ACCED-I - Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors-Intl

08/31/2026

Please join us in welcoming Lauren Koonce of Coastal Carolina University to the ACCED-I Board of Directors. Lauren has been an active member and dedicated volunteer, serving with Region 2 Leadership and the Education Action Team. She brings a fresh perspective on member needs and navigating change through her work at Coastal Carolina University. We look forward to her continued contributions in her new leadership role within the ACCED-I community.

08/27/2026

On behalf of the ACCED-I Board of Directors, it is with heartfelt appreciation, we share that Karen L. Nedbal, ACCED-I Executive Director will be retiring after 13 years of dedicated leadership and service to our association. Karen’s last day with the association will be September 15, 2026. While we will certainly miss Karen, we wish her every happiness and success in her next chapter and thank her for her years of outstanding service. Following an extensive national search, the Board of Directors has selected Joslyn McGriff-Bensley as our new ACCED-I Executive Director to lead the association into its next chapter. Joslyn will begin on September 8, 2026, allowing for a one-week transition period to support continuity and ensure a smooth transfer of leadership. We’re looking forward to welcoming Joslyn to ACCED-I and are confident that this transition will bring continued growth and success for the association.

Sincerely,

Christina Patarino, CCEP, CMP
President, ACCED-I Board of Directors

08/17/2026

🎬Behind the scenes at the Planning Meeting for the ACCED-I 47th Annual Conference!

A big thank you to the ACCED-I members who joined us in Norfolk to help plan for next March. We appreciate your time, ideas, and enthusiasm as we prepare for the 47th Annual Conference!

📸 Check out a few preview photos of the conference hotel below.

Registration opens soon. In the meantime, start planning your trip to Norfolk:
https://www.acced-i.org/hotel--travel.html

07/03/2026

06/18/2026

📊 How does your operation compare?

The 2026 Collegiate Conference & Events Benchmarking Study is now open, and we're looking for input from conference and event professionals across higher education.

By participating, you'll help build valuable industry data while gaining insights into current practices, trends, and operations across the profession.

Survey #1 takes approximately 15–20 minutes to complete.
Click here to get started ▶️https://www.acced-i.org/benchmarking-study.html

05/26/2026

What’s next for your career?
Explore opportunities across higher education conferences and events through the ACCED-I Career Center.

➡️Purdue University | Senior Director of the Purdue Memorial Union and Auxiliary Services - https://jobs.acced-i.org/job/senior-director-of-the-purdue-memorial-union-and-auxiliary-services/83808546/

➡️Northwestern University | Senior Associate Director, Special Events - https://jobs.acced-i.org/job/senior-associate-director-special-events/84320483/

04/28/2026

Looking for a new position in higher ed? Check out the latest job postings on the ACCED-I Career Center:

Southern Methodist University - McFarlin Front of House Manager
https://jobs.acced-i.org/job/mcfarlin-front-of-house-manager-hr-title-event-coordinator-aux00000048/83254362/

Conferences & Visitor Services, University of Maryland - Assistant Director of Summer Operations
https://jobs.acced-i.org/job/assistant-director-of-summer-operations/83337468/

Palo Verde Community College District - Dean of Nursing & Allied Health
https://jobs.acced-i.org/job/dean-of-nursing-allied-health/83465944/