Networking events at the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo provide attendees the opportunity to strengthen their professional connections. Add these events to your conference schedule to expand your professional network and dedicate time to connect with colleagues and partners. Take advantage of these important opportunities to broaden the circle of thought leaders and peers you reach out to for advice and resources year-round.

Preconference Campus Visits

Explore colleges and universities in the St. Louis area and learn more about the facilities, programs, and services at each campus. Each visit is free, but all require advance registration. Register and download information for the following schools:

• McKendree University - Tuesday, May 26 at 10:00 a.m.
• St. Louis Community College Forest Park - Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday (read for times)
• Washington University in St. Louis - Tuesday, May 26 at 10:00 a.m.
• University of Missouri - St. Louis - Tuesday, May 26 at 9:00 a.m.
• Webster University - Tuesday, May 26 at 9:00 a.m.

Knowledge Community Updates and Networking Receptions

Day/Time: Monday, May 25 | 4:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.: Hear the latest updates from your Knowledge Community leadership team.
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m: Stay after the updates to for a relaxed a networking reception with your KC colleagues and friends!

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

All conference registrants are welcome at each reception; preregistration is required. Guest tickets are not available. Food stations and cash bars are available.
See other Knowledge Community events at NAFSA 2020.

First-Timers Breakfast

Day/Time: Tuesday, May 26 | 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. Advance registration required.

Sponsored by Maryville University

Explore additional resources for first-time conference attendees.

Networking Luncheons

Join other international education professionals to discuss shared interests and opportunities for partnerships. Learn more about the luncheons.

Liberal Arts Institutions Luncheon

Day/Time: Tuesday, May 26 | 12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.

Diversity and Inclusion Luncheon

Day/Time: Wednesday, May 27 | 12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Sponsored by West Chester University

Community Colleges Luncheon

Day/Time: Thursday, May 28 | 12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Sponsored by Northern Virginia Community College

Member Interest Group Open Meetings

Day/Time: Tuesday, May 26 – Friday, May 29 | Various times

Gather with colleagues for open discussions based on special interests, institution interests, regions, and countries. Find a Member Interest Group (MIG) that engages your interests and join their Open Meeting. All registrants are welcome to attend.

Regional Update Meetings

Day/Time: Wednesday, May 27 | 5:45 p.m.–6:45 p.m.

Each of the 11 NAFSA regions located through the United States will hold individual meetings in St. Louis. All attendees from within the United States and those new to the annual conference are invited to attend and learn about specific opportunities in each region. Learn more about the NAFSA regions.

NAFSA in St. Louis: Local Learning Experiences

Day/Time: Wednesday, May 27 | Various Times

Join your colleagues for an opportunity to explore St. Louis in a unique way and guided by local experts. Each experience will combine learning and networking. Advance registration is required. Learn more about NAFSA in St. Louis programs.

NAFSA 2020 Celebrations

Opening Celebration: An Evening in Ballpark Village

Day/Time: Tuesday, May 26 | 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Join your fellow attendees for a sensational evening at Ballpark Village! This event is included with your conference registration and includes food, entertainment, and one drink ticket per person. Guest tickets are available for purchase with conference registration.

Closing Celebration: Look Ahead to Orlando, Florida

Day/Time: Friday, May 29 | 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Following Friday’s closing plenary, share memories of the week in St. Louis as we look ahead to the next exciting conference destination: Orlando, Florida! Get a feel for what is in store in 2021 at the “The City Beautiful!” Representatives from Orlando will be on hand to share information and answer questions about next year’s conference destination. The Closing Celebration is open to all conference registrants and is included in the registration fee. Guest tickets are available for purchase with conference registration.