Innovations Conference

As concludes, we thank each of you for joining us in Indianapolis. Safe travels home — and may the ideas, insights, and innovations sparked this week continue to advance your work and your institutions.

The League extends its sincere thanks to JW Marriott Indianapolis for hosting the 2026 Innovations Conference.

We are grateful for their partnership, hospitality, and support in creating a welcoming environment for our community of innovators.

The League extends its sincere thanks to our host college, Ivy Tech Community College, for its partnership and support in making the Innovations Conference possible.
We are grateful for their leadership and collaboration in bringing our community together in Indianapolis.
The League for Innovation in the Community College

Closing General Session & League Awards Celebration
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

It has been a year of disruption and rapid change. In this moment, innovation must remain human.

In Holding Steady Through Disruption, Mary F.T. Spilde reframes uncertainty through courage, belonging, and purpose, inviting us to see innovation not only as strategy, but as a deeply human practice.

Following the keynote, we celebrate our 2024–2025 Innovation of the Year and 2025–2026 Excellence Award recipients — honoring the leadership and creativity strengthening community colleges nationwide.

Steady. Present. Together.

The League for Innovation in the Community College

Before we gather for the Closing Session, Wednesday’s forum discussions span leadership development, textbook affordability strategy, AI-powered biology instruction, and IT workforce modernization.
From AACC mid-level leadership competencies to custom AI tutors and national IT innovation initiatives, this final morning block reflects the full spectrum of community college innovation.
Discover innovative practices advancing community colleges nationwide.
The League for Innovation in the Community College

Good morning, .
Before the final day begins, join us on the 3rd floor of the JW Marriott for Wednesday’s Break Station.
☕ 8:00–10:30 AM: Coffee, tea, soda, and water
🥐 8:15–9:15 AM: Continental breakfast
Fuel up, connect with colleagues, and get ready for a celebratory closing day.

The League for Innovation in the Community College

The celebration continues.
Following the League Awards Reception, consider gathering just steps from the JW Marriott at The Oceanaire Seafood Room — an elegant setting for fresh seafood, conversation, and a well-earned evening in Indianapolis.
Tomorrow, we close with inspiration and celebration at the Wednesday Keynote.
Enjoy the evening. We’ll see you for the final day.
The League for Innovation in the Community College

Day 3 is a wrap at .
Today’s keynote and sessions highlighted how colleges are putting innovation into practice—from AI in action to student support strategies and workforce alignment. Attendees shared ideas, lessons learned, and real-world approaches they can bring back to their campuses.
We closed the day with the League Awards Reception, celebrating this year’s Innovation of the Year and Excellence Award recipients.
One more day to go—see you tomorrow for the Closing General Session.

League Awards Reception | Invitation Only
At 5:00 PM ET, the League honors the 2024–2025 Innovation of the Year Award recipients and the 2025–2026 Excellence Award recipients at an exclusive reception.
This celebration recognizes exemplary leadership, creativity, and impact across community colleges nationwide.
Award recipients: Your pin or medallion is your invitation.
The League for Innovation in the Community College

Forum Session | Workforce Preparation and Development
Innovation of the Year Award Project
At 4:00 PM ET, join From Survival to Success: Empowering Justice-Involved Veterans With AI and Entrepreneurship.
Carroll Community College’s award-winning Justice System to Careers Initiative for Veterans (JSCI-V) integrates entrepreneurial mindset and AI competency to support justice-involved veterans in building sustainable careers and self-employment pathways.
Through interactive simulation and live AI demonstration, participants will explore how technology and innovation can expand access and opportunity for one of the nation’s most overlooked populations.
The League for Innovation in the Community College

Roundtable Discussion | Learning and Teaching
At 2:45 PM, join TIEs That Bind: Teachers Influencers Educators Stimulate the Mind.
This session explores how today’s faculty must operate as teacher, influencer, and educator—redefining the socially mediated classroom while preserving depth and rigor.
Engage in conversation about how learning evolves in a connected age.
The League for Innovation in the Community College

🍽️ Time to Refuel!
After a busy morning of insightful sessions and discussions, take a well-deserved break to grab lunch and recharge.

See you back soon for another round of innovation and inspiration.