AIEA invites proposals for pre-conference workshops as part of the 2027 Annual Conference.

Workshops are an important part of the AIEA Annual Conference, providing interactive, deep-dive learning experiences for conference attendees. Each year, we offer participants with a wide variety of workshop options on timely topics and welcome proposals from anyone who is interested in sharing expertise, sparking dialogue, and leading meaningful learning experiences with peers from around the world.

Pre-conference workshops are designed to go beyond the traditional session format—offering interactive, in-depth exploration of timely topics that matter to international education leaders today.

Submission Deadline: June 30

Submit a Proposal

Submission Deadline: June 30

Bring your ideas, expertise, and perspective – and help shape the future of international education leadership.

Leading a workshop is an opportunity to:

• Position yourself as a thought leader in the field
• Engage deeply with peers in a smaller, highly interactive setting
• Shape conversations around key issues in international education
• Share practical tools and strategies that participants can take back to their institutions
• Address a knowledge or training gap in the field

AIEA will offer two types of pre-conference workshops:

Virtual Workshops

• Format: Zoom Meeting
• Timing: 2.5 hours, scheduled between January 15 – February 15, 2027
• Design: Highly interactive and engagement-focused

Compensation:

• 15% discount on conference registration for up to 5 presenters 

In-Person Workshops

• Format: Held at the AIEA Annual Conference
• Timing: Monday of the conference (morning or afternoon)
• Length: 4 hours
• Room Setup: Roundtables with theater seating in the back
• A/V: Provided (presenters must bring their own computer)
• Refreshments: Coffee and tea provided

Design Expectations:

• Workshops should be interactive and may include a break at the presenter’s discretion

Compensation:

• 50% off full conference registration for up to 3 presenters

Workshops may also be considered for sessions – virtual or in-person –  at other times of the year. 

Pre-conference workshops should:

• Offer a deep dive into a focused, high-value topic
• Be interactive and participant-centered (not lecture-based)
• Provide practical, actionable takeaways
• Create space for discussion, reflection, and peer exchange
• Be designed for approximately 8–35 participants

Each workshop must designate a Chair, who serves as the primary point of contact with AIEA.

We are especially interested in proposals that:

• Address strategic leadership and decision-making
• Tackle current challenges and emerging trends
• Provide practical frameworks, tools, or models
• Reflect diverse perspectives and global contexts
• Encourage active learning and meaningful interaction

Strong proposals will clearly demonstrate:

• Why the topic matters now
• What participants will gain
• How the session will engage participants throughout

Proposals will be asked to include:

• Workshop title and abstract
• Detailed session outline and agenda
• At least three clear learning outcomes
• Target audience level
• Presenter information and bios
• Explanation of presenter expertise
• Description of engagement and inclusive design approaches

To submit a proposal, you will be asked to provide the following information through the online submission form:

• Primary presenter contact information, including name, title, institution/organization, and email address
• Names, titles, institutions/organizations, and email addresses for all co-presenters
• Session title
• Session abstract/description for conference attendees
• Learning outcomes or key takeaways for participants
• Relevance to international education leadership and the AIEA audience
• Session format and presentation approach
• Information about audience engagement and interaction
• Presenter qualifications and expertise related to the topic
• Any potential commercial relationships or disclosures, if applicable
• AV or technology requests, if requested for the format
• Agreement to AIEA proposal policies and presenter expectations

Applicants should be prepared to submit all materials through the online proposal system in one sitting whenever possible. We recommend drafting responses in advance before beginning the submission process.

By submitting a proposal, applicants agree to the following:

• Workshops require a minimum of 8 participants to run. AIEA monitors registration closely and remains in touch with workshop facilitators to provide due notice if registration is low. We welcome workshop presenters’ partnership in driving interest in their workshop. 
• Workshops are typically designed for 8–35 participants. 
• Standard A/V will be provided for in-person workshops. 
• For in-person workshops, presenters must be available Monday of the conference. In 2027, this is Monday, February 15, 2027. 
• Presenters are responsible for meeting AIEA deadlines and communication guidance.
• Room setup is roundtables in the front, theater in the back, and a head table. Flip charts and markers are provided.

1. Interactivity & Engagement

• Is the workshop designed to be interactive?
• Does the proposal clearly portray how the session will move beyond a lecture-dominated workshop to include discussion, activities, or application?
• Does the proposal clearly portray how participants will engage with the content and other participants?

2. Practical Application & Takeaways

• Will participantsapply ideas, concepts, tools, frameworks, or strategies during the workshop?
• Will participants leave with actionable tools, frameworks, or strategies?
• Does the session move beyond theory to actionable insights?
• How does the workshop expand participants’ networks?

3. Relevance & Timeliness

• Does the workshop  address a meaningful and timely issue for international education leaders?
• Is it aligned with AIEA’s focus on strategic leadership and internationalization?

4. Learning Design & Outcomes

• Are the learning outcomes clear, specific, and actionable?
• Is there a logical structure and flow to the workshop?
• Is there clear alignment between outcomes and design? Are the outcomes realistic?
• Does the pedagogy align with the content, learners’ expected needs, and presenters’ expertise?

5. Clarity & Quality of Proposal

• Is the proposal clearly written, complete, and easy to understand?
• Are the purpose, audience, and structure well articulated? 

6. Contribution to Program Balance and AIEA Curriculum

• Does this workshop add value to the AIEA conference or AIEA curriculum as a whole in terms of topic, audience, or perspective (e.g. context, institution type, or global representation)?
• Does it help create a well-rounded program?
• Will the workshop address a gap in current programming for senior international leaders?

7. Presenter Expertise

• Do the chair and presenters demonstrate relevant experience and credibility with the content?
• Do the presenters have the skills/abilities to facilitate an effective workshop?
• Does the presentation team include members from a variety of institutions and/or types of institutions?

Submit a Proposal

Submission Deadline: June 30

Bring your ideas, expertise, and perspective – and help shape the future of international education leadership.