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Room Block Deadline is June 22, 2026

Where Policy and Practice Meet Purpose

Join us at the 2026 ACT Summit, a dynamic event where you can experience the best of K–12, higher education, and workforce development conferences—all in one place!

This event is a transformative platform for actionable insights and strategies across interconnected fields. Attendees can engage with peers, share experiences, and collaborate on innovative solutions that span the K-career spectrum. Dive into cross-sector sessions designed to spark collaboration, foster problem solving, and shape the future of education and the workforce.

Why Attend the ACT Summit?

One Summit, Broader Impact

The ACT Summit unites the expertise and focus of workforce, K-12, and higher education leaders, creating a fully integrated experience that fosters cross-sector collaboration. Whether you're focused on education pathways or workforce readiness, this event will equip you with the tools and knowledge to solve challenges and lead innovation in your community. 
 

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Collaborate Across Sectors 

  • Engage with peers and thought leaders from K-12, higher education, and workforce sectors.  
  • Exchange ideas, share experiences, and discover innovative solutions to bridge the gap between education and employment.  

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 Explore Sessions Focused on Your Day-to-Day Challenges  

  • Participate in sessions designed to foster collaboration, drive problem-solving, and shape the future of education and workforce development.  
  • Discover new strategies that tackle real-world challenges in student preparation, career readiness, and workforce alignment.  

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Transformative Experience  

  • Immerse yourself in top-tier professional development in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. 
  • Leave with insights that will empower you to lead change and inspire action in your own community.  

Who Should Attend?

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K-12 Education Leaders

  • State Department of Education Leaders  
  • School and District Administrators  
  • Career and Technical Education Leaders   
  • Apprenticeship Leaders 
  • ACT Regional Summit Attendees and Council Members 
  • Professional Learning Community Members 

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Higher Education Leaders  

  • Presidents and Chancellors 
  • Chief Academic Officers 
  • Provosts and Other Academic Leaders 
  • Enrollment, Admissions, and Retention Leaders 
  • State Higher Education and System Leaders 
  • Academic Advisors and Student Success Professionals 
  • Adult Education Specialists
  • Past ACT Enrollment Management Summit Attendees 

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Workforce Professionals

  • Workforce and Economic Developers  
  • Employers  
  • State Corrections Agency Members 
  • Local Workforce Board Directors  
  • State Workforce Agency Leaders  
  • Technical and Community College Leaders 
  • Career Academies Staff 
  • ACT Work Ready Communities Leaders 
  • Past ACT Workforce Summit Attendees 

See What Attendees Have to Say About the 2025 ACT Summit

“Attending the ACT Summit was an energizing experience. The host city was fantastic, the sessions were rich with insight, and I've returned with new perspectives to shape our approach for the next recruitment cycle. The plenary speakers and panel conversations were especially impactful, offering thoughtful discussion on the evolving landscape of student success."

– Ebony Dixon, AVP/Director of Admissions, University of Buffalo

“Often times educators are not able to meet with workforce development or industry leaders. The ACT Summit provided an opportunity for building bridges between educators and industry/workforce leaders. The bridges secure the future road forward to student achievement and economic success..”

– Michele Griffin, Dean of Instruction, Pius XI Catholic High School (Wisconsin)

"This year's ACT Summit was an incredible experience, from powerful sessions to inspiring conversations with educators and leaders from across the country. I left energized, equipped, and more committed than ever to advancing college and career success for all of students. I'm already looking forward to next year's summit and the opportunity to keep learning, sharing, and building momentum together.."

– Andrea Glenn, Director, Postsecondary & Community Engagement, Arizona Department of Education

"The ACT Summit is the best place for leaders to converge and bridge the gaps between workforce development, K-12, and higher education. Everyone is focused on utilizing their expertise and resources to best equip the next generation to succeed in high value careers. This conference should be on the must-attend list for leaders in the workforce development, K-12, and higher education field.”

– Wendy Mercer, Career Advisor, Hardeman County School District (Tennessee)

Plenary Speakers

Dr. Dr. Brandi De La Cruz

Tennessee Teacher of the Year, Collierville High School 

Dr. Brandi L. De La Cruz is the 2025–2026 Tennessee Teacher of the Year and a nationally recognized secondary mathematics educator with more than 16 years of experience. She teaches at Collierville High School and holds a Ph.D. in Secondary Mathematics Education, with a passion for instructional excellence, teacher development, and improving outcomes for all students.

Dr. Sonny Perdue

Chancellor, University System of Georgia 

Dr. Sonny Perdue is the 14th Chancellor of the University System of Georgia, overseeing 26 public colleges and universities serving more than 364,000 students. A former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and two-term Governor of Georgia, he brings extensive leadership experience and a strong commitment to higher education and economic development.  

Deniece Thomas

Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development

Deniece Thomas serves as Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, where she leads statewide workforce initiatives. A national workforce leader, she also chairs State Workforce Liaisons for the National Governors Association and serves on the board of the National Association of State Workforce Agencies.