Each year during the International ACAC Annual Conference, participants are invited to join in any of the special events. These are fun, extracurricular activities designed to promote camaraderie, celebrate community, and raise money for the International ACAC Global Fund. Many of these events have become traditions of the conference, adding extra pizzazz to an already incredible week!
These events are only possible because of the dedication of the Special Events Committee!
5K-3K Run/Walk
Wake up and move!
Start your conference day alongside your colleagues with either a 5K or 3K Run or Walk. The race can be both competitive and fun, with some choosing to go "all out" and break a sweat, while others prefer casually strolling and chatting.Â
Date: Wednesday, July 15
Time: 6:30 AM. Plan to arrive by 6:20 AM.
Cost: $35 USD if paid by July 14.
Day-of Registration will be $40 USD, payable only by card.
Event Details:
Participants should plan to meet at the starting location by 6:20 AM to begin the race promptly at 6:30 AM.
Good Morning Yoga
During this hour of practice, participants can expect a structured flow beginning with approximately 30 minutes of asana (yoga posture) practice, followed by 15 minutes of Savasana (resting pose), and concluding with 15 minutes of meditation using Sadhguru's Isha Kriya technique. Please come dressed in comfortable clothing and bring a towel, a water bottle, and, of course, your smile! This session is open to individuals of all ages and experience levels, including those with no prior experience, so everyone is welcome.
Instructor Bio:
I am a yogi who practices yoga daily and strives to incorporate mindfulness into my everyday life. Since earning my yoga teacher certification in Bali in 2019, I have been committed to sharing my passion for yoga with others. My teaching styles include Vinyasa, Yin Yoga, and Hatha Yoga, allowing me to cater to various levels of practitioners.
Cost: $25 USD
Date: Thursday, July 16
Time: 7:00 AM. Plan to arrive by 6:45 AM to check in and set up your mat.
Spin Class
Come join the international community for an International ACAC Conference indoor cycling class! This 50-minute session is a perfect way for any and all registrants to start their morning with a great sweat, fun music, and even better vibes. Epic beats will push you through a low impact yet high energy workout on stationary bikes—safe for all ages and fitness levels. 100% of the proceeds from the class will go to the International ACAC Global Fund.
Instructor Bio:
John Yi (Yale University) has taught indoor cycling for nearly a decade, with an emphasis on positive messaging and fun choreography. As a former classical flautist and avid singer, John fully harnesses the power of music and rhythm to coach his riders to peak performance.
Cost: $25 USD
Date: Thursday, July 16
Time: 7:00 AM. Plan to arrive by 6:45 AM to check in and set up your bike.
Silent Auction (New This Year!)
The International ACAC Silent Auction is an opportunity for members to bid on items from around the world. All proceeds benefit the Global Fund.
Auction items are donated by the entire spectrum of attendees, including counselors, IECs, admissions officers, non-profit leaders, EducationUSA officials, and vendors. This panorama of items includes globally-inspired artworks and foods, vouchers for various experiences or services, libations, branded apparel, and more.
How to Donate an Item for Auction
- Submit your item information: Auction Item Donation Form.
- Information must be submitted by Monday, July 13 to be included in the auction.
- We request that you do not ship auction items in advance. Plan to bring them with you to the conference.
How to Bid on a Prize
All prizes can be viewed in person at the conference, or on the Silent Auction Website.
- Bidding will begin on Tuesday, July 14 at 4:30 PM.
- Bidding will close on Thursday, July 16 at 11:30 AM.
All items must be collected on Thursday, July 16 between 12 - 5:00 PM. Items not collected by 5:00 PM will be forfeited.
Book Drive
Books are wonderful ways to bring pieces of our identities, hopes, and dreams and bring about an impact to a person who craves understanding a different perspective, culture, and maybe see a bit of themselves.
The annual book drive encourages members to bring just one book that represents their culture, themselves, or the country where they currently reside. Those books are then donated to a local charity in our host city.
Starting with the conference at Florida International University in 2023, the books went to local barber shops and bodegas in some parts of Miami. In 2024, they went to the public library to benefit First Nations kids in London, Ontario. And in 2025 the books were donated to More Than Words, a Boston non-profit that supports youth experiencing homelessness or foster care.
This year we will continue this tradition by donating books to a local organization in Pittsburgh.
If members just bring one children's or young adult book (new or gently used), you can make an impact on a young person, and in turn make a wonderful change in someone's life. Just One Book!
How to Participate:
- Bring a book that represents your culture, heritage, or unique identity to the 2026 Conference.
- Donate your book while checking in to the conference - look for the Special Events table.
- If you miss your chance at conference check-in, you may bring the book to the Silent Auction Room at any time throughout the week.
New in 2026
You may have noticed something different this year. No golf?
In order to maximize the time within our conference schedule, we are no longer offering the golf scramble as an official special event. But fear not, avid golfers! There may not be an official event, but you can still keep up your golfing tradition.
The host institutions in Pittsburgh recommend the BLANK Golf Course, as it is located close to both campuses. Use this spreadsheet to coordinate with other attendees who want to golf.