Submit a Proposal

Proposal Deadline:
EXTENDED TO 10 AM ET August 18! ​

LAST-MINUTE QUESTIONS? 

• To save your proposal, hit “submit” - you will be able to log in and come back to it later.  
• If you have been listed as an additional speaker (panelist) on a session, you will need to log in and update a few items in your profile.
  • ​ Access the Speaker Portal here: http://aiea.certain.com/ev/1255
  • Click the “Forgot Password” link below the login fields.
  • Enter the email address associated with your proposal (as entered by the chair) 
  • Check your email for a password reset link and follow the instructions.
  • ​Once logged in, complete your bio and organization as part of the submission process.

If you’re reading this, you have insight and experience that matters. You know others—colleagues, partners, peers - with bold ideas and valuable perspectives. Together, you can help lead the conversation that will define what comes next. And we want to hear from you. 
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Whether you're part of a nonprofit or a startup, a higher education institution or a government agency - your perspective matters. The future of international education is being written and now is the time to add your voice. 

We invite you to submit a proposal for the 2026 Annual Conference in Washington, DC. This is our opportunity to come together with peers and colleagues from every corner of the international education field to elevate voices from around the globe and exchange transformative ideas, to reflect on our collective progress, and move boldly into the future we’re building together.​
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Important: AIEA is using a new abstract management system for 2026. All co-presenters must log in and complete their contact information and biography before proposals will be reviewed.

Key Proposal Resources

• Conference Theme and Subthemes
• Selection Criteria and Rubric
• Collaboration Document: find others interested in presenting 
• ​Consider looking at the SIO Profile Survey data for ideas

 Why Submit a Proposal?

• Help shape the international education agenda
• Gain visibility as a thought leader in the field
• Contribute to professional dialogue with peers and decision-makers
• Strengthen your institutional presence and leadership voice 

​SESSION FORMATS

“Standard” Panel Session 

• Focus: Interactive dialogue after expert presentations
• Minimum discussion time:  25 mins
• Maximum slides 8-10 per presenter
• Maximum Presenters/facilitators: 3 presenters (1 chair that presents, plus 2 additional presenters; or, 1 chair that does not present, plus 3 presenters)

Facilitated Roundtable 

• Focus: Peer learning through facilitated dialogue
• Minimum discussion time: 35 mins
• Maximum slides: 0
• Maximum Presenters/facilitators: 2 facilitators (1 chair that also facilitates and 1 additional facilitator or 1 chair that does not facilitate and 2 facilitators)

Seven-Minute Motivators 

• Focus: Brief information on innovative practices around a central theme
• Minimum discussion time: 20 mins
• Maximum slides: 4 per presenter
• Maximum Presenters/facilitators: 4-5 presenters(1 chair that facilitates and 4-5 presenters) Each presenter is allowed 7 minutes to present

​REQUIRED PROPOSAL COMPONENTS 

1. Session Information

• Title
• Abstract (75 words max)
• Description (500 words max) – see format-specific instructions below
• Takeaways (50 words max)
• Conference Subtheme & Relevant Key Area
  
  

2. Description Guidelines by Format

• Standard Panel: Themes, challenges, methodology, each presenter’s role. Must reserve at least 30 minutes for discussion.
• ​Roundtable: Key questions, facilitation plan, no formal presentations.
• Seven-Minute Motivators: Central theme, what each presenter will share (title max 50 characters), and its relevance.
  
  

3. Chair Information

• Name, Email, Title, Organization, Country
• Biography (75 words, 3rd person, no titles like Dr. or Ph.D.) using this format. 

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4. Co-Presenters

• Name, Contact Info, Institution​
• Each co-presenter must enter their own biography for the session to be reviewed. 

​KEY POLICIES FOR SESSION PRESENTERS
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• All presenters must be able to present in person.
• All presenters must register for at least one day of the conference.
• Presenters must agree to adhere to the session schedule set by the AIEA conference committee.
• Session chairs are the point of contact for this session and are responsible for communicating the above information to presenters 
• A session will not be considered until all presenters have logged in and entered their 75-word biographies.

Audio-Visual Policies 

• Roundtable Discussions will not take place in rooms with audio/visual equipment, as these sessions are not intended to include presentations
• For Standard Sessions and Seven-Minute Motivators: 
  • Presenters must use their own laptops
  • Mac users should bring their own HDMI adapter if needed (also often known as a “dongle.”) 
  • A single mic may be provided if needed, depending on size of the room 
  • Internet access not guaranteed – please do not plan for any synchronous videos or Zoom calls 

Room Setup

• Standard Sessions and Seven-Minute Motivators: theater-style seating
• Roundtable Discussions: round tables (no projector or screen)