Faces new and old at #EAIE2024

Well, it’s finally begun! The 34th Annual EAIE Conference and Exhibition certainly kicked off with a bang. Over 7000 professionals from across the international higher education sector made their way to Toulouse. The day was spent reuniting with friendly faces, making new connections and celebrating our supportive, collaborative community. There was a sense of excitement in the air, as participants, exhibitors and partners prepared themselves for a week of thoughtful reflection of the roads our sector has travelled, and where we’re "En Route" towards.  

Greeted by the festive EAIE Village installation, a record-breaking number of conference participants arrived at the MEETT Exhibition and Convention Centre. Conferencegoers celebrated the EAIE’s 35 Anniversary in style, playing funfair games, lounging on deckchairs, and snapping photos with friends. While it’s the perfect spot to network with colleagues, arrange an informal meeting or blow-off some steam in between sessions and workshops, the EAIE Village is most of all a celebration of a community 35 years in the making. As the saying goes, "it takes a village"! 

Many participants began the day learning about the ins-and-outs of French higher education. The "Introduction to Higher Education in France" session set those who attended the various Campus Experiences in good stead for meaningful, memorable excursions. The Campus Experiences included tours, speaking events and networking opportunities with representatives from local institutions.  

Our conference veterans are likely adept at navigating the EAIE Conference and Exhibition. They might remember their first conference as exciting, eventful or even slightly overwhelming? Well, this year newcomers are supported by a series of events that catered to guide them to an enjoyable conference experience. Today, over 60 young professionals attended a dedicated speed networking event, allowing them to make connections with international colleagues at a similar stage in their career. Following the speed networking, the "Back to Basics: Internationalisation for newcomers to the sector" session ensured that all internationalisation newbies were up to date on all the latest industry knowledge, understood all the latest internationalisation lingo and understood the best ways to connect with potential new collaborations made here at #EAIE2024. 

A new feature this year is the Community Drop-in Area. A space for the online Communities of Practice (housed on the Community Platform) to meet in person, many of this area’s activities and discussions are generated by the community, for the community. Today, participants were treated to a demonstration of the Community Platform, a presentation exploring all the benefits of EAIE membership and a lively game of Icebreaker Bingo, where winners were rewarded with a range of fun EAIE-themed prizes and complimentary access to one of the week's Networking Journeys. With events like salsa dancing and watercolour painting and themed discussions generated by the Communities of Practice, be sure to check out the changing daily schedule of this area. And if you’re a member, make sure to stop by and pick up your complimentary member pin! 

The day’s still not over! At tonight’s Opening Reception, you’ll be able to explore Toulouse’s gastronomic delights at the Victor Hugo Market. It’s the perfect spot to meet with friends old and new, to unwind after a busy day of conferencing. 

Are you still eager to meet more colleagues from across the world? Then make sure to sign up to one of the week’s four Networking Journeys: INSPIRE, EMPOWER, IMPACT and ENLIGHTEN. Each journey tackles different themes from across the international higher education sector, so you’re sure to find some likeminded individuals. You can book them through the "My Sessions" booking system on the EAIE website.  

Did you meet someone new, attend a fascinating talk or event, learn something inspiring? Make sure to share with the EAIE community on social media using #EAIE2024.