NESSIC Annual Leadership Conference
Theme:  Going Global 同向世界

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.

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• 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?)

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In addition, each presentation should fall into one of the following strands (core groups).

 

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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:

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• Heads, Division Leaders

• Middle Management and those who desire to become Leaders

• Business Managers

• Women In Leadership

• Professional Development Coordinators

• Admission/Marketing

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If you are considering participating, your presentation should include:

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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.

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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

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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.

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As a community, we want to help each other see beyond the horizon.

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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.

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How to Submit?

Proposal Submission Deadline:  Thursday, 20 August, 2026

🌐 https://www.nessic.org/staff-development/annual-leadership-conference-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. 

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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.

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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.

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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!