UEDA Meets Pensacola!

Hotel: Hilton Pensacola Beach – 12 Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561

Get ready to experience where warm breezes meet big ideas. The 2026 UEDA Summit will take place in beautiful Pensacola Beach: a setting that blends coastal charm with innovation and prosperity. Whether you’re diving into sessions, or catching up with peers overlooking the water, this is a Summit you won’t want to miss.

The UEDA Summit is the premier gathering of thought leaders working at the intersection of higher education and economic development.

Each year, our Summit convenes professionals from colleges and universities, industry, economic development organizations, government, and research institutions. Together, we explore strategies to expand regional economic opportunity, strengthen industry partnerships, and activate the assets of higher education for real-world impact.

Kick off the UEDA Summit with the Welcome Reception on December 1, then for the sessions on December 2 – 4.

Connect with peers from across the country, gain insights from high-impact presentations, and take part in discussions designed to help you advance your organization’s mission and regional impact. The Summit also features finalist presentations from our annual Awards of Excellence competition, where attendees will determine category leaders amongst ground-breaking approaches to regional development.

Travel with colleagues using our group rates!