NAFSA 2019 Annual Conference & Expo

Join peers and experts at the premier global professional learning and networking event for all international educators and organizations that support international education for the NAFSA 2019 Annual Conference & Expo, "Global Leadership, Learning, and Change."

Opening Celebration: A Special Night at the Smithsonian

Tuesday, May 28, 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m
Celebrate NAFSA 2019 with your colleagues from around the world at the Smithsonian!  NAFSA 2019 attendees will have exclusive access to the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Museum of American History for this event.  Enjoy hors-d’oeuvres, beverages, entertainment and networking, as well as exclusive access to all of the museums’ galleries and exhibitions.

While included in your conference registration, attendees must register for the event in advance during the conference registration process.  Each attendee will have access to only ONE venue, and you will be prompted to choose one of the two museums as your selection during the registration process. Tickets/wristbands are required for all to gain entry into the event. Guest tickets are available.

Knowledge Community Networking Receptions

Monday, May 27, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Gather together with colleagues and friends who share similar professional interests at five networking receptions in:

  • Education Abroad (EA)
  • International Education Leadership (IEL)
  • International Enrollment Management (IEM)
    Sponsored by Duolingo
  • International Student and Scholar Services
    Sponsored by Sunapsis
  • Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship

All registered attendees are welcome at each reception. Food stations and cash bars are available. Guest tickets are not available. Preregistration is required.

First-Timers Breakfast Preregistration fee and ticket required.

Tuesday, May 28, 8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m.
Get your conference week off to a great start by joining other first-timers and NAFSA leaders for a networking breakfast.

Campus Visits

Explore colleges and universities in the Washington, D.C. area. Meet colleagues and learn more about facilities, programs, and services at each campus. Each visit is free, but all require advance registration. Register early as space is limited. Learn more at www.nafsa.org/ac19campusvisits.

Networking Luncheons

Diversity and Inclusion Preregistration fee and ticket required.
Tuesday, May 28, 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Sponsored by West Chester University

Pathways to Peace: A Gastrodiplomacy Experience Preregistration fee and ticket required.
Wednesday, May 29, 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
Sponsored by Columbia International Students & Scholars Office

Community Colleges Preregistration fee and ticket required.
Thursday, May 30, 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Sponsored by Northern Virginia Community College

Liberal Arts Institutions and Women's Colleges Preregistration fee and ticket required.
Thursday, May 30, 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

Latin America Forum Preregistration fee and ticket required.

Monday, May 27, 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Latin America and the Caribbean continue to provide diverse opportunities for strategic and institutional engagement. Higher education leaders from throughout the region will provide insights on collaborative networks. Country-specific breakout tables will be available for networking. Learn more.
Sponsored by George Mason University

Atlantic World Forum New

Wednesday, May 29, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Explore the nature of interaction and engagement throughout the Atlantic Basin and network with colleagues from Africa, the Americas, and Europe. Expert speakers from the region address common challenges and connections between countries, and share successful higher education collaborations and models for creative institutional partnerships. Learn more.

Africa Forum

Thursday, May 30, 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Broaden your knowledge of international education and exchange with Africa. Hear experts speak on internationalization efforts in the region and meet with higher education leaders from Africa institutions, including the fellows from NAFSA's Global Dialogue Fellows Program. Learn more.
Sponsored by Global Penn State

Closing Celebration: Look Ahead to St. Louis

Friday, May 31, 12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
Following Friday's closing plenary, share memories of our week in Washington, D.C. as we look ahead to our next exciting conference destination: St. Louis! Get a feel for what's in store in 2020 at the "Gateway to the West!" Representatives from St. Louis will be on hand to share information about the destination with attendees for next year's conference. Closing Celebration is open to all conference registrants and is included in the registration fee.

NAFSA Embassy Evening Preregistration fee and ticket required.

Wednesday, May 29, 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Enjoy the ambiance of a reception at an embassy in Washington, D.C., while hearing about international education in different countries.  A selection of embassies will open their doors to NAFSA Annual Conference attendees for an evening of hospitality and culture.  To participate, attendees and guests much register and purchase tickets for this special event.  Once confirmed, attendees will be provided with additional details along with embassy location.  Transportation will be provided to and from the embassy receptions and the convention center. 

Regional Meetings

Each of the 11 NAFSA regions located through the United States will hold individual meetings in Washington, DC. All attendees from within the United States and those new to the Annual Conference & Expo are invited to attend and find out more about specific opportunities in each region. Learn more about the NAFSA regions at www.nafsa.org/regions.

NAFSA Bookstore Events

The NAFSA Bookstore offers a wide variety of practice-related and thought-provoking publications from NAFSA and other top-quality publishers. New this year, several book signings and discussions for best-selling NAFSA publications will take place in the NAFSA Bookstore. Learn more.