Until the conference starts

Now in its 46th year, the CAEL Conference is widely known as the leading place to support adult

learners through PLA and Credit for Prior Learning advancement. But it's also a place where leaders

across the work-learn-earn spectrum make necessary connections between education and career

success to generate the powerful ideas that promote sustainable and equitable economic growth to

transform individuals and help communities thrive.

Meet our keynote speakers

Get inspired to innovate.

HEATHER MCGOWAN

ADJUNCT PROFESSOR, CENTRE FOR THE NEW WORKFORCE AT SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

“The coronavirus has acted as an accelerant in our transformation to digital. Within two weeks of the World Health Organization declaring this a global pandemic, entire companies transitioned to distributed workforces while full school systems from K-12 through higher ed and learning and development organizations converted to online learning. This is incredible adaptation at scale showing us a glimmer of what we are capable of doing.”

SARAH ANCEL

FOUNDER AND CEO AT STUDENT-READY STRATEGIES

“As a result of the global pandemic, millions of adults are finding themselves unemployed or underemployed. Many of them will turn to higher education as a path to a credential and better job opportunities, and it’s imperative that institutions are ready to support them. I’m excited to share strategies that will help colleges and universities put needed structures in place, making it possible for more adult learners to meet their academic goals and get back into the workforce.”

Featured talks

Not sure what to watch? Here are some talks you won't want to miss.

Bethany Simunich Director of Research and Innovation, Quality Matters

How the Online Classroom is Different
Munir Haddad Founder & CEO, Kiosk

Marketing Strategies: Attracting Adult Learners
Munir Haddad & Neelam Patel

Marketing Strategies: Using product differentiation and social media to enhance your outreach
Bethany Simunich Director of Research and Innovation, Quality Matters

Using the Flipped Approach for Synchronous Online Learning
Rob Sentz Chief Innovation Officer, Emsi

Improving Programs with Labor Market Data: How labor market data can improve student outcomes
Charla Long Executive Director, Competency-Based Education Network

Built Competently: Leveraging Quality Standards in Competency-Based Education (CBE) Programs
Heather McGowan Adjunct Professor, Centre for the New Workforce at Swinburne University of Technology

Adaption Advantage: Leading in a Post Pandemic World
Heather McGowan Adjunct Professor, Centre for the New Workforce at Swinburne University of Technology

Q&A with Heather McGowan

Calling for a global convening of leaders, experts and changemakers

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the CAEL Conference has been reimagined as a virtual event, free to all CAEL members. We'll gather as one community, risk-free, to chart the course to recovery where every adult has a pathway to lifelong learning and meaningful work.

View the schedule

5 days

111 speakers

7 tracks

Learn from amazing companies like these

Overcoming Educational Trauma and Re-engaging Adult Learners with Life-changing HS Diplomas and Degrees November 06, 2020, 07:40 PM

Nori Barajas & Howard Liebman InStride & Smart Horizons Career Online Education (SHCOE)

The New Rules of Employability in a Knowledge-Based Economy November 04, 2020, 06:30 PM

Andrea Backman & Caroline Masse Strategic Education Inc. & Strategic Education Inc

Enhancing Care & Resources for Military, Veteran, and Dependent Learners Across Campus & Community November 05, 2020, 06:15 PM

Deborah Bordelon, Susan Lovell & John McElveen

Building Bridges Using PLA November 05, 2020, 09:30 PM

Chantel Reynolds & Rose Rojas Cambridge Assessment International Education & Maricopa Community Colleges

With more than 100 experts, the strategies you need are just a click away

You’ll have the opportunity to engage with our experts who will be sharing their years of knowledge, strategies, and tactics. If you’re focused on implementing change, we've got you covered.

Meet the speakers

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Check out the Categories

Emerging Leaders in Postsecondary Education: The New Strategic Role for Adult Educators

Ask them Anything! Live Q&A with keynoters

Approaches to Skills-Based Learning Models

Pre-Conference Workshops

Partnerships & Pathways

Data & Outcomes

Adult Learner Academic Models

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Here's what others are saying

Tracy Robinson Director, Innovative Academic Initiatives, The University of Memphis

The benefits that I receive from our CAEL membership and from attending CAEL conferences are beyond compare. Whether it is a small scale pilot project or a...
Devin Andrews MAED Vice President, Office of Admissions & Evaluation

The CAEL Conference is one of the best knowledge sharing and networking events for those who serve adult learners. I returned recharged with valuable...
Evelyn Fernandez-Ketcham Executive Director, Workforce Development

The CAEL conference convenes forward thinking professionals in higher education and workforce development. A must attend conference for participants...
Michael Heel Director of Interdisciplinary Academic Support

As a newcomer to the CAEL conference last year, I was pleasantly surprised and impressed by the many varied opportunities available for networking and...
Nayshon Mosley Executive Director, TRIO Programs

COVID-19 makes CAEL's mission to provide adults with a pathway to lifelong learning and meaningful work more critical than ever before. I first attended the...

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