Find Your Perfect Fit: Which Session Format is Right For You?

Every AIEA conference begins with a simple question: What conversations does the field need right now?

The answer comes from the international education leaders, practitioners, researchers, and partners who bring their experiences, challenges, innovations, and questions to the conference.

The Call for Proposals for AIEA 2027 is now open for you to contribute to the conversation.

Whether you have a proven strategy to share, a challenge you’re navigating, a new partnership model, emerging research, or an idea that could spark discussion among colleagues, we invite you to contribute to the conversations shaping the future of international education leadership.

More Ways Than Ever to Participate

One of the most exciting aspects of AIEA 2027 is the expanded range of session formats available to presenters.

Not every great idea belongs on a traditional panel: Some ideas are best explored through discussion. Others are better shared as a concise insight, visual presentation, or hands-on learning experience. To address this, AIEA is accepting proposals in five formats:

Facilitated Roundtable Discussions

Do you have a topic that can best be addressed through peer learning and discussion?

Some of the most valuable conference moments happen when colleagues exchange ideas directly with one another.

Facilitated Roundtable Discussions are designed to encourage active participation, peer learning, and collaborative problem-solving. Rather than presenting information to an audience, facilitators guide conversation around a focused topic or challenge.

Lightning Round Talks New!

Do you have an idea that can be communicated in a focused, compelling way?

New for AIEA 2027, Lightning Round Talks offer presenters the opportunity to share a key insight, innovative practice, lesson learned, or emerging idea in a concise format with TED-style inspiration.

Poster Presentations New!

Also new for AIEA 2027, Poster Presentations create an opportunity for more informal, interactive engagement.

Poster sessions allow presenters and attendees to engage in one-on-one conversations while exploring research findings, institutional initiatives, assessment projects, partnership models, and innovative practices.

Pre-Conference Workshops New!

(Submissions closed – the proposal deadline for Workshop proposals was June 30, 2026.)

For topics that require deeper exploration and skill development, Pre-Conference Workshops offer a longer, more immersive learning experience.

These sessions provide opportunities for participants to engage with practical tools, frameworks, and strategies that can be applied directly to their work.

Not Sure Which Format Fits?

Start with your idea.
Ask yourself:

• Do I want participants to learn from multiple perspectives? Consider a Panel.
• Do I want participants to engage with each other? Consider a Roundtable.
• Do I have a concise idea with one clear takeaway? Consider a Lightning Round.
• Am I sharing research, assessment, or a visual project? Consider a Poster.
• Do participants need time to practice, apply, or develop skills? Consider a Workshop.

The best format is the one that helps attendees engage most effectively with your content.

We Want to Hear Your Voice

One of the strengths of AIEA is the diversity of experiences represented within our community. The conference is enriched when voices from different institutional types, professional roles, regions, and sectors contribute to the conversation.

The future of international education leadership will be shaped by the ideas, questions, innovations, and collaborations we bring together.

We hope you’ll be part of that conversation at AIEA 2027.