About the Blog
Engage Summit 2025 by Element451 isn’t your typical higher ed conference. With a fresh take on AI, enrollment marketing strategy, and student engagement, this year’s agenda is packed with hot takes, tactical sessions, and future-forward thinking. In this preview, we break down the bold ideas, standout sessions, and provocative discussions that will define this must-attend event for enrollment leaders and edtech pros alike.
If you’re hungry for sharp insights and no-fluff strategies from the people redefining higher ed marketing, this is the event to watch.
Key Takeaways
- AI in Higher Education Gets Real: From predictive analytics to real-time personalization, AI isn’t theory here—it’s action.
- Marketing Strategy for Student Recruitment Gets a Glow-Up: Bold new takes on segmentation, personalization, and conversion.
- Student Success Strategies Go Cross-Departmental: No more silos—expect tactical sessions on integrating data across the student lifecycle.
- Ed Tech Tools With Teeth: Hear how leading institutions are rolling out tools that actually deliver ROI.
- Your Peers Get Honest: Fireside chats and panels that go beyond fluff into the real struggles (and wins) of modern enrollment.
- Future-Proofing with Data: Learn how to build tech stacks and workflows that scale with shifting student expectations.
Hot Takes and Standout Sessions
AI-Driven Recruitment Isn’t the Future—It’s the Present
Kick off Day 1 with sessions like “AI Revolution: How Gen AI is Reshaping Work, Society, and Higher Ed”, which explores how the rise of intelligent agents is reshaping the way institutions operate, communicate, and support the people they serve.
Also, check out “Building Your Digital Workforce - A Deep Dive into Bolt Agents”, where Ardis Kadiu opens the hood on how these autonomous agents are designed—from how they understand context, manage tasks, orchestrate workflows, and make real-time decisions. You’ll see practical examples of these agents automating tasks traditionally done by staff, enabling your teams to spend more time on higher-value, strategic initiatives. By the end, you’ll see how you can deploy a “digital workforce” that executes tasks, supports staff, and propels the future of higher ed.
EdTech That Works (and Isn’t a Pain to Implement)
Higher ed leaders are tired of shiny tools with no stickiness. That’s why sessions like “Responsible AI in Action: Safety, Evaluations, and Real-World Lessons from ASU” with Stella Liu and “From Chaos to Clarity: Western Idaho's Playbook for Student-First CRM Success” with Luis Caloca are drawing buzz. You’ll hear how teams are consolidating platforms, eliminating duplicate work, and finally getting cross-department buy-in.
These sessions are particularly tactical—filled with tech stack maps, change management strategies, and candid takes on what tools aren’t worth the budget.
What Students Actually Want
Get ready to rethink your messaging strategies with the session “Students (Gen Z) + AI: Why They'd Rather Talk to a Bolt”. Led by Mallory Willsea, this session will cover the big reasons behind that shift, like instant responses, no fear of judgment, and 24/7 availability. She’ll also share how schools are adapting, including success stories where AI-driven chat and voice solutions actually increase student satisfaction (and free up staff for more complex tasks).
If you’ve ever wondered where Gen Z’s communication preferences are heading, this conversation is for you.
Spots are filling fast. Don’t miss your chance to be in the room where the future of higher ed marketing and student engagement is being built—register for Engage Summit 2025 today and come ready to listen, learn, and lead.
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