Registration Information
Carnegie Mellon University and The University of Pittsburgh are excited to welcome you to Pennsylvania in July! Learn more about the universities and the city of Pittsburgh on the conference website.
Conference registration will open on March 18, 2026.
Event Information
Policies and Guidelines
Conference Bursaries
Conference bursaries encourage member participation in the annual conference by supporting members working at institutions not able to financially support conference attendance. Bursaries also support independent counseling members and non-profit members. The second round of Bursary Applications will open on March 18.
- Conference bursaries may cover part or all of the cost of Early Bird registration fees and on-campus housing.
- Bursaries do not cover other travel expenses such as flights, visa fees, ground transportation, and other incidentals.
Invitation Letter for a Visa Application
A letter of invitation can be imperative to securing a visa. Request one for the 2026 Conference by submitting the invitation letter request form.
For more information about the U.S. Visa Process, please consult the following resources:
- Use the Visa Wizard to determine whether you need a visa to travel to the U.S.A.
- Learn more about the Visitor Visa B and Visa Waiver Program.
- Look up the U.S. Consulate or Embassy nearest you.
Pre-Conference Institute: Monday, July 13
The International ACAC Pre-Conference Institute is intended to provide our membership the opportunity to learn from fellow International ACAC members in a more intimate environment ahead of the annual conference. Register for the Pre-Conference Institute within the Conference Registration form, which will be available on March 18. Learn more:
Off-Campus Housing Options
If you plan to stay on campus, you will reserve that when registering for the conference.
Below find details of hotel blocks in Pittsburgh. Use the links included to book with a special rate for conference attendees.
Sessions
Submit a proposal today for an Education Session or Conference Chat. We are seeking new faces, fresh voices, and a range of sessions that can serve the diverse needs of our membership.
The 2026 Conference theme is #BridgeBuilders, recognizing the way we build bridges every day in this profession. Collaborate with your colleagues now about session ideas. The deadline to submit a proposal is Wednesday, February 11 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
The password to submit a session proposal is available to active members only. It can be found in previous Conference Updates (December and January), or you can email Admin@InternationalACAC.org.
International ACAC Members are invited to sponsor the conference at various levels. The Sponsorship Application became available on Thursday, December 18 at 8:00 AM Eastern Time. Read more on the Sponsorship website.
Exhibit Hall
The Exhibit Hall is back in 2026 and better than ever! Read more and find the application to apply on the Exhibit Hall website.
International ACAC Counselor Bus Tour
The International ACAC Bus Tour will again be offered immediately after the conclusion of the annual conference in Pittsburgh. The Bus Tour team is planning a schedule from July 17-24 (7 nights), which will include visits to approximately 10-12 diverse university campuses between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. We anticipate including up to 30 counselors, who will be selected through the application process.
#BridgeBuilders Photo Challenge
Building bridges is what International ACAC is all about. Our members bridge cultural differences, connect communities around the world, and traverse myriad challenges to promote international student mobility.
Show us how you are a #BridgeBuilder! We want to highlight our community and celebrate the ways we connect with each other. Email photos to Admin@InternationalACAC.org of:
- Your favorite local bridge; or
- You and others building bridges between cultures. Think...
- Eating at a fusion restaurant
- Visiting a new place with a local friend being the tour guide
- Learning a dance from a culture that isn't yours
Your photo may be featured on the website, in upcoming conference update newsletters, and at the annual conference in Pittsburgh.
