The 2026 CCA Annual Convening is taking place in San Diego from December 1 to 3, 2026. Registration is open, and you can book a room through the hotel block once you complete your registration.
Overview
Higher education has always been an engine of economic mobility, equipping students with knowledge, skills, and credentials that open doors.
But the doors are changing. Technology is advancing. Industries are evolving. The leaders meeting this moment aren’t waiting for permission to adapt.
Since 2009, CCA has worked alongside bold education leaders to build a movement that knows real progress happens at the intersections of sectors and within the flux of evolution.
Join them in San Diego to share what’s working, challenge what isn’t, and leave ready to do more of both.
What to Expect in San Diego
Building on the success of Baltimore 2025, the 2026 Convening will feature:
- Expanded workshop and interactive formats designed for practical, immediate application
- Dedicated programming tracks including AI in Higher Education, HBCU-focused sessions, first-gen practitioner content, and more
- Cross-sector collaboration — community colleges, four-year institutions, state systems, and nonprofits in the same room, tackling the same challenges
- The connection and community that have defined this gathering as the field’s essential annual event
Schedule Overview
Detailed schedule coming soon.
Planning Your Travel
Plan to arrive by late morning on Tuesday, December 1, and depart late morning or by noon on Friday, December 4.
Pre- and Post-Convening Sessions
Pre-convening sessions will be held Monday afternoon, November 30. California State Meeting
Post-convening sessions for grant-funded attendees only will take place Thursday, December 3, and will conclude at 5 pm.
Subject to change, based on confirmation of events.
Monday, November 30
| 12pm – 5pm | Pre-Convening (Invited Attendees Only) |
Tuesday, December 1
| 8am – 1pm | Attendee Registration/Check-In |
| 2pm – 3:15pm | Opening Plenary Session |
| 3:15pm – 3:45pm | Snack Break |
| 3:45pm – 4:45pm | Breakout Sessions |
Wednesday, December 2
| 7:30am – 8:45am | Breakfast |
| 9am – 10am | Breakout Sessions |
| 10:10am – 11:10am | Breakout Sessions |
| 11:20am – 12:20pm | Innovation Exhibition |
| 12:30pm – 1:30pm | Lunch |
| 1:40pm – 2:55pm | Plenary Session |
| 3:00pm – 3:30pm | Snack Break |
| 3:30pm – 4:30pm | Breakout Sessions |
| 4:45pm – 5:45pm | Regional Meetings |
Thursday, December 3
| 7:30am – 8:45am | Breakfast |
| 9am – 10am | Breakout Sessions |
| 10:10am – 11:10am | Breakout Sessions |
| 11:20am – 12:35pm | Closing Plenary and Call to Action |
| 1pm – 5pm | Lunch & Post-Con Sessions (Invited Attendees Only) |
Pricing
- Regular Registration
- $950 – July 2 to November 2;
- Late Registration
- $1,050 – November 3 through the event
Once sessions are confirmed in the summer, presenters will receive a discount on registration.
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
Full Refund until October 2, 2026
50% Refund – October 3- November, 2, 2026
No Refunds after November 3, 2026
Sponsors
Support the creation and execution of ambitious change agendas designed to eliminate institutional performance gaps and increase college completion for students from underserved communities. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact philanthropy@completecollege.org.
Download 2026 Sponsorship Prospectus
General Information
Q: What is the CCA Annual Convening?
The Complete College America (CCA) Annual Convening is an intensive gathering of educators, policymakers, and advocates committed to transforming higher education and increasing college completion rates. The 2026 event brings together hundreds of education leaders to share evidence-based strategies, learn from data-driven approaches, and collectively set the agenda for change in higher education.
Q: What is the 2026 theme?
Doing the Work: When Higher Education and Workforce Integrate, Students Succeed.
This year’s theme elevates what’s happening on the ground — the implementation stories, the hard-won lessons, and the data-backed results that are moving the needle for students.
Q: Where and when is the event?
- Venue: Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, 1380 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
- Main Convening: December 1–3, 2026
- Pre-conference sessions: Monday, November 30 (afternoon)
— by invitation or separate registration
- Post-conference sessions: Thursday, December 3 (afternoon) and Friday, December 4 (morning) — by invitation or separate registration
Travel Tip: Plan to arrive by early afternoon on Tuesday, December 1, and depart by morning or early afternoon on Friday, December 4.
Q: What can I expect at the 2026 Convening?
