AIEA 2026 Annual Conference

Leading the Way: Navigating Volatility and New Realities in International Education

February 16-19, 2026     Marriott Marquis     Washington, DC, USA

February 16-19, 2026   
Marriott Marquis    
Washington, DC, USA

Ideas, Insights, & Global Leadership

Over 100 sessions and roundtables featuring leaders and peers from across the international education spectrum sharing transformative ideas and game-changing strategies to navigate today’s most pressing challenges in the field.

Connection & Networking

Unmatched networking opportunities with colleagues and thought leaders throughout our global community who are driving comprehensive internationalization strategy at their institutions or organizations.

Powerhouse Plenaries

One conference, two can’t-miss plenaries that set the tone with a candid, forward-looking discussion on the urgent need for cross-sector collaboration and what it will take to move beyond diagnosis and toward direction.

Conference Sub-Themes

1. Reimagining Institutional Global Strategy: Navigating Political, Policy, and Populist Pressures

How can institutions adapt when national policies or public sentiment turn against internationalization? Do universities need their own “foreign policy?” What can we learn from peers in other countries facing similar challenges?

2. Building Institutional Agility and Entrepreneurial Leadership

Fostering entrepreneurial thinking and adaptive leadership in international offices and beyond. Leveraging volatility as an opportunity for innovation in partnerships, programming, and funding models.

3. New Models for Global Engagement and Partnerships

Innovations in partnership models (hub and spoke, regional satellites, virtual components). Addressing mobility barriers, visa restrictions, and sustainability considerations.

4. Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies in International Education

How AI and new technologies are reshaping global learning, mobility, student services, partnerships, and academic collaboration — and what ethical, practical, and leadership questions this raises.

Pre-Conference Workshops

Conference Schedule

Conference Hotel & Travel

Branding & Engagement

AIEA 2026 Plenaries

One Conference, Two Powerhouse Plenaries

Our two plenary sessions anchored the AIEA 2026 Annual Conference with timely, forward-looking perspectives on leadership in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Gateway

Gateway to Leadership Fund

We’re pleased to announce a new opportunity to support participation and engagement with the AIEA 2026 Annual Conference, made possible through a generous partnership with Gateway International Group.
International Delegations at AIEA 2026

International Delegations

AIEA was pleased to welcome delegations from outside of the U.S. to participate in the Annual conference. Approved delegations with 2+ conference registrants receive reduced conference rates, complimentary AIEA membership, and additional enhanced benefits.

AIEA 2027 Provost Track

Provost Track

We’re pleased to announce a new opportunity to support participation and engagement with the AIEA 2026 Annual Conference, made possible through a generous partnership with Gateway International Group.
AIEA 2026 Photo Album

Conference Interns & Volunteers

Meet our dedicated team of conference interns and volunteers whose energy, professionalism, and behind-the-scenes contributions helped bring the AIEA Annual Conference to life.

AIEA 2026 Photo Album

Photo Album

From inspiring sessions to meaningful conversations, unforgettable celebrations, and a rock concert to remember, AIEA 2026 was filled with moments that reflected the strength of our community. Explore the photo gallery and revisit the moments that captured the energy, collaboration, and spirit of AIEA 2026.

Coming Soon

We extend a heartfelt thank you to Conference Chair Amir Reza, the Conference Planning Committee, and our dedicated team of interns and volunteers whose leadership and dedication helped make the conference possible.

Amir Reza

2026 Conference Chair

Amir REza

2026 Conference Committee

Amy Brewster (University of Iowa); Amy Henry (Georgia Institute of Technology); Ariel Foster (IELTS USA); Cristiana Kunyczka (Montclair State University); Cristina Alfaro (San Diego State University); Dan Kramer (Institute of International Education); Debra Leahy (University of New England); Dr. Godlove Fonjweng (Prairie View A&M University); Eny Di Iorio (Lorenzo de’ Medici Institute); Eowyn Ferey (Portland State University); Fabiola Riobé (Satis Sum Consulting); Jahan Ghaznavi (CleverApply); Janelle Castrellon (City of Knowledge – Ciudad del Saber); Jennifer Creamer (Robert Morris University); Julie Taylor (Institute of International Education); Kira Espiritu (ACM-IAU); Marianne McClelland (UC Davis); Marta L. Wayne (University of Florida); Miguel Ayllon (Indiana University); Natasha Nobell (University of British Columbia); Nick Gozik (Elon University); Philipp Reichert (University of British Columbia); Ramesh Neupane (Purdue University Northwest); Rogelio Minana (Drexel University); Roopa Rawjee (Illinois State University); Saher Ahmed (University of British Columbia); Stacy Burger (Lehigh University); Tashina Giraud (American University); Tiffany Boury (Franciscan University); Todd Lee Goen (Global Puzzles); Wing-Kai To (Bridgewater State University); Mariella Hernandez Salazar (Montclair State University).