8:30 am – 9:00 am

Check-in

9:00 am – 9:30 am

Day 1 Welcome

with Robb Faust (Emcee) and Jessica Hickman (TAC Facilitator) 

This quick spark of energy introduces the topics and opportunities during the conference. We’ll start with playful and oddly satisfying “TACronyms” to share what to expect, then offer positive ways you can connect with colleagues, have fun, and maximize your experience. 

9:30 am – 10:45 am

Opening Keynote: Celebrating a Decade of Excellence

featuring Jared Pearlman, Chief Strategy Officer, VitalSource

A whirlwind of initiatives, activities, and discussions have made quite an impact on campuses for ten years as a result of TAC. The inaugural conference took place in 2015 with sessions covering: “Bookstores: The Front Line of Course Materials”; “Incorporating OER Adoption Into Your Strategic Plan”; “Faculty Work in Lowering Course Costs”; and “Architects of Content: Building More Affordable Models on Course Materials.” Interesting, right?! This opening session will honor the past, share current updates, and look to the future of affordability efforts on campus.

11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Affordability in Context

with Lacey Wallace, Ph.D., Research Analyst, OnCampus Research 

Sharing data from Student Watch, Student Panel surveys, as well as other reputable resources, Lacey will put course materials affordability in context by discussing financial expenses and hardships faced by today's students. We will also explore how affordability challenges have shifted in the past 10 years, including the rise of AI in higher education. This standout session is highly valued by past attendees and its interactive nature will offer fresh perspectives and foundational discussions for the entire conference.

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Networking Lunch

Title Sponsor: VitalSource 

Sponsored by CEI

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

The Impact of AI on Course Materials Accessibility & Affordability

featuring David Wiley, Associate Professor and Academic Affairs Fellow for AI, Marshall University and Founder and Chief Academic Officer, Lumen Learning 

2:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Facilitated Group & Table Time

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

OER & Equitable Access—The Importance & Impact of OER Materials within Textbook Affordability Programs

with Matt Avena, Assistant Director, Academic Resources & eCommerce, CU Book Store, University of Colorado Boulder 

4:00 pm – 5:15 pm

Accessibility In Action

featuring Ann Knettler, Ed.D., CAS Council Representative for AHEAD and VP of Consulting, GrackleDocs

5:45 pm – 7:00 pm

Connections Reception

Continue discussions and interactions with campus colleagues while enjoying food and drinks—and be sure to move around the room to visit with every vendor, explore new opportunities, and establish new contacts!

8:00 am – 8:30 am

Day 2 Welcome

with Robb Faust and Jessica Hickman 



This second quick intro offers a recap of the key takeaways from yesterday’s discussions, including new “TACronyms” to get everyone on the same page for today’s learning, sharing, and connecting. 

8:30 am – 9:15 am

Legislative Update

with Richard Hershman, VP Government Relations, NACS

9:15 am – 10:00 am

Facilitated Group & Table Time

10:00 am – 11:15 am

Session Details Coming Soon

11:15 pm – 12:30 pm

Networking Lunch

Sponsored by NACS Foundation

12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Session Details Coming Soon

1:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Take Action: Closing Group Synthesis



Digest what you have learned, record personal reflections, collaborate with your colleagues, and create an action plan to take back to your campus.