Today’s blog was guest written by Ryan Davis, CSD Sales Account Manager. Ryan recently joined the Compunetix sales team in support of vertical market solutions, and shared his insights from his first education event. Contact Ryan at rdavis@compunetix.com.
There’s something exciting about walking into a conference for the first time. New faces, new perspectives, and the opportunity to connect with people who share a common goal. For me, the 2026 NACADA Annual Conference in Oklahoma City was all of that and more.
I knew NACADA was going to be a large event, but I was genuinely surprised by both the size of the conference and how close-knit the community felt. Despite the number of people there, there was a real sense of familiarity and excitement as attendees reconnected with colleagues and friends.
Representing Compunetix, I came to Oklahoma City ready to introduce attendees to ConnectNow® VX, our virtual engagement platform designed to help institutions connect students with the people and resources they need. But I left with something equally valuable: a better understanding of the challenges institutions face and the importance of human connection in student success.
More Than a Demonstration
Much of my time was spent at Booth 105 introducing ConnectNow VX to professionals representing colleges and universities of all sizes. But some of the most valuable moments came from simply listening to the people who work with students every day.
One conversation in particular stuck with me.
An academic advisor talked about how the demographics of higher education are changing. Students increasingly come from different walks of life, age groups, and professional backgrounds, bringing different circumstances and expectations about how they interact with their institutions.
That conversation made me think differently about the challenges colleges and universities face. There isn’t necessarily one typical student anymore, which means institutions need to make advising and support services accessible to people whose lives, schedules, and needs may look very different.
Technology That Creates Human Connection
If I had to summarize my biggest takeaway from NACADA in one word, it would be connection.
Academic advising is ultimately about people. It’s about relationships, guidance, and making sure students know there is someone available who can help when they need it.
As technology becomes a bigger part of how we communicate, the goal shouldn’t be to remove people from the experience. It should be to make those human interactions easier to access.
That gave me a greater appreciation for what we’re trying to accomplish with ConnectNow VX. We’re using technology to help students reach the people behind the institution, whether that’s an advisor, student services professional, or another person who can provide the support they need.
A Different Perspective Coming Home
My first NACADA conference was an incredible introduction to the higher education community. I returned from Oklahoma City with new relationships, valuable insights, and a greater understanding of the people working every day to improve the student experience.
I also came back thinking differently about ConnectNow VX. Before the conference, I understood what the technology could do. After talking with advisors and other higher education professionals, I have a better appreciation for why that capability matters.
Technology will continue to change how colleges and universities interact with students. But if my first NACADA taught me anything, it’s that the human connection on the other side of that technology still matters.
To everyone who took the time to talk with me in Oklahoma City, thank you for the conversations, insights, and warm welcome. I’m looking forward to continuing those discussions.
