Schedule
“The goal of the conference is to support teams of campus professionals and industry service providers as they develop new course content models for their campuses. TAC is instrumental in advancing new affordability strategies that create student success.”
– Ed Schlichenmayer, NACS Chief Executive Officer
All times listed in the Central time zone
Monday, Nov. 3
8:30 am – 9:00 am
Check-in
9:00 am – 9:30 am
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.
10:45 am – 11:00 am
Break
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Affordability in Context
with Lacey Wallace, Ph.D., 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
Sponsored by VitalSource

1:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Variety of Sessions TBD
Look forward to panels, presentations, thought leaders, group activities, and facilitated discussions. The final puzzle pieces are clicking into place and will be posted soon!
5:15 pm – 5:45 pm
Break
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!
Tuesday, Nov. 4
8:30 am – 12:15 pm
Variety of Sessions TBD
Look forward to even more panels, presentations, thought leaders, group activities, and facilitated discussions. We’re buttoning up the details and will post them soon!
12:15 pm – 1:30 pm
Networking Lunch
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.
TAC ENDS AT 2:00 PM
*Subject to change without notice