There are so many opportunities to connect at NAFSA 2024! Find your fellow international education professionals each day at conference sessions, in dialogue with Spotlight Presenters, at the NAFSA Pavilion, and throughout the International Education Expo. Engage in on-site conversations, meet one-on-one at a poster fair, or stop by a Community Center to spark discussion and learn new ideas. Networking opportunities at the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo yield professional and personal growth to last throughout the year.

Time is built into the conference schedule for targeted networking, engagement opportunities, and coffee breaks with colleagues.

Networking Events

Conference Kick-Off Coffee: Beverages and Beignets
Tuesday, May 28, 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
Start the day and conference week with a visit to the Kick-Off Coffee. Grab a morning beverage and some famous New Orleans pastries, reunite with friends and colleagues, and make new connections before attending the opening plenary. (Included in registration fee)

Opening Celebration: A Taste of Mardi Gras
Tuesday, May 28, 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Filled with energy, excitement, and the unique cultural flair that defines Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the Opening Celebration welcomes guests with a vibrant atmosphere, local cuisine, music, and the celebratory, unifying vibe that characterizes Mardi Gras. Come join in the celebration at Mardi Gras World, an exclusive, one-of-a-kind venue. (Included in registration fee)

NAFSA Awards Banquet
Wednesday, May 29, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m., $60 member / $80 nonmember fee
Join your colleagues to celebrate achievements of our 2024 awardees. At this special event, our community honors the individuals receiving awards for Life Membership; Distinguished Service to NAFSA; Leadership & Collaboration; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Advocate of the Year; and Rising Star Young Leader. The celebration will showcase the institutions receiving the Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization and the NAFSA Senator Paul Simon Spotlight Award.  

Closing Celebration: San Diego Sunshine
Friday, May 31, 12:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Celebrate a full conference week and look ahead to next year’s memorable gathering at the Closing Celebration. San Diego's combination of natural beauty, endless horizons, culinary excellence, and recreational opportunities make it the perfect city for conference attendees to create unforgettable moments. (Included in registration fee)

Ways to Network at the Conference

Professional growth at NAFSA 2024 doesn’t stop when you step out of a session. Here are some suggestions for easy networking during your conference experience:

• Visit a community center where NAFSA’s knowledge communities feature community dialogues around hot topics and trends.
• Visit the Big Easy Studio and participate in fun activities and learn more about the host city, New Orleans.
• Explore the International Education Expo.  There is nothing else like this global market place that features over 400 exhibitors.
• Visit with presenters at the Poster Fairs on Wednesday and Thursday, 10:30 to noon in the Poster Fair area of the Expo Hall.
• Attend a Member Interest Group meeting and meet people with similar interests.
• Volunteer: This a great way to network and also receive discounts on conference registration.  More information about volunteering available soon.
• Connect with attendees before and during conference via the NAFSA 2024 mobile app (available in May).