeavor.
The "Realist" in us knows that scale often kills intimacy. The "Optimist" in us believes we can do better.
In my session, we will explore how creative strategy serves as the bridge between these two opposing forces. We will discuss how to keep the human being at the center of the user journey, even when the data demands volume.
A Space for Real Conversation
What I love most about the Carnegie Conference is the format. It is designed for genuine camaraderie—the kind of hallway conversations and dinner-table debates that turn into lifelong professional connections.
If you are looking to start 2026 with fresh insights and a renewed sense of purpose, I hope you’ll join us.
Will I see you in Orlando?
Explore the full schedule and register: https://www.carnegiehighered.com/2026-carnegie-conference/