5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Sponsored by Premier Partner VitalSource

Pre-Event Networking Mixer

Arriving early? Join colleagues for an informal evening of conversation and connection before TAC officially begins. Enjoy a hosted reception with substantial food and beverages, meet fellow attendees, and start building relationships that can enhance your conference experience.

Morning

Breakfast on your own

8:30 am – 9:00 am

Registration & Check-in

9:00 am – 9:15 am

Day 1 Welcome

Start the conference with a burst of TAC energy! This lively session introduces the topics and connection opportunities through oddly satisfying “TACronyms” and clever TAC-themed wordplay to highlight what’s ahead and share ways you can maximize the TAC experience.

9:15 am – 10:15 am

Pass the Mic: Student Voices Behind the Data

What do students really think about course materials and affordability? Through candid video interviews, students share their experiences and perspectives. Combined with national NACS research, these authentic voices will provide context behind the data and help shape the conversations that follow throughout TAC.

10:30 am – 11:45 am

Shared Challenges, Shared Solutions



From traditional textbooks and courseware to access programs and AI, today’s course materials landscape presents both opportunities and challenges. Through table discussions and group sharing, you will explore common issues, learn from others’ experiences, and exchange practical ideas to take back to your campus.

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Sponsored by Premier Partner VitalSource

Networking Lunch

Some of the most valuable conversations begin over lunch (and in the hallways!). Consider joining a different table, meeting new colleagues, exchanging ideas, and sharing experiences to build relationships that can extend well beyond the conference.

1:15 pm – 2:30 pm

OER & Student Success

with C. Edward Watson, VP for Digital Innovation, AACU: American Association of Colleges & Universities

2:45 pm – 3:45 pm

Insights from a Campus Store

4:00 pm – 5:15 pm

The Evolving Role of AI

5:45 pm – 7:00 pm

Connections Reception

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

Morning

Breakfast on your own

8:30 am – 8:45 am

Day 2 Welcome

This quick intro offers new “TACronyms” and TAC-themed wordplay to get everyone on the same page for today’s learning, sharing, and connecting.

8:45 am – 10:00 am

Cross-Campus Perspectives on EdTech

Featuring the University of Tennessee, Knoxville:

Brian Wright, Director, VolShop

Betty Phillips, Course Materials Manager, VolShop

Fred Kelly, ITR Support Specialist, Office of Innovative Technologies

Rosie Sasso, IT Manager, Office of Innovative Technologies

10:15 am – 11:15 am

Insights from a Campus Store

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Sponsored by Program Sponsor,
NACS Foundation

Networking Lunch



If some of the best conversations begin over lunch, some of the most productive ones happen before heading home. Use lunch as an opportunity to deepen your connections, compare notes, and identify next steps to carry forward after TAC.

12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Collaborating with Campus Stakeholders

Moving affordability initiatives forward often depends on engaging the right people at the right time. This interactive discussion will help you explore ways to strengthen existing relationships and partnerships; engage new voices; identify opportunities to deepen collaboration; and expand impact on your campus.

1:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Take Action: Closing Reflections & Next Steps 



Look back on the themes, discussions, and discoveries from TAC. Identify what resonated most, what deserves further exploration, and what actions you will take to support student success after returning to campus.