2026 INTERNET2

Community Exchange 

April 13-16,  Chicago, IL

Strategic Discussions. Peer-Driven Collaboration. Leadership Development.

The 2026 Internet2 Community Exchange (CommEX26) is where IT leaders and their teams come together to shape the future of research and education technology. The experience combines strategic foresight and collaborative problem-solving, enabling participants to advance their organizational missions through collaboration and connection.

As Internet2 celebrates 30 years of community-driven progress, CommEX26 returns to Chicago April 13-16, 2026, to mark this milestone with the global R&E community.

Join your peers to inspire a hopeful future strengthened by community innovation and leadership. Register now to save with early bird rates.

Register Today

What Sets CommEX26 Apart

  • Peer-Driven Collaboration: Engage in candid, small-group discussions that turn shared challenges into collaborative solutions.

  • A Focused, High-Impact Audience: Connect with CIOs, CISOs, directors, and other leaders tackling the same strategic, technical, and policy issues.

  • Real-Time Problem Solving: Gain actionable strategies for complex initiatives through conversations that happen in sessions and hallways.

  • Strategic and Forward-Looking: Shape the conversations that will define the next decade of digital transformation across R&E.

  • Collaborative Connections: Build partnerships that spark new ideas and lay the groundwork for progress far beyond the event.


Explore CommEX26 Themes

 

  • Emerging Technology
  • Data Privacy, Security, and Awareness
  • IT Funding and Resource Sustainability Challenges
  • Browse the Program

 


CommEX25 Highlights

Watch highlights from previous Community Exchanges! 

Who Attends CommEX26?

Types of Organizations

Types of Roles
  • Internet2 Higher Education Member Institutions
  • InCommon Participant organizations

  • State and Regional Network Member organizations

  • Affiliate / Federal Affiliate Member organizations

  • Global National Research and Education Network Organizations

  • Government Agencies

  • Industry Partners

  • HBCUs, TCUs, and MSI representatives

  • Research organizations, labs

 

  • C-Level Leadership (Chief Information Officers, Chief Technology Officers, Chief Information Security Officers, Chief Procurement Officers)

  • IT Directors and Managers

  • CEO and Executive Directors

  • State and Regional Network Operators

  • Network Directors, Managers, Engineers, and Programmers

  • Security Professionals

  • Research Computing and Data Professionals

  • Researchers and Vice Presidents for Research

  • Cloud and Identity Architects

  • Global National Research and Education Network Leaders