The opening day of conference kicked off with the opening of the International Education Expo Hall at 9:00 a.m., featuring more than 600 exhibitor booths. NAFSA’s Conference Symposium on Leadership, “Excavating the Layers of Institutional Culture,” addressed the critical need of “Knowledge of the Home Institution” for those occupying leadership positions and contributing significantly to campus internationalization and policy formulation.

Vicente Fox, former president of Mexico, was keynote speaker at the opening plenary session and signed copies of his autobiography, Revolution of Hope: The Life, Faith and Dreams of a Mexican President.

The Cassandra Pyle Award for Leadership and Collaboration in International Education and Exchange was awarded to Ward Chamberlain.

The Opening Reception and 60th Anniversary Celebration took place in the International Education Expo Hall, where participants had an opportunity to experience the colorful and diverse flavors in Washington, D.C, neighborhoods.

NAFSA 2008 Conference Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Everett Egginton and Mary Reeves cut the ribbon at the Educational EXPO at NAFSA’s 60th Annual Conference (above).

Opening Plenary at NAFSA 2008

Thousands of NAFSA Conference attendees attended the opening plenary session (above).

Vicente Fox at NAFSA 2008

Vicente Fox, President of Mexico from 2000 to 2006, was the opening plenary speaker at the 60th NAFSA Conference (above).

Ward Chamberlain receives NAFSA award

The Cassandra Pyle Award for Leadership and Collaboration in International Education and Exchange was presented to Ward Chamberlain, former chairperson and life trustee of the AFS board and former CEO of PBS (above).

NAFSA Commons at 2008 Conference

Attendees at the NAFSA Conference networked and visited the more than 500 exhibitors at the NAFSA Educational EXPO (above).

Watch the official opening of the Expo Hall at the 2008 NAFSA Conference (thanks to NAFSA Member Ruth Sylte for the video).

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