When and where is EDUCAUSE 2026?

EDUCAUSE 2026 runs Sept. 29–Oct. 2, 2026, at the Colorado Convention Center (700 14th Street) in Denver. Preconference programming and a Welcome Reception open the week on Tuesday, Sept. 29, with general sessions and the EDUCAUSE Commons running Wednesday through Friday.[1][5]

Where should I stay for EDUCAUSE 2026?

Stay in the Colorado Convention Center district if you want the shortest walk to sessions and the EDUCAUSE Commons, or in LoDo (Lower Downtown) near Union Station; opt for Larimer Square for great dining with a 10- to 15-minute walk. Capitol Hill and Uptown offer more availability when downtown blocks sell out, with a slightly longer walk or short rideshare.[2]

How do I get from Denver International Airport (DEN) to the Colorado Convention Center?

Getting from Denver International Airport to the Colorado Convention Center is fastest by rideshare or taxi — roughly 25–40 minutes and $50–$80 depending on traffic. Budget travelers can take the RTD A Line to Union Station (~37 minutes, $10.50) and walk or ride the free MallRide to 14th Street.[9][10]

Are there afterparties or side events during EDUCAUSE week?

Yes. Official programming includes the Welcome Reception on Sept. 29, networking receptions in the EDUCAUSE Commons, and offsite community events on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. EDUCAUSE Community Groups also hold in-person meetups during the conference.[5][6]

Where should I take a client to dinner near the Colorado Convention Center?

Guard and Grace on 14th Street suits client dinners with private dining near the venue. Water Grill in LoDo handles larger private events. Stout Street Social works well for team meals, and range offers vault rooms for smaller executive lunches downtown.[13][14][15][16]

EDUCAUSE 2026: Attendee Travel Guide

Navan Edge

EDUCAUSE 2026 guide to travel, hotels and on-the-ground tips

Victoria Landsmann

•Updated: July 30, 2026•

13 minute read

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Key takeaways

EDUCAUSE 2026 runs Sept. 29–Oct. 2 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. This guide walks through booking, budgeting, Commons strategy, networking, and travel for the in-person program.

Downtown Denver hotel availability is limited during EDUCAUSE week, so compare the Colorado Convention Center district, LoDo, and Capitol Hill before you book.
Conference-week rates for downtown hotels often run higher than the federal lodging rate for Denver during EDUCAUSE week, so budget for the difference or stay a few minutes farther from the venue.
Denver International Airport (DEN) is about 25 miles from the Colorado Convention Center, and rideshares typically beat public transit on door-to-door time.
Plan your breakout agenda carefully and leave room for the EDUCAUSE Commons, poster sessions, and vendor conversations that don't appear on the printed schedule.
Navan Edge is the personal assistant for business travel can find and book your flights, hotels, and restaurant reservations in a single chat based on live availability and your personal preferences.

EDUCAUSE 2026 brings campus IT leaders, higher ed executives, and edtech vendors to the Colorado Convention Center for four days of sessions, exhibits, and community events.[1] The difference between attending and getting real value often comes down to what happens before, between, and after the sessions. A well-planned week can leave you with clearer architecture decisions, stronger campus partnerships, and concrete next steps — without the reimbursement backlog and conference fatigue that often follow a rushed trip.

What is EDUCAUSE and who is it for?

EDUCAUSE Annual Conference is the flagship gathering for higher education technology professionals and solution providers, hosted by EDUCAUSE.[1] The 2026 event is in-person from Sept. 29–Oct. 2 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.[1][2]

The audience includes campus leadership and educators, including CIOs and CTOs evaluating enterprise systems, CISOs assessing identity and security roadmaps, instructional technology directors planning AI and Learning Management System (LMS) upgrades, and vendor teams working the exhibit floor toward signed agreements. EDUCAUSE anticipates that more than 4,000 technology leaders and professionals will attend.[3][4]

If you're pitching your organization's leaders on the trip, tie attendance to outcomes you can measure. Think validating a student information-system migration path before the next academic year, meeting vendors in the EDUCAUSE Commons with a scored evaluation rubric, or aligning your security team on identity standards before locking in budgets.

What makes EDUCAUSE 2026 worth the trip

EDUCAUSE is where higher ed technology strategy gets stress-tested against peer institutions, not just vendor slide decks. For campus leaders, that means direct access to solving the problems you face when it comes to an LMS, identity, and data governance. For IT directors, it means walking the exhibit floor with a short list instead of rebuilding one from webinar replays.

