2025 LERN In-Person Conference
March 18-20, 2025
San Antonio, TX
Experience the intimate networking and discussion with your colleagues and leaders in the field with our in-person conference in San Antonio, Texas. We will be right on the famous Riverwalk, which offers a casual setting in the middle of the history and tradition of old San Antonio.
Theme: Expanding Horizons: Unlocking Lifelong Learning for All
To Register
Call 800-678-5376 with credit card. Or fax a purchase order to:
Questions? Email Roy and Gale at info@lern.org
“Expanding Horizons: Unlocking Lifelong Learning for All”
This theme emphasizes the potential of continuing and community education to reach untapped markets and unlock opportunities for individuals and communities. It invites educators, practitioners, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to explore innovative approaches and strategies for expanding access to lifelong learning in underserved areas and reaching new markets.
This conference features inspiring speakers, interactive workshops, and case studies highlighting successful initiatives from across North America, inspiring attendees to collaborate and take action to make lifelong learning accessible to all.
Day 1 – “Innovation & Market Expansion”
Day 2 – “Building Successful Partnerships”
Day 3 – “Strategy and the Future”
The conference sessions are in no particular order. Finalized agenda with times will be announced in January.
Panels
Breaking New Ground: Strategies and Success Stories in Market Expansion
Presenters: Jennifer Moorefield (Greenville Technical College), Sheldon Taylor (USAF)
Expanding into new markets is both a challenge and an opportunity for continuing and community education programs. In this dynamic panel session, speakers will share their experiences navigating market growth, including successes, obstacles, and lessons learned. Topics will include identifying emerging audiences, building strategic partnerships, and adapting to changing learner needs. Join us to gain actionable insights and innovative strategies to drive meaningful market expansion in your programs.
Unlocking the Power in Partnerships
Presenters: Jessica Allendorf (Greenville Technical College); Emma Baumann and Kristin Underwood (South Central College), Claire Sauve (Vancouver Community College)
Partnerships are the cornerstone of impactful community and continuing education programs, driving innovation and expanding reach. In this panel session, speakers will share real-world examples of building successful collaborations, from navigating the initial outreach to leveraging partner strengths for maximum community impact. Learn how strategic alliances can address local needs, enhance program offerings, and foster long-term success. Join us for inspiring stories and practical strategies to strengthen your partnership efforts.
Presentations
Integrating CE and CTE Programs in High Demand Career Fields
Presenters: Michael Ross and Kimberly Williams (Midlands Technical College)
This session will discuss the process of partnering with local high schools and state agencies to embed three different continuing education programs (welding, heavy equipment operator, and CNC operator) into three different South Carolina High School Career and Technical Education Programs to provide students with both K-12 credit and continuing education certificates in high demand careers. This session will discuss several issues such as funding, curriculum development, local industry buy-in, instructor credentials, and more.
Utilizing Generative AI like ChatGPT in Community Education
Presenters: Jacob Burke (Des Moines Public Schools)
In this session, participants will explore the transformative potential of generative AI, such as ChatGPT, in community education programs. Attendees will gain practical insights into how AI tools can enhance operational efficiency, streamline document creation, boost social media engagement, and support email communication. Through real-world examples, the session will demonstrate how community education departments can leverage AI for advertising, curriculum development, and administrative tasks. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to expand its applications, this session offers valuable tools and ideas to elevate your community education programs.
Elevating CE success through Economic Development Partnerships
Presenters: Amy Lasack and Erin Powers-Daley (Northeast Iowa Community College)
Economic Development groups can bring your Continuing Education program to the next level by strengthening employer partnerships and increasing communication with your stakeholders. See examples of how Northeast Iowa Community College partners with Greater Dubuque Development Corporation to collaborate on employer engagement, local economic development retention efforts and partner on over $200,000 in pathway certificate enrollments.
A Case Study: Santa Fe Community College Community and Corporate Partnership
Presenters: Nicholas Wernicki and Ben Lincoln (Santa Fe Community College)
This session will introduce a new community and corporate partnership initiative developed by the Continuing Education department at Santa Fe Community College. In 2023 the department developed a strategic plan with the goal of engaging community partners in new and existing continuing education, community enrichment courses. The initiative has increased revenue and reach of our courses and the average class size in these off-campus partnership classes is almost twice our average class size.
