HERDI Innovate Conference

Where innovative companies and community college leaders convene to collaborate and grow.

HERDI puts you at the table with leaders who are driving the future of higher education.

HERDI (Higher Education Research and Development Institute) brings together forward-thinking companies and community college leaders to collaborate, innovate, and grow through targeted focus groups and meaningful networking opportunities.

At HERDI, client partners gain valuable insights to refine their messaging, pricing, product development, and strategic direction. Through honest, constructive feedback, participants receive real-time input that drives market expansion and strengthens organizational performance.

HERDI events are designed to foster open, authentic dialogue in a collegial setting — a defining feature that sets HERDI apart from traditional conferences or association meetings. It’s a uniquely engaging space where meaningful connections and actionable insights come together.

What is a HERDI Panel Session?

HERDI offers client partners a rare opportunity to engage directly with community college chancellors, presidents, and senior leaders in dynamic, “Shark Tank”–style sessions lasting two to three hours. These sessions provide a platform to present products or services and receive honest, in-depth feedback on their effectiveness, credibility, and overall impact.

In many ways, the panel serves as a real-time research and development team — offering insights that help refine and strengthen your approach. And make no mistake, the panelists don’t hold back. They listen closely, speak candidly, and provide the kind of unfiltered advice that can make a real difference.

Why? Because your success has a ripple effect — improving outcomes for their students, their institutions, and your company.

"...it's an opportunity for great insight and feedback about...the community college market that frankly is really hard to get in a concentrated way anywhere else.”

- HERDI Client Partner.