CNM to Host National Community College Innovation Conference in February
CNM is honored to host the 2026 Alliance for Innovation and Transformation (AFIT) CEO Forum & Reps meeting February 25-27. The event will be held at CNM locations across Albuquerque, including CNM Main Campus, the Albuquerque Rail Yards, and the CNM Quantum Learning Lab. Attendees will be immersed in the theme of “Exponential Resilience” and explore tools, case studies, and real-world applications to build adaptive and resilient cultures in higher education.
AFIT is a nonprofit association that works with forward-thinking higher education institutions to promote innovation and sustainability, expand opportunities for learners, and build up their communities. Its membership is primarily comprised of community college presidents aligned toward meaningful, lasting impact.
“On behalf of CNM, we’re honored to host some of the country’s most innovative and forward-thinking college leaders,” said CNM President Tracy Hartzler. “At a time of unprecedented change in higher education and across our global economy, colleges are called to explore and embrace bold new approaches that will help us increase our resiliency, evolve for the future, and provide the education and training opportunities that lift up our students, communities, and economies. By sharing transformative ideas and leveraging strong partnerships with innovative businesses, AFIT is helping colleges like CNM rise to our many challenges and continue creating lasting opportunities for everybody we serve.”
This year, CNM looks forward to conducting tours and hosting innovative sessions in our new, state-of-the-art facilities including the Ted Chavez Trades and Technologies Center living labs and the Robert P. Matteucci Hall beverage academy. On Wednesday and Thursday, attendees will have opportunities for professional networking, informative seminars, and site tours highlighting CNM's efforts to remain at the forefront of the growing trades, technology, and media industries.
On Friday, the event's focus will shift to the quantum industry, featuring opportunities to visit CNM’s Quantum Learning Lab, where CNM hosted the first Quantum Technician workforce training program in the country last fall. The second bootcamp begins Feb. 23.
AFIT 2026 participants will explore the Exponential Era and the Exponential Organization (ExO) model, which focuses on using emerging technologies, data, and community to drive impact. Organizers are also aiming to shape the 2026 Summer Institute and apply the principles of ExO to the future of quantum computing. The event is open to AFIT Member CEOs and their employees, AFIT representatives, and key community stakeholders whose roles align with AFIT initiatives.
Experiences are supported by partners including Sandia National Laboratories, the New Mexico Media Arts Collective, and local quantum companies Quantinuum and Qunnect. For more information, visit afithighered.com