Registration for InCommon BaseCAMP 2026 is open, and we’ve changed things up this year with new formats, new sessions, and one of our strongest programs yet.
Whether you’re sending a new staff member, bringing your whole team, or attending BaseCAMP to boost your identity and access management (IAM) skills, here’s what we have planned for you this year.
BaseCAMP 2026
June 1–5 | Virtual | Half-Day Sessions
- Understand the IAM landscape.
- Meet the people shaping it.
- Start your journey.
What’s on the Trail in 2026
- The Business of IAM
Technical skills are only part of the job. Learn to navigate IAM roles and responsibilities within the context of your organization. Get practical guidance on how to communicate with institutional leadership and partners. - IAM Core Concepts
Get your bearings with this overview of the IAM landscape in research and higher education (R&E), including its unique challenges and considerations. You’ll gain an understanding of core IAM concepts, basic functions and architecture, and common terminology. This is where your IAM journey begins. One of the most valued parts of BaseCAMP just got even more relevant. - Federation & eduroam — More In-Depth This Year
Familiarize yourself with federation! Go from federation basics to the real systems that make cross-institution access possible. You’ll learn about federated identity, authentication, and authorization, and how federation enables collaboration and connection. Get a breakdown of the key roles in a federation — Identity Providers (IdPs), Service Providers (SPs), and the Federation Operator. - Modernizing IAM Infrastructure
Take a practical look at how institutions approach IAM modernization, from legacy systems and cloud migrations to vendor management and onboarding new products. Hear real experiences, common pitfalls, and strategies for making thoughtful architecture and product decisions. - AI and IAM — Let’s Talk About It!
Hear peer and expert perspectives on how AI is beginning to shape IAM. Together, we’ll sort hype from real implications and discuss what evolving AI capabilities could mean for the future of IAM.
This is only a small taste of what’s on the docket for BaseCAMP 2026. The full agenda is available for review, so you can see all the topics and sessions in store for you.
“This is exactly what I’ve always wanted from a conference. From my perspective, 100% of the time spent was relevant. I can’t say that of any conference I attended in my entire life!”
– 2025 BaseCAMP Attendee
New This Year: UnCAMP on Friday
On Friday, we’re flipping the tables. This year, we are introducing UnCAMP, a virtual unconference where you set the agenda.
At the start of the day, participants will propose topics for Friday’s sessions and vote on proposals to set the agenda. Then we’ll break out into discussions based on your topics.
Do you have a burning question, an idea to share, or a challenge you want to discuss with peers? Bring it to UnCAMP. Our experts will be there to offer insight and help guide you.
We will run two concurrent session tracks in three time blocks for a total of 6 UnCAMP sessions. Choose the session that interests you most or pop into both. This is BaseCAMP for you, by you.
BaseCAMP has always thrived on peer learning and conversation. Now we’re giving you even more opportunity to exchange knowledge.
CAMP Fires: Gather ‘Round
After a day of learning, you’ll wind down at BaseCAMP’s virtual CAMP Fires. These are informal, interactive spaces to connect with peers, share experiences, and problem-solve together.
Each evening, pull up a seat at one of our themed CAMP fires to keep the conversation flowing, swap ideas, and grow your network.
CAMP Fires are relaxed, real, and one of the top reasons people return to BaseCAMP.
New to BaseCAMP? Here’s the Lay of the Land
In mountaineering, the base camp is where every climb begins. It’s where you orient yourself, meet your team, check your gear, and prepare for the journey ahead.
That’s exactly the role BaseCAMP plays — it is your on-ramp to IAM in the R&E community.
This five-day virtual experience is delivered in half-day sessions. You’ll get exposure to a broad range of material, from core concepts and hot topics to practical guidance and real-world examples.
We map out the IAM landscape and help you chart your path forward.
“I enjoyed hearing all the various perspectives and struggles of everyone on this journey. None of us is an island, and it’s nice to be reminded of that.”
– 2025 BaseCAMP Attendee
Who Should Be There
Need an introduction to IAM in higher education or a brush-up on your knowledge? BaseCAMP is for you.
This event is ideal for professionals who are new to the field, shifting to IAM from another IT role, or simply seeking to better understand the IAM landscape.
BaseCAMP features sessions designed for a variety of roles, so you don’t need to be a technical practitioner to join in.
You’ll learn important vocabulary, pick up practical tips, and join a community of shared knowledge. You will see for yourself that you’re not doing this work alone.
Hear From Past Attendees
See what BaseCAMP has meant for people across the community:
