Soon, thousands of international education professionals will come together to celebrate the Rhythm of Revolution in Scotland, where they will exchange ideas, spark new collaborations and help shape the future of the sector. Whether it’s your first EAIE Conference and Exhibition or you’re returning to reconnect with friends, colleagues and the wider community, this year promises a week full of unforgettable moments. Taking place in the UK just ahead of the reinstatement of Erasmus+, and bringing together leading voices from across international education, it offers a rare opportunity to hear the latest developments, gain first-hand insights into the programme’s future and be part of the conversations shaping the sector.
To help you get the most out of your conference week, we’ve rounded up our 6 top tips that will make your visit even more memorable. This September, all roads lead to Glasgow.
Tip 1: Gain a clearer picture of today’s international education sector
This year’s programme brings together 240+ sessions and activities to give you a big picture of internationalisation. Gain diverse insight into trending topics, spotlighting relevant themes like Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and more.
As one of this year’s highlights, witness national-level leaders share how international education develops within a country in the session ‘The politics and policies of internationalisation: Ministers’ views’. The panel will feature figures such asBen Macpherson (Scottish Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education), Cláudia Sarrico (Secretary of State for Higher Education of Portugal) and Mykola Trofymenko (Deputy Minister of Education and Science, Ukraine). Alongside them, representatives from Ireland and Belgium will also share their expert perspectives. The session will be moderated by the EAIE’s Director for Knowledge Development and Research, Laura Rumbley. While planning ahead is key, don’t forget to leave some room for the unexpected. Some of the most memorable conference moments happen between sessions.
Tip 2. Form connections with like-minded peers
Representing 100+ countries and spotlighting 500+ speakers, EAIE Glasgow 2026 is the sector’s global meeting place. Meet with and get inspired by 7000 like-minded peers, spanning roles from partnerships to student services and mobility, while expanding your network in the process. Whether you’re exchanging your details in the hallways, sharing ideas during a workshop or engaging in a conversation over lunch, every moment can lead to something unexpected down the road.
Many participants have formed lifelong friendships at the conference, reconnecting with familiar faces year after year
Many participants have formed lifelong friendships at the conference, reconnecting with familiar faces year after year. Looking for a space dedicated solely to networking? Visit the EAIE Community Drop-in Area. It’s where you can meet other participants and get involved in interactive and informal activities throughout the conference. Join a biography & app workshop or enjoy some bingo and salsa dancing.
Tip 3: Go beyond the sessions
If you enjoy learning by doing, meeting people in smaller groups or getting a behind-the-scenes perspective, EAIE Glasgow 2026 has plenty to offer with its array of extra activities. Many of the most popular ones, like the Opening Reception, require advance booking and fill up quickly, so it’s worth reserving your place early. As the perfect introduction to your week in Scotland and the largest networking event of the week, it’s a great way to connect with your conference companions, while enjoying an evening of Scottish hospitality.
Alternatively, you can also dive deeper into a topic through an interactive workshop, where you’ll collaborate with peers and explore ideas in a more hands-on setting. Looking to experience international education in Scotland up close? Step beyond the conference venue with a Campus Experience, giving you the chance to visit local institutions, meet faculty and students, and gain first-hand insights into higher education in Scotland. Round off your learning experiences with the opening and closing plenaries. Beau Lotto will kick off the week with fresh perspectives on innovation and perception, while Lewis Iwu will leave you with thought-provoking reflections on leadership and influence. Together, they’re the perfect way to begin and end your #EAIE2026 experience.
Tip 4. Forge partnerships at the exhibition
As the largest one to date, the EAIE Glasgow 2026 Exhibition is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to increase visibility, meet key stakeholders or forge new partnerships. Bringing together 250+ exhibition stands from 1200+ organisations across 107 countries, that’s 6100 square meters of conversations waiting to happen.
Can’t wait to get started? Forge your connections early, with the Conference & Exhibition App. As your onsite conference companion, the app is designed to help you make the most of your networking opportunities throughout the week. Book one-on-one meetings ahead of time and stay connected beyond the conference. The exhibition showcases the diverse range of organisations, services and solutions shaping the future of the field, immersing you in an electric atmosphere of everything from universities to national agencies. No matter your role, it opens the door to discoveries that will have you returning to the office with stories worth sharing.
Tip 5. Unlock more with membership
Don’t just attend EAIE Glasgow 2026, make the most of every moment with membership. As soon as you sign up, members benefit from a reduced conference fee, special access to areas onsite and exclusive professional development opportunities, helping you continue your learning journey beyond the conference. During the conference week, step into the complete experience and enjoy the extra touches that make being a member truly rewarding.
Make yourself at home in the EAIE Member Lounge, join exclusive networking opportunities and take advantage of thoughtful extras like free career coaching, massages and Life Skills sessions. Whether you’re looking to recharge between sessions or discover new ways to develop professionally, join now and unlock more ways to make Glasgow your own. Beyond the event, continue building relationships year-round through the member-exclusive EAIE Community Platform, your space for ongoing conversations and collaboration.
Tip 6. Explore more than the conference venue
Known as the Gateway to Scotland, Glasgow is the perfect starting point for discovering breathtaking landscapes, historic castles, whisky distilleries and unforgettable day trips. And if you have an extra day to spare, why not hop on a train to Edinburgh? Just a short journey away, Scotland’s capital offers the chance to experience even more of its fascinating history. Make your time in Glasgow count; for the planet, the city and its community. Join the #TravelWithCANIE initiative and travel sustainably. Choosing the train over flying can significantly reduce your travel emissions while taking in the natural surroundings of your new destination.
All participants will also receive a free public transport card, sponsored by edX, making it even easier to explore everything Glasgow has to offer. If you’re eager to explore while making an impact, consider joining a tour with Invisible Cities, a social enterprise offering walking tours led by guides with lived experience of homelessness. It’s a meaningful way to discover Glasgow while supporting positive social change. Curious for more tips like this? Get to know Glasgow.
We hope these tips help you plan a conference week that’s uniquely yours. If you haven’t secured your place yet, now’s the time. We can’t wait to welcome you to Glasgow this September.
About the author:The EAIE is a non-profit, member-led organisation serving individuals actively involved in the internationalisation of their institutions.”
