Spring Symposium

Monday, May 25, 2026


More Players, Higher Stakes: Competing for Students in a Global Education Market


Orlando, FL

Description



Political and policy upheaval since 2024 in the traditional major destinations has upended global student mobility markets and enabled a growing number of countries to compete for international students. Join AIRC: The Association of International Enrollment Management for a one-day deep dive into these market changes. Are we really seeing a shift “from the big 4 to the big 14?” What will our new reality look like once the dust settles? And crucially, how can institutions, agencies, and service providers effectively respond, now and into the future? This practical, solutions-oriented session will help you generate knowledge, insights, and connections to navigate uncertainty and sustain international enrollment in an unstable world.

Learning Outcomes


  • Analyze the key political, economic, and demographic forces shaping global student mobility trends
  • Learn how prospective student perceptions of the US a study destination have shifted, and where the US’ strengths and weaknesses lie
  • Evaluate how recruitment agencies are diversifying their portfolios and assess the implications for US international enrollment management
  • Identify and compare the major and growing destination countries, institutions, and third party players competing for international students
  • Apply insights from global mobility trends to adapt your IEM strategies to the new reality
  • Explore trans-national education (TNE), online/hybrid learning, and other approaches as alternatives or supplements to traditional international enrollment
  • Glean scenarios from case studies related to international engagement to enhance recruitment strategies

Tentative Schedule


8:30am - Registration & Breakfast
9:00 am - Welcome and Plenary
10:15 am - Coffee Break
10:30 am - Concurrent Sessions
12:00 pm - Lunch
1:00 pm - Case Study Roundtables OR Campus Tour
2:30 pm - Concurrent Sessions
3:40 pm - Wrap Up and Closing
4:00 pm - Symposium Ends


Additional Details


Transportation provided for the first 50 registrants (pickup point to be announced)

Lunch provided

Event open to AIRC members and non-members

Submit a session proposal mid February

Register opens late February. $250 for AIRC members and $335 for nonmembers

Interested in sponsoring the Symposium?  Connect with Rachael Lamson today.