A unifying concept of the Synergy experience has been the close linking of learning theory with enhanced opportunities for participation with business and industry. This provides context and application for learning activities that engage faculty and students in ways that produce measurable outcomes and transcend those customarily achieved by more conventional learning methods. Using an innovative problem-based challenge cycle as the format, the Synergy conferences purposefully intertwine provocative keynotes with highly interactive breakout sessions to allow participants to reflect on the messages and to work through processes that culminate in action planning. Participating teams use the knowledge gained over the three days of the conference to develop structured plans that can be readily implemented by their institutions.