2026 AIEA Annual Conference
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
One Conference, Two Powerful Plenaries
Our two plenary sessions anchor the AIEA 2026 Annual Conference with timely, forward-looking perspectives on leadership in a rapidly changing global landscape.
- Opening Plenary: “The Power of We: How Diverse Stakeholders Drive International Education Forward”
- Afternoon Plenary: “Afternoon Plenary Panel: Leading the Way in Volatile Times”
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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.
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International Delegations
AIEA is 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.
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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.
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; 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).
2026 Conference Interns
Pictured L to R: Emmanuel Wanjala, Faryal Atif, (Lead Conference Intern), Linnea Saxton, Jonathan Carmona