New Speakers Confirmed | Back to School 2026
The 25th Annual Back to School Summit convenes the leaders defining the future of higher education.
From September 15-17, we’re bringing an exceptional line-up of influential university presidents, policymakers, CEOs, investors and innovators to New York City. This is where the sector's most influential decision-makers come to challenge assumptions and shape the agenda for the next 25 years.
Here’s a snapshot of the incredible voices we’re bringing to the program for Back to School 2026:
- Amit Patel, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Owl Ventures
- Bronagh Friel, Head of Partnerships, Grow with Google
- John Garcia, Executive Director of the Pathways Impact Fund, StriveTogether
- Dr Cappy Hill, Senior Advisor, Ithaka S+R
- Susan Youngblood, Operating Advisor on AI and Workforce Strategy, Bessemer Venture Partners
- Chike Aguh, Head of Innovation and Strategy, Gap Closing Startups at Kapor Center
- Daniel Pianko, Managing Director, Achieve Partners
- Tracey Burns, Chief, Global Strategy and Research, National Center on Education and the Economy
- Amanda Winters, Executive Director, Workforce, US Chamber of Commerce Foundation
- John Soleanicov, Investment Director, EdTechnical Ventures
- Erin Mote, CEO, InnovateEDU
- Michelle Sobel, President, Unify America
Join us for this landmark 25th edition and be part of the conversations shaping the future of higher education.
Best wishes,
QS Team