Building on Baltimore 2025, the 2026 Convening features:
- Expanded workshop and interactive formats designed for practical, immediate application
- Dedicated programming tracks including AI in Higher Education, HBCU-focused sessions, first-gen practitioner content, and more
- Cross-sector collaboration — community colleges, four-year institutions, state systems, and nonprofits tackling the same challenges together
- Plenary sessions with keynote speakers and panel discussions
- Regional meetings for state and system-specific discussions
- Structured networking and collaborative work time with peers
Registration & Pricing
Q: How much does registration cost?
| Registration Tier | Price | Window |
| Insider Rate ★ | $750 | By April 30 |
| Early Bird | $850 | May 1 – July 1 |
| Regular Registration | $950 | July 2 – November 2 |
| Late Registration | $1,050 | November 3 – on-site |
Accepted presenters will receive a discounted registration rate once sessions are confirmed. Details will be communicated via acceptance notifications.
Q: How do I register?
Registration is open now. Click here to register now. For registration support, use the ‘Manage Your Registration’ link in your confirmation email or contact events@completecollege.org.
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
- Before September 13, 2026: Full refund
- September 14 – October 15, 2026: 50% refund
- After October 15, 2026: Non-refundable
Hotel & Travel
Q: How do I book my hotel room?
Use the Passkey hotel booking link included in your Cvent registration confirmation. You must use the identification code to access event rates.
For accommodation questions, contact events@completecollege.org.
Q: What does CCA cover for hotel costs?
CCA covers hotel accommodations on the master bill for pre-approved attendees only. Your personal credit card is required for all related incidentals.
All other attendees are responsible for their own room charges, including the Resort Charge, taxes, parking, and incidentals. The hotel room block should be utilized until capacity has been reached.
The CCA room block will hold rooms for a three-night stay (December 1-3) at a rate of $209 per night (excludes tax & resort fees)
Q: What airport should I fly into?
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the closest major airport — approximately 3 miles from the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. Multiple ground transportation options are available, including ride-share, taxi, and FREE hotel shuttle services.
Q: How do grant-funded attendees book flights?
Attendees participating under a grant-funded project should book flights through RouteSpring. A pre-approved flight allowance applies (economy class only; first and business class are not covered) when requesting your flight. Any costs above the allowance must be covered by your institution, organization or individual. Submit reimbursement requests after the event to accounting@completecollege.org.
Schedule & Programming
Q: What does the schedule look like?
Monday, November 30
- Afternoon — Pre-convening session
Tuesday, December 1
- Morning — Attendee Arrival & Check-In
- Afternoon — Opening Plenary Session
- Early Evening — Welcome Reception (Off-Site)
Wednesday, December 2
- Morning — Breakfast | Breakout Sessions (three rounds)
- Afternoon — Lunch | Plenary Session | Breakout Sessions | Regional Meetings
- Early Evening — Alliance Lead’s Reception (On-Site)
Thursday, December 3
- Morning — Breakfast | Breakout Sessions | Closing Plenary & Call to Action
- Afternoon — Post-convening sessions (by invitation or separate registration)
Q: When will speakers and sessions be announced?
Specific speakers and the full session lineup will be announced July 31, 2026. Registration will remain open after the announcement.
Session Proposals
Q: Can I submit a session proposal?
Yes! CCA’s Call for Programs is open and seeks diverse presenters representing various backgrounds and perspectives.
- Submission deadline (extended): June 3, 2026
- Notifications sent: June 22, 2026
- Acceptance deadline: July 1, 2026
Click here for the submission link and proposal guidelines.
Q: Are there presenter registration discounts?
Yes. Once sessions are confirmed, accepted presenters will receive a discounted registration rate. Details will be included in your acceptance notification. All presenters must be registered for the convening by the assigned deadline (July 31).
Meals, Technology & Other
Q: What meals are included?
- Tuesday, December 1: Welcome Reception (heavy hors d’oeuvres)
- Wednesday, December 2: Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack
- Thursday, December 3: Breakfast and afternoon snack
To request dietary accommodations, indicate your needs in your registration form or email events@completecollege.org.
Q: Is there an event app?
Yes. The conference app is hosted on Cvent Events, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play. The app goes live 2–3 weeks before the conference and includes the full session schedule, presentation materials, speaker bios, and networking features. All session materials remain accessible through the end of the year.
Q: Will sessions be recorded or livestreamed?
Select sessions will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. Check completecollege.org/streaming/ for updates closer to the event.
Q: What is the Stan Jones Legacy Award?
This award recognizes individuals and organizations that have consistently embodied CCA’s vision and the legacy of its founder, Stan Jones. Recipients have made significant contributions to increasing the number of students who earn credentials of value and to advancing the college completion movement.
Sponsorship & Contact
Q: How do I become a sponsor?
Sponsorship supports the creation and execution of ambitious change agendas designed to eliminate institutional performance gaps and increase college completion for students from underserved communities. Contact Andrew Morse, VP of Development and External Affairs, at amorse@completecollege.org for sponsorship opportunities and to request the 2026 Sponsorship Prospectus.
Looking for information on NEXT: The 2025 CCA Annual Convening? Check out the NEXT page for content and information from Baltimore.
