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 Impacts & Implications of Generative AI on Course Materials

Featuring David Wiley, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Marketing, MIS, and Entrepreneurship and Academic Affairs Fellow in AI at Marshall University, one of the founders of the open educational resources (OER) movement, and the co-founder and former Chief Academic Officer of Lumen Learning

Join a lively, forward-thinking conversation about the future! Generative AI is transforming how course materials are created across diverse formats, languages, and pedagogies. With guidance from the U.S. Copyright Office declaring AI-generated content ineligible for copyright, content creators face complex questions about ownership, incentives, the role of open educational resources (OER), and student-centered learning. Expect thought-provoking dialogue and a fresh look at how these shifts may reshape the way we teach, create, and connect with learners.

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

Beyond Compliance: How Stores & Publishers Can Drive Digital Accessibility in Higher Education

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

New ADA Title II rules require institutions to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards across digital platforms, including textbooks and learning materials. With expert guidance, this session breaks down what that means for affordability initiatives. Learn practical strategies for assessing accessibility gaps, prioritizing high-impact improvements, and leveraging resources to help your institution meet regulatory requirements.

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

EdTech Adoptions: Staying Relevant in a Digital World

with Campus Store Panelists:

• Brian Wright, Director, VolShop, University of Tennessee at Knoxville

• Laura Heger, Store Manager, Commonwealth University, PA

• Brad Henderson, Director of University Store, Wayland Baptist University, TX

• Clay Ludlow, Director of Retail Services, Cedarville University Campus Store, OH

11:15 pm – 12:30 pm

Networking Lunch

Sponsored by NACS Foundation

12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

From Access to Outcomes: The Evolution of Affordable Content

Featuring Jason Lorgan, Senior Executive Director, Business Development and Innovation, UC Davis Stores, University of California Davis

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.