Leadership. Innovation. Resilience.
Thriving in the Heat. The challenges facing higher education have never been greater.
Join Us at the 2026 Rocky Mountain APPA Annual Conference
Rapid technological change. Workforce shortages. Aging infrastructure. Growing expectations. Limited resources.
The leaders who thrive in this environment are the ones who can build strong teams, adapt quickly, and create organizations prepared for the future.
Join facilities and higher education professionals from across the Rocky Mountain region for the 2026 Rocky Mountain APPA Annual Conference, where industry expertise meets leadership development, innovation, and collaboration.
This year’s conference theme, “Thriving in the Heat,” focuses on building resilient organizations capable of succeeding in today’s increasingly complex environment.
Molly Miller
Head Coach, Arizona State Women’s Basketball
Building a winning culture doesn’t happen by accident.
Known nationally for transforming programs and developing high-performing teams, Coach Molly Miller has built her reputation on leadership, accountability, trust, and relentless improvement.
Her keynote will explore:
- Building a championship culture
- Creating trust and accountability within teams
- Developing future leaders
- Leading through adversity and change
- Motivating individuals toward a common purpose
Whether you lead a facilities department, operations team, campus organization, or institutional initiative, Coach Miller’s lessons on leadership and team development provide practical insights that translate far beyond athletics.
Dr. Chris Howard
Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Arizona State University
Leadership is tested when organizations face complexity, uncertainty, and change.
Dr. Chris Howard brings a remarkable combination of military service, higher education leadership, and executive experience. As Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Arizona State University, he helps guide one of the nation’s most innovative and fastest-growing universities.
A distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Rhodes Scholar, Harvard Business School alumnus, former university president, and Bronze Star recipient, Dr. Howard has spent his career leading organizations through transformation and growth
His keynote will focus on:
- Strategic leadership in times of change
- Building resilient organizations
- Talent development and workforce readiness
- Innovation and institutional excellence
- Preparing teams for the future
Attendees will gain valuable insights from a leader whose experience spans higher education, national security, nonprofit leadership, and corporate strategy.
Why Attend?
Learn
Explore emerging trends, innovative solutions, and practical strategies through educational sessions focused on facilities management, sustainability, workforce development, technology, AI, and campus operations.
Connect
Build relationships with colleagues, industry experts, business partners, and higher education leaders from across the Rocky Mountain region.
Discover
Visit the conference expo to explore products, services, and technologies that can help your institution operate more effectively and efficiently.
Grow
Return to your campus with actionable ideas, new perspectives, and leadership insights you can immediately apply within your organization.
Conference Highlights
- Nationally recognized keynote speakers
- Educational sessions led by industry experts
- Higher education leadership panel discussions
- Campus tours of Arizona State University facilities
- Business partner expo and networking opportunities
- Awards banquet and recognition programs
- Peer-to-peer learning and collaboration
Thrive in the Heat
Success in today’s environment requires more than technical expertise.
It requires leaders who can inspire teams, embrace innovation, and create organizations prepared for whatever comes next.
Join us in Tempe, Arizona, September 6–11, 2026, and discover how your institution can thrive in the heat.
Register Today
Secure your place at the Rocky Mountain APPA 2026 Annual Conference and be part of the conversation shaping the future of higher education facilities leadership.