Engage Summit 2026 is almost here, and the excitement is building. In this special episode of Pulse Check, Engage emcees Brendan Henkel, AVP of Solutions Engineering at Element451, and Cecily Street, VP of People at Element451, sit down to preview what's in store for this year's conference in Charlotte.

From reflecting on the remarkable growth of Engage—from a small gathering in a Raleigh hotel conference room to a major industry event at the Charlotte Convention Center—to sharing what they're most excited about this year, Brendan and Cecily offer a behind-the-scenes look at the community, innovation, and energy that make Engage such a unique experience.
The conversation highlights major announcements attendees can expect to hear more about, including Element451's expanding Bolt AI capabilities, the newly announced Encoura partnership, and a few surprises still waiting to be revealed on stage. They also discuss the importance of community, networking, and the connections that continue long after the conference ends.
Whether you're attending in person, joining through Engage Digital Summit, or simply curious about what's ahead for higher education and AI, this episode offers a preview of the conversations, innovations, and experiences shaping Engage 2026.

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