Define Your Goals

Take some time to think about your short- and long-term career and personal goals. Consider how these goals can inform your objectives in attending the conference. Plan to attend sessions that address your immediate professional needs, but also make time for sessions that will broaden your perspective of the field.

If your objective is to…

Enhance connections in the field, find your Knowledge Community (KC), Member Interest Group (MIG), and/or region with sessions, open meetings, workshops, and other programs tailored to specific communities.

Learn about the latest innovations and professional development trends, focus on workshops, sessions and posters related to your interests. Also visit the NAFSA Bookstore for the latest resources and publications. 

Develop institutional partnerships, review the online exhibitor listings and visit the International Education Expo, especially during dedicated expo hours.

Navigate the international education job market, access career-focused sessions, resources and visit the Career Center.

Expand your network of professionals from across the international education field, pay special attention to all conference's networking programs including the opening and closing celebrations.

TIP: Plan Your Conference Schedule

Sessions, workshops, and poster descriptions are available via the online planner (Coming soon!). You can search for conference sessions by day, knowledge community, presenter, or other focus area. Log in using your conference registration credentials to build your schedule, view the attendee lists, and use the networking features.

What to Pack

• Business cards
• Credit cards: Cash will not be accepted at the conference, including at registration and at the NAFSA Bookstore. For Non-U.S.-based attendees, please be sure that your credit card works in the United States.
• Comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking a lot and may be on your feet for hours at a time.
• Appropriate clothing: Attendees dress in all styles—from casual to business. The best recommendation is to dress according to your conference goals. If you plan business meetings, you will need business attire.
  • The rooms in the convention center will be air conditioned. It is a good idea to bring a sweater or something similar if you get cold.
  • Check the weather forecast in New Orleans, LA to help you decide what to pack. Bring an umbrella, just in case.
• New Orleans in the summertime can get hot and humid, so plan accordingly by bringing water bottles.
• Mobile phone
  • Check with your mobile service provider to ensure you will have coverage in Louisiana.
  • To use the NAFSA 2024 app (available soon), you will need a smartphone or tablet with internet access that runs the most up-to-date version of the Android or iOS operating system.
• For Non-U.S.-based attendees: bring a travel plug adapter.