Western University to host more than 1,550 international guidance counsellors and admissions professionals for global conference

The International Association of College Admission Counseling (International ACAC) and Western University will host 1,565 representatives from around the world for an international education conference from July 9 to 12 at Western’s campus in London, Ontario, Canada.

Rarely held in Canada, the International ACAC conference is the premier professional development event for international education professionals dedicated to serving students as they plan for, and transition to, postsecondary education. The annual conference, now in its 26th year, brings together school counsellors, university admissions officers and representatives from related organizations, to discuss global education with a focus on improving support for students as they select their academic programs and global destination.

“The International ACAC annual conference offers members time to connect, learn and share with one another. We are excited to have Western University as our host to facilitate this important exchange,” says Becky Konowicz, President, International ACAC.

“Western attracts top students from around the world and provides opportunities to learn in a global context,” says Western University President Alan Shepard. “That’s why we are thrilled to host this conference here in London and showcase our campus to an international network of professionals that supports globally minded students in their pursuit of academic excellence.”

In 2018, approximately 1,430 representatives attended the 25th annual conference in New Orleans. This year, the conference will attract representatives from more than 90 countries, including:

– 795 university and college admissions professionals

– 639 high school counsellors and individual members

– 131 representatives of international education organizations

Representatives will connect, learn and share ideas through 80 education sessions, two comprehensive fairs, conference chats and social events.

Conference Highlights include:

July 9

Opening Ceremony, 4:30 to 5:45

featuring Keynote speaker and Olympic athlete, Damian Warner

Alumni Hall

Opening Reception, 6 pm to 8 pm

featuring Ice skating, Canadian sports and coast-to-coast food

Thompson Recreation and Athletic Centre

July 10, 2019

Education Sessions, 9:15 to 10:25 am and 1:30 to 2:45 pm

(Various locations at Western)

College and University Fair, 4:15 to 5:30 pm

Thompson Recreation and Athletic Centre

Indigenous-Inspired Dinner, 6:15 to 8 pm

featuring Genevieve Fisher, country artist and Western alumna, 
and member of the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation

University College Hill

July 11

Education Sessions, 9:00 to 10:10 am and 10:40 to 11:50 am

(Various locations at Western)

Counselor Fair (High School Fair), 3:15 to 4:30 pm

Thompson Recreation and Athletic Centre

Closing Reception: Canadian Backyard BBQ, 6:00 to 11:00 pm

University College Hill

Full schedule and further details at: international.uwo.ca/iacac2019

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Kris Dundas, Communications & Marketing Manager, Western International, 519-661-2111 ext. 81064, 519-615-9625 (mobile), kdundas2@uwo.ca

David Bernay, VP, Communications, International ACAC 919-402-6279 (mobile), davidbe@stedwards.edu

Stephen Ledgley, Senior Media Relations Officer, Western University, 519-661-2111 x85283, sledgley@uwo.ca

MEDIA CREDENTIALS: Members of the media are asked to report to Registration (Great Hall, Somerville House) or to the Media Contacts above before covering the event. A press badge is required to attend events and sessions.

ABOUT WESTERN

Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL ACAC

International ACAC was founded in 1991 as the Overseas Association for College Admission Counseling and is affiliated with the US-based National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). Membership is made up of over 3,200 professionals from more than 100 countries worldwide, dedicated to serving students as they make choices about pursuing postsecondary education.