2026 FAIE Annual Conference

Florida International University

Biscayne Bay Campus, North Miami

February 5-6, 2026

Join us for the Florida Association of International Educators Annual Conference at the Florida International University’s beautiful Biscayne Bay campus in North Miami.

Pre-Conference Workshops

2026 Pre-Conference Workshops

Pre-conference workshops will be held on Thursday, February 5, and require an additional registration separate from the main conference.

We encourage you to register by the December 12th early bird deadline! We will make decisions to run or cancel the workshops based on early bird registrations. We will notify all registrants by December 19th if there is any change to our scheduled workshops.

F-1 Student Advising: Intermediate

This workshop will run from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm. Registration costs $380 and includes NAFSA training materials, breakfast, lunch, and snacks/coffee throughout the day.

All workshops are led by qualified trainers and follow the NAFSA CEP curriculum. Workshop descriptions can be found on the NAFSA Core Education Program website.

Conference Schedule

View/Download the 2026 Program

Schedule at a Glance

The FAIE Annual Conference features two days of activities for international educators. This schedule is preliminary and subject to change.

Thursday, February 5th

7:30 am – 5:00 pm

Pre-conference Workshop: F-1 Student Advising: Intermediate

FIU Wolfe University Center, Room 155

*pre-registration required*

3:30-5:15 pm

FIU “Points of Pride”

Tour the Chaplin School of Hospitality and the Marine Science Center

Wear comfotable shoes for walking

Location: Meet in front of Chaplin School (adjacent to tennis courts)

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Annual State Conference Opening Event

Sponsored by Insurance for Students

Location: Roz and Cal Kovens Conference Center

Heavy hors d’oeuvres & open bar provided

Friday, February 6th

Breakfast and Conference Opening

8:00-9:00 am

Main Location: FIU Wolfe University Center

Sponsored by Terra Dotta

8:30 am – 10:00 am

Keynote Speaker Leland Lazarus,

President and Board Chair of the Fulbright Association

WUC Ballroom

Session Block 1 – 10:10 – 11:10 am	Unique Program Models: Maximizing Student ROI and Building Capacity through Innovative Program Design Oliver McSurley & Randolph Scott	English Language Programs, Florida’s Economy, and Recent Political Policy Lexa Thompson	Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and J-1 Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) Updates Regina Carvalho & Jennifer Donnelly	Belong Beyond Borders: Creating Connections and Community for International Students Natalia Bocsi & Lynnette Rivers
	WUC 155	WUC 157	WUC 221	WUC 223

11:10 am – 11:30 am

Coffee Break and Exhibitor Hall

WUC Ballroom

Sponsored by International Student Insurance

Session Block 2 – 11:30 – 12:30 pm	Innovative Engagement: Learning in a Connected World Laura Lamour	“You Belong”: Lessons From A People-Centered Partnership Rola Zahr, Grant Cutler, & Danny Fernandez	Hot Topics in Immigration Anielka Nortelus & Kelly Poppen	Best Practices for Crafting an Effective Pre-Departure Orientation for Study Abroad Ian Keil
	WUC 155	WUC 157	WUC 221	WUC 223

12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Lunch & FAIE Business Meeting

WUC Ballroom

Featuring FIU Coffee Guild

Sponsored by CIEE

Session Block 3 – 2:00 – 3:00 pm	Igniting Learning and Adventure: Ensuring Academic Outcomes in Short-Term, Immersive Study abroad Progams Julia Lynes	Stuck in Limbo: How Universities Can Navigate Visa Delays & Denials for International Students & Employees Andrea Huerta-Rodriguez	FCIE and Florida’s Flirtation with Global Education David Moore	Mental Health & Well-Being for College/University Advisors & International Education Professionals Anaberly “Ana” Chaviano & Kelly Poppen
	WUC 155	WUC 157	WUC 221	WUC 223

3:00 pm – 3:20 pm

Coffee Break and Exhibitor Hall

WUC Ballroom

Sponsored by LewerMark Insurance

Session Block 4 – 3:20 – 4:20 pm	Unlocking New Flightpaths (UNF): Leveraging Technology to Expand Study Abroad Accessibility and Capacity Luisa Martinez Joyce	Designing Responsible Study Abroad Programs for A Changing World Michael Kung	IE Table Talks Facilitated by FAIE Board Members	Helping International Students Succeed in US Higher Education Lergia Olivo
	WUC 155	WUC 157	WUC 221	WUC 223

4:30 pm – 6:00 pm

Closing Ceremony & “Final Cheers”

Location: Chaplin School Bistro

Sponsored by Fragomen

Travel & Parking

Getting There

Use the Google Maps tool below to find your way to important conference locations.

Parking

Parking is available near the conference venue for $5 per day. You can pre-register your car online or pay when you arrive. More details will be posted soon.

Registration

2026 Annual Conference Registration

Registration opens October 31, 2025

Early Bird Conference Registration ended 12/12
Regular Conference Registration Main Conference – register 12/13 thru 1/28	$300
Pre-Conference Workshop (NAFSA CEP) Thursday workshops are a SEPARATE registration and is not included in the conference registration	$380
Discounted Registration for FIU students/faculty/staff and students at Florida schools Must have a special registration code to access – email florida.faie@gmail.com for help	$220

Registration is now closed. We hope to see you at the Conference!

Conference Sponsors & Exhibitors

It is not possible to hold our annual conference without some extra help. We have some wonderful sponsors and exhibitors who support FAIE and international education through financial contributions and valuable services.

Please visit our Sponsors page for more about our FAIE 2026 Conference sponsors.