The official schedule is only part of the value. Plan time for these onsite moments:

Explore the EDUCAUSE Commons: Browse sponsor booths, poster sessions, refreshments, and lounge spaces for informal meetings.[5]
Attend the general sessions: Hear the opening keynotes, including the EDUCAUSE Top 10 and featured speakers.[1]
Join the Welcome Reception: Meet fellow attendees on Tuesday, Sept. 29.[5]
Stop by the networking receptions: Connect with peers in the Commons on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.[5]
Take advantage of offsite community events: Attend evening programming across Denver on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.[5]
Join a Community Group meetup: Connect with EDUCAUSE member communities during in-person gatherings alongside the official schedule.[6]

What you accomplish at EDUCAUSE — a vendor short list validated against peer feedback, an identity roadmap your CISO can defend, relationships with campus colleagues you'll call all year — is what justifies the travel budget. That value only shows up if the logistics are handled before you land.

Where to stay for EDUCAUSE 2026

Your hotel affects more than your commute. It influences how quickly you can get to the Colorado Convention Center, whether you can recharge between sessions, and how easy it is to join evening networking events around downtown Denver.

Hotels by neighborhood near the Colorado Convention Center

Compare these neighborhoods by walking time, vibe, and typical hotel rates during EDUCAUSE week:

Area	Distance to venue	Details	Rates
Colorado Convention Center District	0–5 minutes walking (indoor from some properties)	Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center and adjacent downtown hotels; direct access to 14th Street programming	Highest during EDUCAUSE week
LoDo/Union Station	10–15 minutes walking	Lower Downtown dining and nightlife; Union Station RTD hub for airport rail	Moderate to high
Capitol Hill/Uptown	15–20 minutes walking or short rideshare	Quieter residential character; more availability when downtown blocks sell out	Moderate with better availability

The convention center district puts you closest to morning general sessions and Commons appointments. LoDo (Lower Downtown) works well if your week mixes exhibit-floor evaluations with client dinners on Larimer Square. Capitol Hill is a solid fallback when there's less availability downtown — plan for an extra walk or a $10–$15 rideshare each way during peak hours.

EDUCAUSE hotel pricing

The last time EDUCAUSE was in Denver was in 2022, and hotels within walking distance of the Colorado Convention Center sold out or spiked during event week. Although Denver has a larger hotel inventory than many conference cities, rooms within walking distance of the Colorado Convention Center fill up faster during EDUCAUSE week.

If your organization has preferred hotels or negotiated rates, reserve them early. Otherwise, compare the official conference hotel block with public rates before booking, because the lowest price isn't always inside the block.

EDUCAUSE flight trends

Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the largest airports in the United States, with nonstop service from most major North American cities. Whether you're traveling from the East Coast or internationally, arriving the evening before the opening sessions gives you time to adjust to Denver's elevation and make it to the convention center refreshed on your first morning.

Booking your travel with Navan Edge

Navan Edge is a personal travel assistant that books flights, hotels, and restaurants in one conversational thread using your preferences and real-time inventory. For EDUCAUSE week, you can ask it to compare convention-center hotels against LoDo and Capitol Hill options with the amenities you need, then add your DEN flight in the same thread. See how to book a conference trip for the full details.

As downtown availability becomes limited, Navan Edge's can search alternate hotels, dates, or nearby neighborhoods within the same conversation so you don't have to repeat your preferences or start your search over.

Stack rewards on your trip to EDUCAUSE

Travel bookings through Navan Edge can combine hotel loyalty points (earned as if you booked directly), credit card rewards, and 5% back in Amazon Gift Cards on eligible hotel stays. The Loyalty Wallet keeps your loyalty statuses and progress visible, so you can book trips that maximize rewards during a multi-night EDUCAUSE stay. Learn more in our guide to earning travel rewards on business trips.

Set your Denver budget before traveling

EDUCAUSE week spending spans lodging, meals, DEN transfers, client dinners, and offsite community events. Be sure you compare your budget to federal per diem and what downtown Denver actually charges in late September.

Federal per diem for Denver

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) sets federal per diem rates by city and season. At the time of publication, the following October rates for FY2026 applied to Denver (Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, and Jefferson counties):

$307 per day: Includes $215 per night for lodging and $92 per day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE)
M&IE breakdown: Includes $23 for breakfast, $26 for lunch, $38 for dinner, and $5 for incidentals (deduct conference-provided meals from your meal claim as applicable)
First and last days of travel: An M&IE allowance of $69 (i.e. 75% of the daily M&IE rate) for travel days

EDUCAUSE straddles the 2026/2027 federal fiscal year, so verify current figures at gsa.gov before traveling. Updated FY2027 (October 2026–September 2027) rates are expected to be published in mid-August 2026.[7]

During EDUCAUSE week, conference hotels near the Colorado Convention Center often exceed the federal lodging rate for Denver ($215 per night), so budget for the difference or confirm your organization's reimbursement policy before booking.

