'En Route' to 'GO-create': The final day of #EAIE2024

Today we closed out the EAIE Conference and Exhibition with our usual signature flair. What a week it's been! Over 7300 participants from 110 countries made their way to Toulouse. As we gathered, we collaborated with one another to discuss the issues of the day, plot our shared journeys and discover where we're 'En Route' towards in the coming years. Today, all participants came together for to attend the Closing Plenary where we reflected upon the week, and the Closing Luncheon for one last hurrah.  

While this week may have been a blur, the lasting impression is one of exhilaration and excitement. From Élisabeth Moreno's inspirational Opening Plenary keynote to the lively Networking Journeys, we can certainly say that this this year's record-breaking EAIE Conference and Exhibition will be a memorable one.  

Today at 13:00 the EAIE Exhibition closed its doors for business. With over 900 organisations represented by more than250 stands, this year's Exhibition was one for the ages. Weaving through the exhibition floor, the spirit of collaboration was undeniable with connections and partnerships blooming all around. 

The Closing Plenary opened with the EAIE Choir. Conducted by Claire Suhubiette, they began to sing a festive rendition of 'La pluie fait de claquettes' by famous Toulousain jazz singer Claude Nougaro. The 150 strong chorus serenaded the audience and reminded us of the creativity and congeniality of our international community. After the piano tickled a short rendition of 'La Marseillaise' as an introductory phrase, the choir performed one more song, a joy-filled rendition of 'All You Need is Love' by The Beatles. 

The Closing Plenary was marked by new beginnings and yet-to-be-trodden ground. The Outgoing EAIE President Piet Van Hove began his final speech as EAIE President by thanking the choir. He reminded participants that new connections and new ideas will empower us to continue our work in international education. Thanking the outgoing group of EAIE volunteers, Piet commended their work, saying "Over the past two years, I've worked with some of the warmest professionals you could ever experience". He also thanked the student volunteers from Exeter University and the European Student Network for their hard work and positive attitudes and the local venue staff, who were excellent hosts and made us all feel so welcome in their city.  

Following this round of thanks, Piet announced the arrival of his successor, saying "It's my honour to hand over the torch and introduce the new EAIE president, Sara López Selga".  

Sara spoke of the EAIE's continued commitment to "connect politics, policy and practice" and her personal interest in the ever-diversifying EAIE training portfolio. Furthermore, she reified her belief in the Communities of Practice and their potential to connect others from across the world and across our association. She thanked Piet for his dedication, his personal commitment to the EAIE and his passion for creating supportive communities. She then introduced the new EAIE General Council for 2024 – 2027 and introduced Mervin Bakker as the EAIE's new Executive Director. She closed her speech with a show of support for members and volunteers, confirming that she's sure she "can rely on strong and diverse expertise within the association". Sara then welcomed the Closing Plenary's Keynote speaker, Zhang Zhang.  

A classical violinist and humanitarian, Zhang Zhang began her keynote by tracing the history of the Silk Road, which stretched, "from the heart of the Chinese empire to the shores of Oman, from the Yangtze River to the Mediterranean". This famed trade route was a hub of connection and collaboration. Navigating from the Silk Road trade route, to music's ability to provide connection between humans on multiple levels (both cultural, social and even neurological), to her own educational background, she shared with participants her personal mission to provide holistic education for communities across the world.  

Following her speech, Zhang Zhang returned to the stage with her violin. Alongside her guitarist accompanist she serenaded participants with a song inspired by the cultural collaboration endemic to the ancient Silk Road. Beginning with a melody evoking Chinese folk music the duet morphed into a more Mediterranean jazz fusion sound, with fast rhythmic interplay between the guitar and violin. Two instruments in perfect harmonic conversation with one another. To close her performance, Zhang Zhang lead the audience in a heartfelt rendition of 'Hallelujah' by Leonard Cohen. The beautiful performance was a poignant note on which to end the Closing Plenary. 

Participants shared their final moments with each other over a Swedish themed Closing Luncheon, dancing away to a funky ABBA cover band.  

With this, we say hej då, and we look forward to seeing you next year in Gothenburg. Get ready to 'GO-create'!