Mastering the Art of Effective Needs Assessment
Presenter: Brendan (LERN)
Discover how to uncover untapped opportunities and drive growth with an effective needs assessment. This session will guide you through proven strategies to identify market gaps, understand customer needs, and align your offerings for maximum impact. Learn how to leverage data and insights to expand your reach and stay ahead in a competitive landscape. Walk away with actionable steps to transform your assessment into a powerful tool for market expansion.
2025 Strategic Initiatives for Lifelong Learning
Presenter: TBD
Discussions (All attendees are invited to participate by bringing ideas and best practices)
Classes for Seniors
Presenter: Scott Cashman (Harper College)
Designing community classes for seniors offers an opportunity to foster connection, lifelong learning, and well-being among older adults. This session will encourage all attendees to explore strategies for creating engaging and inclusive programs that cater to diverse interests and abilities. Participants will discuss practical tips for collaboration, program design, and outreach to ensure these classes are accessible and impactful. Join us to discover how to build a vibrant community through senior-focused education initiatives.
Current challenges (and Solutions) in Continuing Ed
Presenters: Brenda Marshall (Community College of Baltimore County); Amystique Church (Enterprise Mid-Atlantic Institute)
Continuing education faces unique challenges in today’s rapidly evolving landscape, from shifting learner demographics to advancements in technology and economic pressures. This interactive session invites attendees to explore and discuss the most pressing issues impacting the field, including enrollment trends, program accessibility, and workforce alignment. Participants will share insights, innovative strategies, and best practices to address these challenges and create sustainable solutions. Join this collaborative discussion to shape the future of continuing education together.
The Print Brochure…What’s the right answer?
DeDe Kem (New Trier Extension)
Printed catalogs remain a powerful tool for marketing continuing education, offering a tangible and impactful way to reach diverse audiences. However, Central Administration does not always agree. Attendees are invited to discuss challenges in advocating for the continued use of printed materials, including budget constraints and shifting marketing trends, and to explore strategies for overcoming these obstacles. Join us to share insights and success stories that demonstrate the enduring value of the printed catalog in a digital age.
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk
125 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Room Rate: Double Queen for $239 plus taxes & fees
Individuals must be registered for the LERN Conference to receive the Conference hotel rate. Any individuals not registered for the Conference by February 24, will be removed from the LERN Room Block.
Two Ways to Register
- Booking link:
(Please note the group rate will include the 1.25% Tourism Fee and .525% Recovery Fee shown upfront on the booking link)
- Call Hilton Reservations:
Contact 1-800-362-2779 and reference the special rate code of 90Z
Cut-off date for the special conference rate: 2/24/25
Cost
| Your Organization Type | Attending Annual Conference Online | Not Attending Annual Conference |
| University or Community College | $695 per person | $995 per person |
| Recreation Dept. or Public School | $195 per person | $495 per person |
Register for the Annual Conference first. Then register for the San Antonio in-person conference anytime afterward and get the Annual Conference discount rate. Another great reason to register for the Annual Conference now.
LERN In-Person Conference Refund and Cancellation Policy
The LERN In-Person Conference Cancellation and Refund Policy will be as follows and is applicable to the 2025 LERN In-Person Conference.
- Conference registrations canceled on or before February 1, 2025, are refundable. The refund will be returned to your original payment method.
- Registrations cancelled on or after February 2, 2025, will NOT receive a refund. Registration fees may be transferred to another individual from your organization or may be used as a credit for future LERN services or events.
- In the event LERN must cancel the conference due to unforeseen circumstances (see below), we will refund the cost of registration to your original payment method.
Unforeseen Circumstances Defined for Refund and Cancellation Policies
Unforeseen circumstances is used to describe an event that is unexpected and prevents LERN from continuing with the conference. Examples of such circumstances can include but are not limited to, inclement weather or other natural disasters, site unavailability, and technology challenges.