In Real Life: Where Partnerships Power Programs and Innovation

Central Region Salon
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 1
:00-4:00 PM ET, 12:00-3:00 PM CT

In Real Life: Where Partnerships Power Programs and Innovation brings together educators and partners to explore how collaboration drives meaningful program and pathway development. This event features speakers recognized for innovative programs, along with breakout sessions on program design, feasibility and evaluation, and AI for adult learners. A panel and Q&A will offer opportunities to hear directly from innovators, exchange ideas, and reflect on how partnerships turn bold concepts into impactful learning experiences—in real life.

Join your UPCEA regional colleagues for an engaging and informal Salon experience designed to spark connection, conversation, and shared learning. These virtual, live sessions bring together professionals from across the region to explore timely topics in a relaxed, discussion-forward environment. Designed by the region, for the region, Salons are open to all.

Each Salon features brief insights or “spark” perspectives to kick things off, followed by interactive peer conversations where participants can exchange ideas, challenges, and practical strategies. The emphasis is on learning from one another, not just from a single speaker.

Salons are intentionally live and not recorded to create a welcoming, candid space where participants feel comfortable asking questions, sharing experiences, and building meaningful connections with regional peers.

Whether you are looking to expand your network, gain fresh perspectives, or contribute your own insights, the UPCEA Regional Salon offers an approachable and valuable way to stay connected to your community.

Join colleagues online for In Real Life: Where Partnerships Power Programs and Innovation in the Central Region on September 23!

Regional Salons are virtual, curated opportunities for UPCEA members to engage in accessible, no-cost professional development and networking, offering a balance of formal presentations and facilitated, two-way, informal conversation. These lively gatherings are designed for members by members, around a theme or topic of critical importance, and tap subject matter experts in and outside of UPCEA, as well as spotlight the important work of our members. Regional Salons provide members a chance to grow their professional networks, to showcase their accomplishments, and to solve unique and shared challenges with peers. Please note, Regional Salons are unrecorded.

Registration Open Shortly


Fee: Free for UPCEA Members; $50 for non-Members


Block your calendar, set your out-of-office autoreply and register today to join us for this live, unrecorded event! 


Conference Privacy Policy Attendees of the UPCEA Central Region Salon grant UPCEA a non-exclusive worldwide right to reproduce, distribute, any part or all of the webinar presentation, including any written or audio/visual material submitted in connection with the presentation, in whole or in part, in any media, including any audio or video recording of the presentation. You hereby consent to UPCEA’s use of any name, photograph, image, presentation, or portions quoted or derived from the presentations. You also understand that the event in its entirety and/or portions thereof may be published via podcasts, webinars, and other printed or electronic media and by registering and agreeing to terms and conditions, you are consenting to all such derivative uses. If you have any questions about this use, please email info@upcea.edu

Affiliated Events Policy Corporate member and nonmember attendees are prohibited from holding any meetings (briefings, seminars, etc.) targeting professional, continuing, and online leaders in higher education who they know will be attending the UPCEA event, and utilizing our name and likeness to do so, unless otherwise negotiated and scheduled with and by UPCEA.

UPCEA reserves the right to prohibit corporate member and nonmember attendees who violate this policy from exhibiting or participating at UPCEA events.