2026 AIR Forum
May 25–26: Pre-Conference Education
May 26–29: AIR Forum
We gathered May 26–29 in Washington, D.C., for the 2026 AIR Forum! Pre-conference educational opportunities were offered May 25–26 for an additional fee.
With more than 200 crowd-sourced sessions by colleagues and thought leaders from around the globe, AIR Forum is the “must-attend” event for higher education professionals who build and support data-informed decision cultures.
Centralized Location. Maximum Convenience.
All 2026 AIR Forum events, including pre-conference education and hotel accommodations, were seamlessly linked under one roof at the Marriott Marquis in Downtown Washington, D.C., with additional hotel rooms just steps away at the Westin D.C. Downtown. Both host hotels offered special discounted rates for AIR Forum attendees.
Thank you!
We hope you found community in joining your higher ed colleagues for a unique opportunity to network, share best practices, and learn.
Save the Date
2027 AIR Forum Pre-Conference Education
May 31 – June 1
2027 AIR Forum
June 1–4
Colorado Convention Center
Denver, CO
Photo Gallery
Photos by James Lee, Journey Seven
Conference Space
Main Site
All AIR Forum sessions, meetings, and events took place here.
Marriott Marquis Washington, DC
901 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
#AIRForum Buzz
See what attendees said about the 2026 conference:
"Time well spent at the Association for Institutional Research (AIR) Forum in Washington, D.C. last week.📍🏛️✨ It's always valuable to hear what's top of mind in the institutional research community, learn from peers, and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing higher education..."
"Late post but this past week, I gained so much knowledge on topics like team collaboration, enrollment/retention prediction, AI use and implementation, and made new connections with people in the IR/IE field. Overall, amazing experience at DC. Great #AIRForum conference!"
"Attending my first #AIRForum. I’m feeling inspired by the "Tech Humanist" keynote—specifically the idea that while technology advances, meaningfulness is the core trait that distinguishes humans from other species! #institutionalresearch"
"It’s always a good time at the #AIRForum but it’s even better when you’re face makes it onto the “60 Years of Celebration” banner 🎉😂. #institutionalresearch #professionaldevelopment #highereducation #60years"
"... These in-person moments—the hallway conversations, the sessions that land just right, the community—remind me why this work matters. Thanks again to NEAIR for making it happen."
"Wrapping up my last day as a first-time attendee at #AIRForum in Washington, D.C. It’s been a great conference!"
"Spent some time decompressing with a couple of Founding Fathers and thinking about a lot of things this afternoon after the closing session of this year’s #AIRForum hosted by the Association for Institutional Research (AIR) in Washington, D.C.
As a first time attendee but a veteran in higher ed, it never ceases to amaze me at the level of experience, expertise, dedication, and genuinely welcoming people we have in our field even when it feels intimidating walking into a room not really knowing anyone.
There were so many fantastic presentations and ideas that I’m now reflecting on how I can incorporate them into our office and my own work..."
"Enjoy the work you do and share it with others. And take selfies during improv scenes whenever possible. 😆
Bravo to all the incredible data professionals who joined us! We couldn’t have asked for a better group. And a special shout out to the first ever AIR Forum improv troupe, The Accidentals! 📈📉📊
Jeremy Goodman, I’m looking forward to our next adventure. #AIRForum"
"I’m grateful for the opportunity to attend the 2026 #AIRForum in Washington, DC this year. The conference provided an incredibly insightful experience filled with thoughtful discussions, innovative ideas, and valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of AI, institutional research and higher education.
Thank you to everyone who shared their expertise and experiences throughout the conference. It was energizing to exchange ideas, learn from colleagues, and reflect on how data-informed practices continue to shape student success and institutional effectiveness.
I’m looking forward to bringing new ideas and inspiration back to my work."
"As I leave Association for Institutional Research (AIR) Forum 2026 in Washington, DC after an inspiring few days, I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn, connect, and exchange ideas with so many talented professionals in higher education and institutional research.
The sessions on analytics, data governance, student success, and strategic decision-making provided valuable insights that I’m excited to bring back to my work.
Thank you to everyone who shared their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives throughout the conference. Looking forward to applying what I learned and staying connected with this amazing community."
"Heading home to “The Ville” after an outstanding week at the #AIRForum in Washington, DC. The conference was filled with innovative ideas, thoughtful conversations, and valuable opportunities to connect with institutional research professionals from across higher education. We return inspired and eager to bring cutting edge ideas back to UofL and UofL Institutional Research, Analytics, and Decision Support."
"AIR Forum in Washington, D.C. ✅ Great start to an energizing week with the higher education data and institutional research community at the AIR Forum. This conference brings together practitioners, researchers, and leaders who are deeply committed to using data to improve student outcomes, institutional effectiveness, and trust across higher education..."
"I am truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute and present at the AIR Forum. It was an enriching experience to engage with professionals and scholars from across the globe, sharing insights and learning from impactful conversations in the field of higher education and institutional research..."
"Really enjoying Kate O’Neill’s opening keynote at #AIRForum and pondering all the connections I’m seeing to the material Leah Ewing Ross, Jason Simon, Ph.D. and I just shared in the #AIRLEADs seminar. Thanks Association for Institutional Research (AIR) for a great kickoff."
"Leaving Association for Institutional Research (AIR) forum 2026 in Washington, D.C. with a sense of purpose.
Different institutions. Different systems. Different strategies. Yet one shared challenge: turning data into trust, collaboration, and better decisions.
What inspired me most was that the conversation was never really about tools or technology - it was about people, purpose and shared commitment to use data with innovation to build trust, foster collaboration, create a single source of truth, and drive meaningful outcomes for institutions we serve.
Technology will evolve. Platforms will change. Our responsibility to create meaningful impact should not change. The future belongs to institutions that combine data, collaboration, governance, and purpose.
Grateful for the conversations, shared learning, and the opportunity to connect with so many inspiring leaders shaping the future of higher education..."
"Thanks to Christine M. Keller for inviting Bryan Cook (Urban Institute), Jon Fansmith (American Council on Education), and me back to present on federal higher education policy at the #AIRForum! Particularly during this time of rapid policy changes, I deeply appreciate our partnership with your organizations and others in the field.
Thanks also to all the conference attendees who came to our sessions. One attendee even said that our session was worth the price of conference admission alone - what high praise!
Throughout our discussions, we recognized the tireless work of instititional researchers on campuses who are collecting, reporting, and analyzing data to help support student success, amidst all the policy shifts and uncertainty. Association for Institutional Research (AIR) plays a critical role in supporting those higher education professionals and elevating their perspectives to inform policy. I’m grateful for your work!"
"Just minutes ago, the 60th #AIRForum officially came to a close, and I am leaving this year’s conference feeling deeply inspired, energized, and grateful.
This year’s #AIRForum was especially significant for me personally, as I am honored to begin serving on the AIR Board of Directors. #AIR has been an important professional home throughout my career, shaping my own thinking and practice as a leader in higher education. To now have the opportunity to serve the organization in this capacity is both deeply humbling and incredibly meaningful. I look forward to working alongside fellow #Board members and the broader #AIR community to help strengthen the profession, foster innovation and collaboration, and support the evolving needs of higher education institutions and the students they serve.
My sincere thanks to everyone who shared their expertise, encouragement, and vision during the conference. I leave the Forum with a renewed sense of purpose and deep appreciation for this remarkable community."