Other expenses to consider

Build these costs into your travel budget before booking so approvals, reimbursement, and expense reporting go more smoothly.

Conference registration: A full conference pass for EDUCAUSE members starts at $1,185 and nonmember pricing starts at $1,739; verify current tiers at the official event website before booking.[8]
Preconference programming: Separate registration is required for preconference sessions on Tuesday, Sept. 29.[5]
Online conference access: Access to the Oct. 14–15 online event is included with a full in-person conference pass.[1]
Airport transfer: A rideshare from Denver International Airport (DEN) runs $50–$80 one-way. Regional Transportation District (RTD) University of Colorado A Line fare is $10.50 and requires a short walk or free MallRide connection downtown.[9][10]
Client dinners: Downtown steakhouses and private dining rooms near the convention center typically run $75–$175 per person.
After-hours community events: Offsite meetups and partner receptions may carry cover charges or hosted-bar minimums, so reserve a small budget buffer.

Plan your agenda with flexibility

EDUCAUSE's multi-track agenda makes it tempting to schedule every hour of the day. Prioritize the sessions that matter most, but leave time to explore the Commons, stop for an unscheduled vendor conversation, or simply take a break. Even a short walk along the 16th Street Mall or a quiet coffee between sessions can help you recharge before the next round of meetings.

Before EDUCAUSE begins:

Logistics: Install the EDUCAUSE Events app, turn on session alerts, set out-of-office, and pin the Colorado Convention Center address on your calendar.
Sessions: Favorite must-see sessions in the EDUCAUSE Events mobile app; popular time slots fill once the full agenda is published in late July.[4][11]
Meetings: Email campus colleagues, vendors, or community peers roughly two weeks out with a concrete 15-minute meeting request.
Contacts: Pick QR, NFC, or LinkedIn with a note and capture one line of context per person while you're still in the hallway.

Once your EDUCAUSE agenda is set, use our business trip planning guide to organize the rest of your travel, from booking flights and hotels to packing and departure-day checklists.

What to pack and wear at EDUCAUSE

EDUCAUSE attendees tend toward higher-ed IT business casual. Plan to wear collared shirts or polished blouses, chinos or slacks, comfortable closed-toe shoes, and an optional blazer if you're presenting or hosting a vendor dinner. Campus leaders often dress one notch sharper for general sessions, while exhibit-floor browsing is more relaxed.

Denver in late September and early October is typically sunny, dry, and highly variable. Expect daytime highs in the low-to-mid 70s°F and overnight lows in the 40s°F, with cooler mornings, warm afternoons, and the occasional early-season cold snap.[12] You'll spend much of the day inside the convention center, but Denver's mile-high elevation, dry climate, and wide temperature swings make layers, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle worthwhile.

Conference essentials

If you're traveling from lower elevations, begin hydrating well before your trip. Denver's mile-high altitude and dry climate can contribute to fatigue, headaches, and dehydration during your first day or two, making water, sunscreen, and layers just as important as comfortable shoes.

Rotate footwear: Downtown blocks and convention-center floors are tough on your feet, so pack two comfortable pairs of walking shoes.
Stay hydrated: Bring a refillable water bottle and drink more water than you normally would — the combination of elevation and dry air catches many visitors off guard.
Carry a high-capacity power bank: Badge scanning, scheduling, note-taking, and networking apps can drain your phone before the day ends.
Protect your skin: Pack lip balm, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Even on mild days, Denver's high elevation makes UV exposure stronger than many visitors expect.
Pack for temperature swings: Bring light layers for cool mornings, warm afternoons, and heavily air-conditioned breakout rooms.
Pack basic wellness items: Hand sanitizer and throat lozenges can come in handy after long days in crowded session rooms.

Getting from the airport to the Colorado Convention Center

Most attendees fly into Denver International Airport (DEN), about 25 miles from the Colorado Convention Center.[9][10] Despite the distance looking manageable on a map, the drive to downtown typically takes 30–45 minutes, so choose your transportation before you land rather than deciding at baggage claim.

If your schedule allows, arrive the evening before the opening general session. You'll avoid the morning rush for badge pickup, have time to adjust to Denver's altitude, and start the conference rested instead of rushing from the airport to your first session.

Option	Time	Cost	Notes
Rideshare or taxi	25–40 minutes	About $50–$80+, higher with surge pricing[10]	Fastest door-to-door; pickup at Level 5, Island 5 at DEN
RTD A Line (University of Colorado line)	About 37 min to Union Station + 10 minutes walking	About $10.50[9]	Trains run every 15 minutes, 24/7 from DEN Transit Center; walk or free MallRide to the convention center
Shared shuttle (third-party)	45–60 minutes	About $25–$35 per person	Multiple hotel stops; lowest upfront cost but longest travel time

For business travelers landing during weekday hours with checked bags, rideshare is usually the fastest door-to-door option. The A Line makes sense when your hotel is near Union Station and you're not on a tight check-in deadline.

