Join us for two days of faculty-led workshops and keynotes from leading changemakers in higher education.
February 5–6, 2026
JW Marriott Nashville
201 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Some lessons spark ideas.
Others shape who we become.
This is where teaching lives—at the intersection of challenge and connection, intellect and care.
FEATURED KEYNOTE
We’re thrilled to welcome acclaimed educator and author, Flower Darby.
Together, we’ll explore how we can ignite joy, purpose, and connection in our teaching—for ourselves and our students.
AGENDA
Thursday, February 5
Day One Begins
Tackle distraction, revive reading, and rethink AI in interactive sessions designed to energize your teaching practice.
12:00 - 6:00 PM ET
Registration and Support Desk
2:00 - 2:30 PM ET
Attendee Welcome
2:45 - 5:30 PM ET
Faculty Workshops:
Attend Your Choice of Two Sessions
Engaging Distracted Learners
Tackling the Higher Ed Reading Crisis
AI in the Classroom: Opportunity vs. Overreliance
6:30 - 9:30 PM ET
Welcome Reception & Dinner
Thursday, February 5
Day One Begins
Tackle distraction, revive reading, and rethink AI in interactive sessions designed to energize your teaching practice.
12:00 - 6:00 PM ET
Registration and Support Desk
2:00 - 2:30 PM ET
Attendee Welcome
Academic Leadership Sessions
Small-group workshop for academic leaders.
*Pre-registration required
2:45 - 5:30 PM ET
Building the Modern Digital Learning Experience
2:45 - 5:30 PM ET
Top Hat Product Showcase & Learning Lounge
6:30 - 9:30 PM ET
Welcome Reception & Dinner
Friday, February 6
Inspiration for What's Next
From rekindling joy in the classroom to strengthening human connection, today’s sessions offer fresh strategies, bold ideas, and faculty-led insights to spark lasting impact.
7:30 - 8:45 AM ET
Registration and Support Desk
9:00 - 10:45 AM ET
CEO Welcome & Keynote Workshop: Flourishing in the College Classroom
Maggie Leen, CEO, Top Hat
Flower Darby, Associate Director of the Teaching for Learning Center at the University of Missouri
11:00 - 11:45 AM ET
The Future of Learning with Top Hat
Clare Castro, Sr. Product Marketing Manager, Top Hat
Sue-Mun Huang, Group Product Manager, Top Hat
11:45 - 1:15 PM ET
Birds of a Feather Luncheon + Top Hat Product Showcase
1:45 - 3:00 PM ET
Faculty-led Breakout Sessions
3:15 - 4:00 PM ET
Closing Keynote: The Heart of Learning
Dr. Bradley Cohen, Chief Academic Officer, Top Hat
4:00 - 6:00 PM ET
Cocktail Reception
SPEAKERS
Flower Darby
Associate Director of the Teaching for Learning Center at the University of Missouri
Maggie Leen
Chief Executive Officer,
Top Hat
Bradley Cohen
Chief Academic Officer,
Top Hat
Clare Castro
Sr. Product Marketing Manager,
Top Hat
Sue-Mun Huang
Director, Product Management,
Top Hat
What to expect at Top Hat Engage Nashville
Industry-leading keynotes
Hear from the higher ed changemakers who are ensuring every classroom is more welcoming, engaging and motivating.
Teaching best practices
Attend peer-led workshops for strategies on enhancing community, engagement and student success.
Networking with your peers
Get to know—and learn from—innovative educators in your discipline!
