The 2024 Engage Summit, held from June 25-26 in Raleigh, NC, was a vibrant convergence of higher education professionals, tech innovators, and AI enthusiasts. The summit explored how artificial intelligence can revolutionize student engagement, operational efficiency, and team productivity in higher education. With over 400 attendees, 25+ AI sessions, and fun networking events (like our glittery cocktail hour!), the event was a hub of innovation and inspiration.

Notable speakers included Melina Palmer, CEO of The Brainy Business; Jeff Selingo, New York Times bestselling author; and Dr. Janet Spriggs, President of Forsyth Technical Community College. Their keynotes and sessions provided invaluable insights into the transformative power of AI, behavioral economics, and innovative leadership in education.

Industry Track Highlights

The Industry Track sessions at Engage Summit 2024 were designed to help institutions step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by artificial intelligence. These sessions focused on fostering an AI-savvy culture, leveraging AI for marketing, and ensuring ethical AI practices. Some highlights included:

• Unlock the AI Revolution in Your Team
  Jaime Hunt, President of Solve Higher Ed and Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO host, discussed the importance of cultivating a culture of AI exploration, innovation, and curiosity within educational institutions.
• Crafting AI-Powered Social Media Influencer Strategies
  Maya Demishkevich from Carroll Community College and The Hidden Gem podcast, and Jenny Li Fowler from MIT and Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager explored the strategic role of social media in bolstering college objectives through AI-powered tools.
• There's a GPT for That
  Shane Baglini from Muhlenberg College and the Breaking Silos podcast, and Allison Turcio from Siena College and The Application highlighted how ChatGPT and generative AI can enhance productivity and create engaging, personalized content.
• Ethics of AI: Our Collective Role in Making AI Use Trustworthy
  Obi Ogbanufe from the University of North Texas delved into the ethical considerations surrounding AI development and deployment, emphasizing transparency, fairness, and accountability.

Product Track Highlights

The Product Track sessions were tailored for Element451 customers, focusing on maximizing the potential of the CRM, enhancing staff productivity, and enriching student engagement. Here are some key sessions:

• Bolt AI Assistants: Deep Dive
  Ardis Kadiu and Petar Djordjevic of Element451 provided an in-depth look at how Bolt AI Assistants can transform student support by enhancing engagement and streamlining administrative tasks.
• Sneak Peek: Student Portals
  Ty Fujimura introduced the new Element451 Student Portals, which connect students to the information and resources they need to succeed.
• Bolt Discovery: Your Ultimate AI-Powered Search Assistant
  Petar Djordjevic and Eric Range demonstrated how Bolt Discovery revolutionizes knowledge exploration on institutional websites, increasing engagement and transforming the attention economy in higher ed.

Looking Ahead: Embracing AI in Higher Ed

Engage Summit 2024 was a resounding success, showcasing the immediate and impactful benefits of AI in higher education. From innovative strategies in student engagement to practical applications of AI-powered tools, the summit provided attendees with a wealth of knowledge and actionable insights.

As we move forward, it’s clear that AI is a critical partner in enhancing educational experiences and operational efficiency. By embracing AI, institutions can create more inclusive, proactive, and personalized learning environments that meet the evolving needs of today’s students. Join us in this exciting journey and stay ahead of the curve by exploring the session recordings and applying these insights at your institution.

We look forward to seeing you at the next Engage Summit as we continue to innovate and transform higher education together.