Beginnings of HEUG

The organization we now know as HEUG traces its origins to the grassroots efforts of several dedicated individuals at the handful of higher education institutions that were the early adopters, beta partners, and charter institutions for PeopleSoft's applications.

First Conferences (HESIG)

The organization was originally known as HESIG (Higher Education Special Interest Group) and held three conferences under that name in Dallas, Texas from 1998 to 2000.

HEUG Incorporation

The HEUG was legally incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2001, firmly establishing itself as the official, independent voice for PeopleSoft's higher education customers. One of the greatest values of this organization has been the opportunity to work collegially alongside other application users to share best practices in using and maintaining each institution's systems.

Alliance Conference

In 2006, the name of the conference was changed to Alliance. The change reflected the inclusion of HEUG's allied user groups: FUN (Federal Users Network) and SLG (State and Local Government Group, now PSUG, Public Sector Users Group).

Global Expansion

HEUG began investing in regional conferences both in the U.S. and internationally, eventually adding conferences in EMEA, Latin America, and Asia. The well-established Australia/New Zealand event became branded as Alliance Down Under as well.

Going Virtual

Unprecedented is probably the most appropriate word to describe 2020 — not only for HEUG, but for institutions of higher education across the planet. The year saw us shift from an in-person Alliance conference, ready to kick off in Philadelphia, to a virtual conference held just months after the original date. It was something never before attempted by HEUG, and certainly not expected on such a short timeframe. More than 1,500 attendees accessed 250+ sessions, community discussions on COVID-19 challenges, and new virtual networking opportunities.

Back in Person, and Growing

The 2022 conference was long-awaited, marking a return to in-person events after two years. The conference team spent the year planning and adjusting to changing travel, vaccine, and masking requirements to keep attendees safe. In the years since, Alliance has continued to grow in attendance, quality of sessions, and speakers from across the globe.

Alliance continues to prove it's the #1 technology user and leadership conference in higher education, year over year.