February 16-19, 2026 Washington, DC, USA Leading the Way: Navigating Volatility and New Realities in International Education
The Association of International Education Administrators Annual Conference is the premier venue for international education leadership. Wherever you are in your leadership journey, welcome home.
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
In-depth pre-conference workshops focused on topics like global strategic partnerships, virtual exchange, and more, designed for deep learning and practical takeaways
Compelling keynote speakers offering insights on the trends, shifts, and issues shaping the future of international education
Unmatched networking opportunities with colleagues and thought leaders driving comprehensive internationalization strategy
Conference Chair: Amir Reza, Babson College
2026 AIEA 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 AIEA Annual Conference Subthemes:
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.
AIEA 2026 Session Catalog
Explore the speakers, sessions, and events planned for our Annual Conference!
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.
