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Innovating connection at #EAIE2024
Following the excitement of day one of #EAIE2024, the energy and anticipation for today's activities was palpable. Today certainly packed a punch, with inspiring plenary speeches, the opening of the EAIE Exhibition, an enlightening Ministers’ session, among a host of other activities, sessions and discussions.
Today saw the unveiling of the EAIE Exhibition. Over 250 stands and over 900 organisations showcased their various offerings, transforming the exhibition hall into a patchwork of colourful booths and stands.
Margot Coutaud and Milene Duro, representatives from the University of Toulouse stand, shared that they are "proud to host the EAIE's 2024 Conference and Exhibition." They continued, "Of course, the EAIE exhibition is incredibly beneficial for the Université de Toulouse. Being a part of this international event reflects the international nature of our institution, which is itself made from a community of universities and institutions."
It's a great honour to be here. The EAIE Exhibition is a perfect meeting point for Swedish universities and, over the next two and a half days, we will have 172 meetings.
Perhaps the most popular event of the day was the Opening Plenary. Over 4000 participants bustled into the plenary space, soundtracked by local Toulousain jazz band Lady L, eager to discover the diverse interpretations of "En Route". In his warm welcome, EAIE President Piet Van Hove spoke of connection and collaboration. He cautioned the audience against underestimating talking to strangers, and he encouraged everyone to make a new partnership or connection during this conference week. He concluded by remarking that a conversation with a stranger will be "good for you, and you will learn a lot".
If not you, who? If not now, when? Each of us has power to stand up in the face of challenges. Waiting for others to step in, only delays the change that must be made.
Following a warm welcome to Toulouse from Michael Toplis (President of the University of Toulouse) and an invigorating Djembe session with Doug Manuel, the Opening Plenary's keynote speech was delivered by Élisabeth Moreno, former French minister and philanthropist. Élisabeth spoke with passion and sensitivity, discussing international education's ability to change individual lives, and responsibly guide society at large.
In response to Piet Van Hove's closing question of "how do we ensure the inclusivity of the opportunities we offer?", Élisabeth laughed and responded with "To me, it's pure common sense. If everyone could do for their students what they wished someone had done for them when they were younger, education would be immediately more inclusive."
Today, the Community Drop-in Area featured a variety of Community of Practice discussions. These community-led talks and discussions resulted in various cross-cultural learnings and actionable takeaways – a testament to our community's ingenuity and drive. After a quick post-lunch Salsa session, the Community Drop-in Area hosted discussions about the various EAIE volunteering opportunities and a round of speed networking for first-time EAIE Conference and Exhibition participants. The day was closed out with a final Community of Practice discussion on establishing sustainable COIL/VE practices, led by EAIE Award-winner Eva Haug.
After lunch, the first round of Posters were revealed in the poster area. Presenting topics ranging from how to develop a university multicultural centre, to study abroad office funding, to the development of Artificial Intelligence, this year's posters display the cutting-edge knowledge being constantly generated by those across our community. Make sure to explore the posters throughout the rest of the week, and don't forget to vote for your favourites on the virtual event platform.
A highlight of the afternoon was the Ministers’ session on ‘The politics and policies of internationalisation’. Chaired and moderated by the EAIE's Director for Knowledge Development and Research, Laura Rumbley, the discussion brought together minsters from four European countries to explore how National strategies and other mechanisms interact with, and incentivise internationalisation efforts.
Many participants will be attending one of two Networking Journeys this evening. INSPIRE, held at the MEETT convention centre, will bring together individuals who have a passion for social responsibility, and leadership, strategy and policy. Meanwhile, at EMPOWER, taking place at La Friche Gourmande (in Toulouse's Montaudran district), professionals who are invested in marketing and admissions, student and alumni services, and student and staff mobility will meet to discuss how to shape the experience of future generations of students and staff. If you missed out on these networking opportunities, don't worry. The IMPACT and ENLIGHTEN Networking Journeys are being held tomorrow evening. Book now on the EAIE website to secure your spot.
What was the most memorable thing you experienced today? Perhaps you discovered a brand-new innovation that could change your way of working at the EAIE Exhibition? Or maybe you wrote down an inspiring quote or a snippet from one today’s many speeches and discussions? Did you make a new meaningful connection? Make sure to share your memorable moment with the EAIE community on social media using #EAIE2024.
