Why It Matters to America: Making the Case
for International Education
Join industry leaders for IDP's fourth-annual Think-Tank event, focused on the benefits of international education to America.
This year's Think-Tank event will center on the theme, "How International Education Benefits Everyday Americans."
Featuring speakers from the Brookings Institute, the American Institute of Physics, LiftHER, and more, the Think Tank will explore how international students contribute to the vitality of American life by supporting local economies, enriching campus experiences, and sustaining critical programs in STEM and beyond. Through moderated panels and collaborative discussions, we’ll examine the tangible, bipartisan benefits of international education in communities across America.
Thursday, February 19, 2026
12:00-4:30 pm
Following the AIEA Annual Conference.
Lunch will be served.
Eaton Hotel
1201 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005
Location
The Think-Tank event will take place on February 19 at the Eaton Hotel in Washington, DC. Eaton Workshop's flagship Hotel, Eaton DC is a hub for creativity, community and culture. Within walking distance of the Smithsonian museums, Black Lives Matter Plaza, Capitol Hill, and the Convention Center, guests can be a part of the culture of a world-class city and enjoy the comforts of a boutique hotel.
Agenda
Think Tank Event | 12:00pm – 4:30pm
Eaton Hotel - Crystal Ballroom | 1201 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005
12:00pm: Welcome / Networking Lunch
Christine Wach - Senior Vice President, North America - IDP
12:30pm: IDP Global Insights
Jessica Sandberg - Vice President of External Affairs, USA - IDP
Elle Butler - Director of Marketing, USA - IDP
1:15pm: U.S. Policy and Advocacy Update
Jill Allen Murray - Deputy Executive Director, Public Policy - NAFSA: Association of International Educators
Jill Welch - Co-Founder - U.S. for Success Coalition
1:45pm: Audience Q&A and Open Discussion
2:00pm: Break
2:15pm: Panel Discussion - On-the-Ground Evidence of Impact
Moderator: Heather Ward - Associate Provost for Global Affairs - University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Courtney McAnuff - Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management - Rutgers University
How international student tuition supports domestic programming and affordability
Linda Liu - Founder - LiftHER Career
Daily realities for international students navigating the U.S. job market
Marcela Escobari - Senior Fellow - The Brookings Institute
Middle-class impacts and workforce implications
3:15pm: How International Stem Talent Strengthens Regional Economies
Lindsay Milliken - Associate Director, Public Policy and Research Analysis - American Institute of Physics
3:45pm: Guided Floor Discussion - Moving Toward Solutions
Moderator: Dr. Martyn Miller - Assistant Vice President for Global Engagement - Temple University
4:15pm: Closing Remarks
Clare Overmann - CEO - AIEA: Association of International Education Administrators
4:30pm: Farewell
RSVP
As this event is invite only, please RSVP via the link sent directly to your email.
Questions / For More Information
For questions or more information about the event, please contact Elle Butler at elle.butler@idp.com.
Past Think-Tank events
2025 - Economic Allies: Demonstrating the Value of International Students to the American Workforce and Innovation
Building on the momentum of previous years and strategically aligning with NAFSA’s 2025 Advocacy Day, the 2025 event created a forum for critical conversations on how attracting and retaining global talent can bolster America's competitive edge.
The event focused on using the economic and workforce contributions of international students as a foundation for building bipartisan support to defend and strengthen international education policies. Through presentations, moderated panels, and open discussions, key stakeholders explored the role of international students in filling critical labor market gaps.
Panelists and speakers joined from NAFSA, the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Innovation Group, the American Immigration Council, International house Philadelphia, University at Buffalo, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore county.2024 - Advancing the National Conversation on International Education: Survey Results and Next Steps for the U.S.
Stemming from conversations at our 2023 Think-Tank event, IDP, with the assistance of several leading higher education organizations in the US including NAFSA, AIRC, AACRAO, NACAC and others, developed and launched a major survey of higher education leaders on the topic of a national strategy. At this Think-Tank event, we examined the findings, heard from industry experts, and engaged in group discussions about the next steps needed to develop a cohesive plan for U.S. international education.
Panelists included representatives from four U.S. government departments: Education, Commerce, Homeland Security, and State, as well as industry stakeholders NAFSA, AIRC, and AACRAO. Closing reflections were delivered by Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA.
2023 - Destination 2030: Reimagining the Future of Student Mobility - Advocacy & Implementation of a U.S. International Education Strategy
The inaugural think-tank event brought together international education leaders, key government agencies, sector bodies, and institutional experts to discuss the future of U.S. international education. We examined the data, vision-cast for the future, and formulated recommendations for the tactical implementation and advocacy of the Joint Statement of Principles in Support of International Education by the U.S. Departments of State and Education.
Opening remarks were delivered by Allan Goodman, CEO of IIE. Panelists included representatives from three U.S. government departments: Education, Commerce, and State, as well as institutional leaders from New York University, University of Maryland - Baltimore County, Pennsylvania State University, and more.