2027 Annual HxA Conference
Join fellow scholars, educators, and academic leaders in Boston April 12–14 to shape what comes next for higher education. The work is urgent. The moment is ours.
Join us for HxA's 2027 Annual Conference
Learn moreJoin fellow scholars, educators, and academic leaders in Boston April 12–14 to shape what comes next for higher education. The work is urgent. The moment is ours.
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Renew. Reform. Rebuild
Higher education is facing a crisis of trust and purpose. The institutions, norms, and practices that have long sustained the pursuit of knowledge are under pressure — from political interference, institutional timidity, cultural polarization, and a crisis of public trust. The question is no longer whether the academy must change; it is already changing. The questions we face now are who will show up to shape those changes, and how they will be done.
That is why this year's theme is a call to action. Renew. Reform. Rebuild. is a rallying point for academic insiders who love their universities and want to do more than talk about the problems they face. HxA's members have never been mere disruptors — we are principled reformers committed to taking practical steps to rebuild an academy grounded in open inquiry. Over three days, we will convene scholars, educators, and academic leaders to ask: What does a healthier academy look like, and what can we all do right now to get there? What are we building toward, and what must we be willing to leave behind? And how do we build together in a moment that tempts us toward faction or retreat?
Attendees can look forward to three days of insightful discussions, thought-provoking panels, and inspiring plenary speakers. But the conference is about more than presentations and panels. It's also a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who are committed to creating cultures of open inquiry on our campuses. Whether you are a seasoned academic or a student just beginning your journey, you will find ample opportunities to network, share ideas, and collaborate with peers from diverse disciplines and backgrounds.
Abstract Submissions open July 15, 2026. Early bird registration opens November 5, 2026.
Important Dates
Call for abstracts will open on July 15, 2026 and will close on August 31, 2026. We will be accepting proposals for interactive workshops, panel discussions, research symposia, and individual research presentations. Details will be provided in early July.
Early bird registration pricing is available November 5 through December 31. The Student category includes undergraduate and graduate students. The Non-tenured Faculty and Academic Appointments includes all non-tenure-track faculty, adjunct professors, lecturers and instructors, and academic post-docs. The Tenured Faculty and Professional category includes everyone else such as tenure-track faculty, staff and administrators, and non-higher ed professionals. Become an HxA member for free to save $100 on registration!
Full conference registration includes access to all plenary and concurrent programming, the Open Inquiry Awards Dinner & Reception, and all scheduled meals, coffee, and receptions. No additional purchases are necessary with full conference registration.
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Registration Rates
Conference Venue
All conference programming will take place at the Revere Hotel Boston Common, located at 200 Stuart St, Boston, MA 02116. You can book discounted lodging at this hotel through the HxA conference room block using this link. The discounted rate is $269 per night plus taxes and fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 2027 HxA Conference is open to everyone. Check out our registration pricing chart above for a complete breakdown of dynamic pricing by career stage/type.
Existing HxA members automatically get a $100 discount on conference registration, no discount code needed! All you need to do is register with the email address where you receive HxA emails to verify membership and receive the discounted pricing. Not a member? Join for free here! Our turnaround time for processing new member applications is 5-10 days.
The HxA Conference Cancellation and Refund Policy is as follows:
- Cancellations must be made in writing by emailing events@heterodoxacademy.org.
- Cancellations made before March 21st are 100% refundable (minus a $50 refund fee)
- Cancellations made between March 21st and April 4th are 50% refundable
- After April 4th, Heterodox Academy will have confirmed its financial commitments and will grant no refunds of registration fees for cancellations.
We will be opening access to the conference mobile app in March 2027. From the app, you can view all sessions, build out your personal schedule for the event, connect with and message other registrants, and learn more about our sponsors.
All conference programming will take place at the Revere Hotel Boston Common, located at 200 Stuart St, Boston, MA 02116. You can book discounted lodging at this hotel through the HxA conference room block using this link. The discounted rate is $269 per night plus taxes and fees. The deadline to make reservations at the conference rate is Friday, March 19, 2027.
A schedule at a glance will be released this fall before registration opens. The full conference program will be released in the spring.
The 2027 HxA Conference will take place in-person only at the Revere Hotel Boston Common. We do not have any virtual or hybrid programming planned as part of this year’s conference. Recordings of some conference content will be available after the event.
We are now accepting sponsors for HxA2027. All sponsorship packages include an exhibit booth, waived registration fees, and advertising/recognition of sponsorship in the conference program, website, and the conference mobile app. Please contact Marisa Hart at hart@heterodoxacademy.org to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Email us at events@heterodoxacademy.org and we’ll be happy to assist you!
See What’s in Store at the Conference Where Open Minds Meet
HxA's annual national conference is where open minds meet, bringing together scholars, educators, and academic leaders for three days of programming. Past gatherings have drawn hundreds of attendees to panels, workshops, presentations, signature Heterodox Conversations, and plenary sessions featuring esteemed academics and sitting university presidents.