Beyond sessions: Make time for the EDUCAUSE Commons and hallway conversations

Some of the most useful EDUCAUSE conversations happen between sessions — in the Commons lounges, at poster presentations, and during evening community events. Build those opportunities into your schedule instead of treating them as leftover time.

EDUCAUSE Events mobile app: Track room changes, session capacity, and your personal schedule across the convention center.[11]
General sessions: Plan around the Wednesday and Thursday morning anchor sessions before locking in your breakout schedule.[5]
EDUCAUSE Commons: Explore exhibits, poster sessions, refreshments, and networking receptions throughout the main program days.[5][6]
Evening programming: Offsite community events run Sept. 30–Oct. 1; watch the app and community channels for locations and timing.[5]

Network with a follow-up plan

Treat EDUCAUSE networking as a process that starts before you arrive and continues after you leave.

Before Denver: Identify 10 to 15 people worth meeting — campus peers, vendors on your shortlist, speakers on your must-see list — and send a short, specific meeting request about two weeks out.
On the floor: Lead with institutional context (“We're evaluating LMS migration options this fiscal year”) rather than a vendor pitch. Capture one memorable detail per contact in your notes app before you move to the next booth.
Back at your hotel each night: Draft quick follow-ups with next steps while names are fresh and send them within 48 hours.
Before leaving Denver: Block time on your Friday calendar for follow-ups before your flight. Reply rates fall once you're back in back-to-back campus meetings.

What to eat at EDUCAUSE 2026

Whether you're grabbing breakfast before the opening keynote, fitting in lunch between sessions, or meeting colleagues for dinner, planning your meals helps you stay energized throughout the conference. Pack a reusable water bottle and a protein snack so you're prepared if your schedule runs long.

When you need a sit-down meal, these Denver spots fit different EDUCAUSE moments:

Client dinner: Guard and Grace handles business dinners with private areas for groups up to 70, a few blocks from the convention center on 14th Street.[13]
Team meal: Stout Street Social works for group dinners with shareable plates and private dining for up to 100.[13]
Private dining/executive lunch: Water Grill in LoDo offers customizable private rooms for groups of 10–200 and is steps from the convention center.[14]
One-on-one or small group: Located in the historic Colorado National Bank building, range restaurant offers vault rooms for intimate meetings and chef-driven New American menus.[15]

If you need help booking a restaurant, Navan Edge can reserve restaurants in Denver through the same chat where you made your hotel and flight bookings.

Finish strong on departure day

The conference doesn't end when you leave the Colorado Convention Center. Before heading to DEN, take a few minutes to organize your notes, submit any urgent expenses, and prepare for a smoother return to campus.

Pack before bed: Charge devices, lay out travel clothes, and check drawers and outlets for badges and chargers.
Request late checkout: For evening flights, ask at check-in and reconfirm the night prior, or let Navan Edge's human travel experts request it on your behalf.
Build airport buffer: DEN is generally busy, but more so after major conferences, so allow at least two hours for domestic departures and three for international.
File expenses early: Upload receipts while line items are fresh; note any lodging above your institution's per-diem ceiling when you submit.
Use lounge time: If your card includes airport lounge access, sort notes and receipts there instead of at the gate.
Block debrief time: Reserve an hour on your calendar to email new contacts and brief your team on EDUCAUSE takeaways before regular work resumes.

Make your EDUCAUSE 2026 trip count

A successful week in Denver at EDUCAUSE 2026 is more than the sessions you attend. Stay close to the convention center, budget ahead, make time for networking, and follow up before you head home. Those small decisions can make it easier to return with stronger relationships, clearer priorities, and ideas you can immediately share with your team.

Planning your EDUCAUSE 2026 trip? Book Denver flights, downtown hotels, and partner dinners in one Navan Edge chat.

Navan is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by EDUCAUSE or their organizers, and this guide is not an official EDUCAUSE publication. EDUCAUSE is a trademark of its respective owner and is used here for identification and descriptive purposes only. All schedules, pricing, venue details, and program information are subject to change; verify current details with the official organizers before you travel.

Navan publishes this guide as part of its Navan Edge content series. Navan Edge is a Navan product referenced throughout this post. Card benefits, fees, loyalty program thresholds, earning structures, reward values, and AI capabilities described in this article are subject to change and accurate as of the date of publication. Verify current terms with your card issuer, loyalty program operator, or the relevant program's website before making decisions. Amazon Gift Card rewards are subject to Navan Edge Terms and Conditions for eligible hotel bookings.

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