Sentio B2B Networking Conference

For 2018 we have re-thought our vision for the Sentio B2B Networking Conference. The vital elements, essential to the network have been integrated into a broader, wide-ranging conference by combining with the inaugural 2018 AFS Global Conference | Global Competence: Our Future, Our Responsibility.

Every year we build up the agenda around 5 blocks:

Plenary sessions on relevant topics,
AGM and accountability session,
B2B meeting opportunities,
Plenary and break out sessions on GCC and global competence,
Member presentations.

Our (1) plenary sessions will open on 25 September at noon and will end with (2) AGM and accountability session on the morning of 26 September. There will be plenty of (3) B2B opportunities for those who arrive on 24 September and on 25 September in the morning, as well as throughout all days 25-28 September. Our (4) plenary and break out sessions on global competence will be integrated in the AFS Global conference starting on 26 September until 28 September. The Global conference is also the place for your (5) member presentations, be it for a wider audience than just the Sentio members. Specific “Sentio-relevant-only” presentations have lately moved to webinars, so please contact us if you wish to schedule one.

As such please see schedule below.

Sentio Schedule

Options available for B2B Networking (24-26), Sharing and learning (26-28) or both.

	24 Sept	25 Sept	26 Sept	27 Sept	28 Sept
AM	Arrivals	Sentio: B2B Sessions	Sentio: Accountability session and optional workshops	Global Conference: Keynote and Panel Workshops	Global Conference: Keynote and Panel Workshops
PM	Arrivals/ Sentio: B2B Sessions	Sentio: Opening and Plenaries	Global Conference: Optional workshops	Global Conference: Sessions and workshops	Global Conference: Sessions and Closing
EVE	Free Evening	Sentio: Cocktail Evening	Global Conference: Opening Cocktail	Global Conference: Optional Networking Dinner

The Sentio B2B Networking Conference

Building on the successes from Paris, New York, Kuala Lumpur and Santo Domingo, the Sentio B2B Networking section of the conference provides a unique networking environment for Sentio Members to get to know each other, discuss best practices and do business. Each year hundreds of B2B meetings ensure close collaboration across the network.

A unique opportunity for cooperation on developing global competence

The urgency of today’s challenges requires a united action from all—educators, policymakers, community and business leaders—who are invested in a globally-connected, peaceful future. Let’s work together to create and align policies, tools and resources that empower educators to deliver these essential 21st century skills to learners at every life stage.

Global competence: Our future, our responsibility

As the world becomes more interconnected, economies more global, and communities more diverse, educating people of all ages to become globally competent and able to learn, live and work together is increasingly recognized as a necessity. The rise of isolationist politics, international conflicts and clashes of ideologies add even greater urgency to this need.

For Sentio Members this is a unique opportunity to combine our traditional 3 day Networking Conference with the AFS Global Conference and interact with a large and diverse group of peers. It will provide a first-of-its-kind opportunity for real alignment and cooperation among all sectors who have a stake in developing global competence, whether through adult mobility programs, in classrooms, lecture halls, study abroad programs, non-formal training environments or beyond.

B2B Networking

Workshops and networking opportunities exclusively for Sentio Members foster close collaboration as we welcome new members and old to discuss their partnerships together.

The Global Competence Certificate (GCC)

Learn about and share best practices

Explore key questions for global competence development

Join us in tackling these topics:

How can all stakeholders in 21st century education connect, collaborate and align their global competency needs?
What resources are required of different stakeholders—individually and working together—to equip and support life-long learners in ensuring that global competency development is a fundamental component of education for everyone?
What are the necessary competences, strategies and tools that educators and facilitators require to successfully foster global competence in learners?
How do we better integrate intercultural learning and global competency development into educator preparation and training?
What are some innovative practices that educators and organizations have developed to advance global competence?
What role can civil society and community organizations (NGOs, study abroad organizations, non-formal education providers) play in supporting educators and learners in global competence development?
What is the role of the private sector in supporting the development of global competence?
What are the challenges facing all stakeholder in developing global competence and how can these be transformed into opportunities?

Network with leaders in education

Honor extraordinary individuals who advance global education

“If we don’t get global competency right, we are building our education systems on sand.”

