Be Part of the Only Conference for STEM Society Professionals

Join us on July 13-15, 2026 in Raleigh, NC at the Raleigh Convention Center, for ACCESSE, a unique 3-day meeting designed exclusively for STEM society professionals.
Hosted by the Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives (CESSE), ACCESSE delivers leadership development, peer‑to‑peer connections, and expertise in the management of science, technology, engineering, and math societies. At ACCESSE, attendees benefit from a focused environment where conversations go deeper, collaboration is strengthened, and peers further build their understanding of the unique context of STEM society work.
Registration Now Open
Do you have questions about ACCESSE? Get answers from our ACCESSE frequently asked questions or contact CESSE.
Conference Partners: please do NOT use the registration link below. A separate partner registration link and code have been sent to you. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Julia Oakson at [email protected].
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Things to Do in Raleigh
Friends of CESSE Fund Scholarship
CESSE members are invited to apply for the Friends of CESSE Scholarship, which is providing five need-based scholarships to support attendance at ACCESSE26 (July 13–15 in Raleigh, NC). The scholarship includes a $1,000 stipend to be used toward travel expenses, along with a registration waiver.
Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, May 27. Recipients will be notified by June 15.
Apply for a Scholarship to Attend
2026 Theme: Rooted in Purpose
Grounded stability and meaningful direction, this year's theme is 'Rooted in Purpose.' The theme will inform the program on three levels:
- Individual: Know your why and let it guide you
- Organizational: Operate with clarity and conviction
- Global: Inspire purpose-driven impact at scale
The program is created by fellow STEM society professionals and rooted in purpose to help you lead with clarity. From CEOs and executive teams to staff across content, education, meetings, membership and marketing, publications, finance, HR, and operations, ACCESSE26 will help you align your “why” with actionable strategies.
If you shape member value, drive programs, manage meetings, steward publications, or scale your society's impact, you won't want to miss this event.
Explore the Schedule
Meet Our Partners
Partnership Opportunities
Our partners know STEM societies and how to accelerate their outcomes. If you are an ACCESSE partner or interested in partnering with CESSE, please contact Adrianne Spiller to learn more.
Become an ACCESSE Partner
Finance & HR Pre‑Conference Meeting
Following a strong response last year, CESSE is pleased to once again offer the Finance & HR Pre‑Conference Meeting for STEM society professionals working in finance and human resources roles.
Designed as a standalone program, the Finance & HR Pre‑Conference Meeting takes place prior to ACCESSE and provides dedicated time for focused discussion, peer exchange, and practical learning amongst Finance and HR professionals.
This program is separate from the conference, so attendance at ACCESSE is not required. Attendees may choose to attend the Finance & HR Pre‑Conference Meeting on its own or combine it with the full ACCESSE experience.
Explore the HR & Finance Pre-Conference Program
Recap the ACCESSE25 Conference in Philadelphia
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A Transformative Event for You and Your STEM Society

Attending the ACCESSE conference is important for STEM societies professionals at all levels. That’s why CESSE has created resources to help you explain why your association should send staff to ACCESSE, whether you’re a STEM CEO encouraging emerging leaders to attend or a professional eager to learn from our speakers and attendees. We’ll help you make the case for professional development specific to scientific societies.
Learn more about ACCESSE’s value from past ACCESSE attendees and partners.
Get Approval to Attend ACCESSE
Support Your Staff in Attending ACCESSE
As a trusted space for STEM society professionals, the ACCESSE conference brings together CEOs and staff from a wide range of scientific associations to share fresh perspectives and turn innovative ideas into reality.
At ACCESSE, you will:
- Learn from dozens of insightful, engaging experts who are presenting on important topics that affect you and your STEM association.
- Connect with hundreds of STEM professionals like you at social events, fostering important professional relationships and collaborations.
- Find solutions for your organization’s challenges through ACCESSE partners, vendors who support association management and scientific societies.
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