2019 Region VII Conference

Join us for the 2019 Regional Conference in Orlando, Florida.

 Conference Dates

November 17 - 20, 2019

 Conference Location

Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista

1751 Hotel Plaza Boulevard Lake Buena Vista , FL 32830

We're excited about our 2019 NAFSA Region VII Conference coming up at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista, November 17-20, in Orlando, Florida. 

Register before October 11, 2019 to receive the early-bird registration rate.

Welcome from the Orange County Mayor

Mayor Jerry L. Demings welcomes you to Orange County and the entire Orlando metro area. Read the full letter.

Conference Schedule

View the conference schedule, registration rates, and online program.

Learn More

Preconference Workshops

Learn more about the preconference workshops and the HBCU Forum.

Learn More

Special Events

Explore the special conference events and networking opportunities that await in Orlando.

Learn More

Conference Registration and Rates

The early-bird registration rate ends on October 11, 2019.

Full Conference Single Day Full-Time Student or
NAFSA Academy Participant
Members: Early-bird* $299 / Late: $379 Member: $249** $99**
Nonmember: Early-bird* $379 / Late: $499 Nonmember: $269**  
*Early-bird rate ends: October 11, 2019 **Fixed rate, regardless of registration date

Hotel Reservations and Parking

Reservations

Parking

  • Self-parking with discount: $17.60 / night plus 6.5% tax

Travel to Orlando

  • Airport: Orlando International Airport (airport code: MCO) is located 17 miles from the conference hotel
  • Hotel: 1751 Hotel Plaza Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
  • Ground Transportation: Ride-share services cost appx. $35, airport to hotel. The link also connects to rental cars, taxis and transit options.

Disney Discounts

Note the seasonal rates in effect before and after the conference:

  • Regular: Nov. 10 - 15, Sunday - Friday
  • Peak: Nov. 16, Saturday

  • Regular: Nov. 17 - 22, Sunday - Friday
  • Peak: Nov. 23 - 30, Saturday - Saturday

All-Conference Event

All Conference Dessert Reception and Closing Fireworks Celebration at Epcot!

NAFSA Region VII Annual Conference attendees will be treated to a spectacular evening of deserts, drinks, and fireworks! Please join us.

  • 7:15pm – 8:00pm: Shuttle Buses from Conference Hotel to Epcot Center
  • 8:00pm – 9:00pm: Desserts and Drinks
  • 9:00pm – 9:30pm: Exclusive access to view Disney’s newest fireworks show – Epcot Forever
  • 9:30pm – 11:00pm: Free access to Epcot for Extended Magic Hours; buses will return to the hotel during this time for attendees.

*Attendees are encouraged to consider purchasing an “After 5 PM” ticket to go to Epcot early, before the Dessert Reception. Epcot is holding its annual International Food & Wine Festival during the Region VII Conference, and it will be a great time to get dinner and a drink with colleagues before the All Conference Dessert Reception. Purchasing of the “After 5PM” will not prohibit you from joining the All Conference Event. Just make sure to bring your conference lanyard.

“After 5 PM” tickets are less than $65 (before tax) and will grant access to Epcot from 5:00 – 11:00pm. When purchasing tickets, make sure to select “Partial Day Product.”

Get tickets for Epcot and all Disney Parks for evening outings and for any part of your stay using our special discount rate: https://www.mydisneygroup.com/nafsar72019. This is a great time of year for a family vacation as it is not peak season and less crowded.

Exhibitors, Sponsorship and Advertisers

NAFSA Region VII invites you to exhibit, sponsor, and advertise at the 2019 Regional Conference. By joining us in Orlando, you will have the opportunity to connect your organization to approximately 650+ international educators from the Southeast region and The Caribbean. The 2019 Exhibition Flyer will be available for review at a later date.

For questions about exhibiting, advertising or sponsorship please contact Carolina Robinson, Region VII Development Coordinator.

Region VII Award Nominations

Each year during the annual business meeting, Region VII recognizes the contributions of community volunteers and outstanding colleagues who exemplify excellence in international education. The annual awards are as follows: Community Volunteer Award; International Excellence Award; New Professional Award. Award descriptions and online nomination forms are here.

Region VII Grants

Region VII offers travel grants to support attendance at our regional conference, and also offers support to participate in our HBCU Forum. You are urged to apply, especially if you are from two-year colleges; Historically Black Colleges and Universities; minority-serving institutions (MSI's), including Hispanic-serving institutions and tribal colleges; first-time attendees; public institutions with significant budgetary constraints; and/or first time grantees or awardees. Learn more about Region VII grants.

Region VII needs your help in collecting donated items, goods and services from your campus or organization. Additional information TBA.

Future Conferences

  • 2020: Birmingham, Alabama
  • 2021: San Juan, Puerto Rico
  • 2022: Charlotte, North Carolina

Regional Conference Cancellation Policy

Conference registration and/or workshop registration may be canceled with full refund less a $30 processing fee, provided written notification is received any time up until four (4) weeks prior to the conference start date.