2018 Annual Conference Highlights

For the first time ever this year, the Alliance expanded its traditional Annual Meeting into a Conference to include non-Alliance members. We developed a number of new sessions to address timely issues, including sessions related to ROs/AROs, Consular Affairs updates, F-1 exchanges, Communications/Branding, and how the #MeToo movement impacts our community.

We welcomed an unprecedented 319 attendees this year, including 217 Alliance members and supporters, and 20 non-Alliance members. (Click here for full participant list).

A major highlight of our Annual Conference was the strong presence of and participation by the Department of State, Department of Commerce and Congressional staff. Over 60 government officials joined us for the conference this year. We were honored to welcome Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Marie Royce, as well as other ECA’s Deputy Assistant Secretaries.

It was a pleasure connecting with many colleagues throughout the Conference and at our Networking Reception. For a visual recap of the two content-filled days, take a look at our Photo Album.

25th Anniversary Gala Dinner

On the eve of the Annual Conference, in celebration of the Alliance’s 25th Anniversary, we organized the first-ever Alliance Gala dinner, where we looked back on the accomplishments of the Alliance and its members over the years. Our 25th Anniversary Gala dinner hosted 256 attendees, including 105 Alliance members and supporters, 11 government officials, and 5 previous Alliance staff.