NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the world’s largest association dedicated to international education and exchange, invites you to the all-virtual NAFSA 2021 Annual Conference and Expo! Be a part of the most diverse and comprehensive global event attended by professionals from across the field.
Networking opportunities at NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo are the leading reason attendees say they return each year. Our conference is a perfect opportunity for you to connect with new and old colleagues, partners, and friends from across the world. Join us to grow your international education network!
The conference has been designed so that you can learn and network instantaneously with the click of a button. We want you to be at the forefront of the field by networking during events, visiting the virtual Expo, engaging in chats, connecting with video meetings, and more!
Our platform, Swapcard, was selected with you in mind. It provides the opportunities to connect with other event participants and forge new connections at our event. Learn more about the networking features both in the video to the right and in the networking features below.
Build your profile: Make sure you upload all the information you want others to see about you including your social media links, photos, and other profile information. This will ensure people can easily find you and can help you expand your network even further than you would in person.
Connection requests: You can browse the attendee list and request contact connections with those you would like to meet. Once your request is accepted, you will be able to see more details about your new contact.
Private Messages: After accepting a connection request, you can send messages, pictures, and links through private messages. You can even message people during a session to expand the conversation. Maybe you will generate an idea to submit your own proposal next year!
Group Chats: Not only does the platform allow you to connect one-on-one, but it also has all the same features as private messages for groups of up to 10 people.
Meeting requests: You can send requests for and schedule virtual meetings during the event. You can also set your own availability by deactivating some of the times you know you will be focused during a session, presenting, or even in a meeting off platform.
Video Calls: You can also send each other meeting requests for a video call, bringing you as close to "face-to-face" as possible through technology. These video calls can be scheduled or spontaneous! And you can run a video call and continue navigating the platform at the same time.
Filter the search: You can easily find the right connections by applying filters to your search and adding keywords.
Export the contact list: You can export all your new contacts into an Excel sheet in one click or export them directly onto your mobile phone.
“People you should meet”: Swapcard has a matchmaking tool, powered by AI, that analyzes attendee data and platform search history and suggests the best people for you to meet. Your attendee list will have the "Most recommended profiles" feature to highlight AI-powered suggestions.
While you are enjoying a program, you will be able to engage with fellow session attendees via chat in the session, ask the presenters questions with a Q&A feature, as well has engage with interactive polls. In the chat you can also share pictures (or emojis!).
You will also be able to see who else is attending the same program, look up their profiles and message them to connect afterward (all without leaving the live stream.)
Programs featured in roundtables will feature everyone “on camera”, so you can have an interactive live conversation with your peers.
There will be time on your program dedicated for engagement programs so you can enjoy being a part of our NAFSA community.
Head to our virtual Expo, where partners are excited to meet with you to discuss the innovations they’ve had over the past year.
Before the Event
Mark your calendars for one of our two pre-event orientations, May 18 from 8:30–9:30 a.m. (EDT) or May 20 from 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. (EDT). It will be recorded and hosted on the conference platform after both have been presented. Sponsored by Maryville University.