—Andreas Schleicher, Director, OECD Directorate for Education and Skills / PISA (worldwide assessment of education systems, to include global competence measurement for the first time ever beginning in 2018)

Important dates leading up the 2018 Sentio B2B Networking Conference & AFS Global Conference

23 February	5 March	12 March	10 April	4 June	20 August
Deadline for expressions of interest	Registrations launch	Deadline to submit proposals	Notifications of acceptance to proposal submissions	Early-bird registration closes	Registrations close

AFS Global Conference call for proposals

Sentio members attending the AFS Global Conference will have the chance to discuss and present best practices through panel discussions, concurrent sessions (workshops, panels, poster presentations), and Idea Dates—a unique format for meaningful, results-oriented small group discussions—that will be complemented by networking opportunities and an inspiring expo of best practices.

Proposals can be based on best practices, innovative ideas, research findings and/or policy-oriented perspectives. They should address the conference theme and fit into one of the five conference tracks. Explore our guidelines for proposals.

We are working with Sentio Members to connect those interested in collaborating. The deadline for expressions of interest is 23 February 2018. For those expressing interest, we will support you with your final submission. The deadline to submit final proposals for concurrent sessions, posters and/or Idea Dates is 12 March 2018.

Name*
First Last
Organization*
Email*
Which track would you like?*
What format would you prefer?*

Track 1: 21st century education systems and global competence

Global competence requires that we work together in alignment. Sessions in this track will bring together different stakeholders and identify roles and responsibilities required for each to make global competence a staple of formal and non-formal education around the world. This includes best ways to develop and implement meaningful policies, strategies, funding mechanisms and educational frameworks that ensure our institutions and educators are ready to help people become globally competent.

Track 2: Empowering primary and secondary school teachers to foster global competence

Teachers and educators need to be champions of global competency to foster these 21st century skills in others. Sessions in this track will explore what it takes to better prepare primary and secondary school teachers to incorporate global competence in their curricula and lesson plans. This covers the full range of resources—from strategies and materials to funding—that teacher education institutions and authorities should include in pre-service and ongoing teacher learning. We will explore the best practices in providing teachers with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to function and educate in an intercultural environment. This track will also tackle the impact of the latest OECD PISA assessment of global competence on teacher education.

Track 3: Incorporating global competency in higher education and professional development

Simply being in contact with other cultures in not enough to become truly globally competent. Sessions in this track will define how to create truly intercultural learning environments, programs and curricula that foster global competence and collaboration in higher education. This includes addressing the demands of employers and societies for more globally fluent workforces and citizens, exploring tools and strategies that most effectively satisfy their needs. We will define ways to empower universities and employers to do more than simply internationalize campuses and workplaces.

Track 4: Supporting global competence development beyond formal education systems

Track 5: Bridging the gaps to ensure alignment among all stakeholders

Different stakeholders around the world are already making strides in advancing the global education movement. Sessions in this track will ensure meaningful alignment and collaboration among policymakers, funders, educators, employers diverse local communities, and others who contribute to the “learning to live together” movement. This includes collaboration across sectors, national and ideological boundaries to create alignment among different stakeholders about how we define and measure global competence.

Discover Budapest

Conference venue

Hungary is a proud country where Eastern Europe meets the West. Its stunning capital of Budapest, once known as the “Paris of the East,” with the mighty Danube River paint a unique picture for the setting of the 2018 AFS Global Conference.

The event will take place in the Budapest Congress Center, the largest, most modern congress and meeting facility in Hungary.

Explore the conference venue

Participation fee

The information about conference costs will be available in mid-February. Discounts and scholarships will be offered as they become available.

Support the 2018 AFS Global Conference

Partner with us and sponsor the 2018 AFS Global Conference. Your support will transform lives and make global competence education more accessible, relevant and actionable for all people worldwide. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the conference, please contact:

Anna Treyer-Simakova
International Events & Project Manager
AFS Intercultural Programs
71 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010, USA
+1 212 361 9195 | [email protected]

2018 Sentio B2B Networking Conference
&
AFS Global Conference

25-28 September 2018 | Budapest, Hungary | Global Competence: Our Future, Our Responsibility