Call for Presenters: NESSIC 2026 Leadership Conference
We are pleased to invite you to share your expertise and insights at our upcoming Leadership Conference in November.
Dates: Friday & Saturday, 27-28 November 2026
Venue: Cogdel Cranleigh High School Wuhan
Conference Theme: Going Global 同向世界
Conference Details: https://www.nessic.org/staff-development/annual-leadership-conference-2026
This year’s theme “Going Global” was chosen by the NESSIC advisory board because it addresses the unique offering of bilingual schools: their international engagement.
A recent survey of over 2500 parents in China identified that “cultural diversity” was one of the major reasons that bilingual parents chose their school. And the annual NESSIC leadership survey shows that nearly 50% of NESSIC schools are either partnering with an international organisation or have overseas student exchanges.
But beyond this Going Global reflects a changing world, and China’s changing role within it. As Chinese electric cars, toys, and culture are expanding globally, so are many Chinese school groups. 20% of the NESSIC schools are part of groups expanding internationally, or are actively recruiting students from overseas. China, and its organisations, are going global, and this year at our leadership conference, we will show the way.
We are seeking dynamic and insightful presenters who can share practical insights and innovative approaches in areas that connect with this theme. We have included some example topics in the next section. This year, we will also be inviting attendees from the broader education ecosystem in Asia who want to engage, share and learn.
What We’re Looking For
Our call for presenters focuses on topics NESSIC leaders have identified as their most pressing needs, or areas that could influence their future thinking.
Student enrolment (Have you enhanced your boarding enrolment with students from overseas? How can China brand itself to compete with other established school markers?)
Teacher recruitment
Professional development
AI system development
Marketing (How is your school standing apart? How are you best able to communicate bilingual education and internationally oriented education?)
Innovation driving pedagogy
Special education
International engagement (How does your school engage uniquely internationally? How can students become successful participants in China going global?)
School branding
Well-being
Business management
Changing regulations and policy
Strategic planning (Is boarding a viable and sustainable pathway for schools? How can schools leverage their international connections for long-term growth?)
In addition, each presentation should fall into one of the following strands (core groups).
Conference Strands
This conference is developed for a range of specialist positions in bilingual schools. Peer presentations are welcomed for each of the strand groupings of the conference, which are:
Heads, Division Leaders
Middle Management and those who desire to become Leaders
Business Managers
Women In Leadership
Professional Development Coordinators
Admission/Marketing
If you are considering participating, your presentation should include:
Must-Have Elements:
Leadership-focused: This is a leadership conference so the topic and content should be oriented towards leading school leadership
Evidence-based: Your proposal should be based on research, personally conducted research or observation, or utilise first-hand school data.
Practical: The presentation should lead to actionable takeaways that others can utilise directly in their schools. Please share openly.
Value-Adding Elements
Fresh Perspective: The presentation will raise a unique or creative idea, angle or format that has not been seen at other conferences; or for an account that may have been presented elsewhere, we welcome new insights, updated findings, with creative adaptions for the bilingual schools in the China context
Thematic: Ideally you will connect your presentation to our theme
Interactive Components: Consider including case studies, group discussions, or hands-on activities
Cross-cultural Insights: Share perspectives unique to leading bilingual schools in China
Most importantly, please propose a presentation that your colleagues would want to attend. For example, a presentation on “Sharing research or action research on teacher empowerment” would attract an audience at the conference.
As a community, we want to help each other see beyond the horizon.
Presentation Details
Length: Presentations will run for 50 minutes (30 minutes presentation/workshop + 15-20 minutes Q&A).
Language: Presentations can be made in English or Chinese.
Format: You may present on your own or you are welcome to apply to co-present with one other colleague. More than one presentation proposal? Please make a separate submission for each, but no more than two submissions.
How to Submit?
Proposal Submission Deadline: Thursday, 20 August 20, 2026
Please complete our online proposal submission form with title and brief description (max 200 words) along with the other details requested.
Proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis by a diverse, experienced team. We will review your proposal and let you know the decision as soon as possible after the deadline. If approved, there will be ample time for you to prepare the actual presentation.
We are anticipating more proposals this year and may not have space for them all so the sooner a proposal is submitted, the sooner the outcome will be known.
Conference Registration & Benefits for Presenters
If approved, you will need to register to attend the conference.
Approved Peer presenters receive a 30% discount from the already reduced NESSIC schools' registration fee shown on the registration page.
If your proposal is approved, your presentation details, name, school name and photo will be promoted on the NESSIC website and on the Whova app that will be seen by participants.
Before submitting:
Be sure to seek approval in advance from the relevant authority in your school to attend and present.
The presentation should be rehearsed before the conference among departmental colleagues for quality assurance.
If you are planning to share handouts or media in your presentation, kindly provide a copy of presentation materials (e.g. PPT, slides) prior to the conference.
Tips for a Successful Proposal
Align your topic with the conference theme and strands
Craft an attention-grabbing title and clear, concise description
Highlight practical takeaways and audience engagement
Share your unique perspective or experience
Consider including interactive elements or hands-on activities to engage the attendees
Questions? Contact admin@nessic.org
Thank you for your support and we look forward to receiving your proposal!
