NC CORD 2026 Conference | Harvesting Fresh Ideas: CORE To Success

Get ready to gather the "fruits" of your labor and cultivate new strategies in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains! Join us for the 2026 NC CORD Conference, hosted by Haywood Community College in the scenic town of Clyde and historic Waynesville, North Carolina. Just as the local orchards prepare for the famous Apple Harvest Festival, we are coming together to harvest the freshest ideas in resource development, grant writing, and institutional advancement. This year's theme, "CORE To Success," focuses on the essential elements that form the heart of our mission: community engagement, innovative funding, and student-centered growth. Over three days of immersive workshops and collaborative roundtables, you will: Prune outdated practices and discover new, high-yield fundraising techniques; Cross-pollinate with colleagues from across the state to share "bright ideas"; Cider-brate our collective wins during our signature networking events and the Executive Director Lunch. Whether you are a seasoned navigator or a new sprout in the field, this conference will provide the tools you need to ensure your programs thrive for seasons to come. Stay through the weekend to experience the charm of downtown Waynesville's Apple Festival and see first-hand why our "CORE" is so vital to North Carolina's future. Rooted in Excellence. Growing for the Future.