Conference Dates
October 28 - 29, 2020
2020 Virtual Conference
This year, due to public health concerns, Region XI will be hosting a virtual conference. We invite you to join us from your home office or dining room table, in a suit or in pajamas, with your coffee or your cat, for three months of professional development, networking, and socializing. This year's conference will kick off with our opening ceremony on August 6 and conclude with our awards and closing ceremony on October 29.
Conference Events
The virtual conference will offer a variety of events focused on professional growth, skill development, and collegial engagement. Each month, events will be offered within and across knowledge communities with a specific eye to the issues and challenges we are facing in our daily work during these unique times. However, it wouldn't be a NAFSA Conference without opportunities to connect with friends and colleagues over our favorite beverages, so rest assured, we will be making plenty of time for those as well!
Learn more about the Region XI virtual conference events.
Sponsors and Exhibitors
Though we will not have exhibitors and sponsors in the traditional sense this year, we want to recognize the important role these organizations play in our conference and in our region. Please visit the Sponsor and Exhibitor page to see information about these organizations and their offerings.
Mentor-Mentee Program
As part of this year's Region XI virtual conference we are excited to share we've developed an innovative, entirely virtual Mentor-Mentee Program! For those unfamiliar with the program, it is designed to pair professionals that are new to international education and/or NAFSA with seasoned NAFSA members and professionals in the field. It promises to be a great opportunity for both mentors and mentees.
Considering our current reality, we've worked hard to create an experience that is valuable for mentors and mentees alike, maintaining the core of the existing experience while adding some fun, additional opportunities, and all with some flexibility and minimal structured "screen time".
Some highlights of the Fall 2020 program include:
- Mentor-Mentee Welcome Ceremony
August 17, 4:00-4:30 p.m. - New! Special Mentor-only Networking Session - get to know others through leaders and professionals in the field!
September 14, 4:00-4:30 p.m. - 3+ Mentor-Mentee Conversations, scheduled at your convenience and we will offer optional guiding questions and topics to consider
- New! Special Mentee-only Networking Sessions - get to know others new to the field, make friends, and build your network!
September 14, 4:00-4:30 p.m. - New! Three Special Session Topics
September 8, September 29, October 27, 4:00-4:30 p.m. - Mentor-Mentee Closing Ceremony
October 27, 4:30-5:00 p.m.
Region Awards
2020 awards nominations for Region XI are now open. In light of these past few difficult months, please reflect on the colleagues and coworkers who have inspired and supported you, and who work to promote international education. And please give back by nominating these deserving colleagues for awards!
Nominations will be accepted from now until September 30. Recipients will be announced at our closing ceremony on October 29.
Please see the nomination form to learn more about the award types, or see the awards website.