The 2018 Global Ties U.S. National Meeting welcomed more than 800 attendees from across the international exchange community, including our members, IVLP alumni, emerging leaders, public diplomacy practitioners, and beyond. Here are some highlights—see more here.
Volunteers Power the National Meeting
The National Meeting would not have been possible without volunteers from across the Global Ties Network. From registration to logistics, volunteers were critical to the event’s success.
Opening Plenary
Stacy White (far left), Director of the Office of International Visitors at the U.S. Department of State, delivers opening remarks. Left to right: Courtney Brooks, Chair of the 2018 National Meeting Planning Committee; Ambassador Jennifer Zimdahl Galt, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs; Michelle Giuda, Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs; and Jacquelyn Shipe, Chair of the Global Ties U.S. Board of Directors.
Supporting by Exhibiting
The Exhibitor Hall hosted approximately 50 organizations and businesses that support exchanges with their services and/or products, such as our National Program Agencies, Community-Based Members, hotels, consultants, and more.
Diplomatic Receptions
Jacquelyn Shipe (center right), Chair of the Global Ties U.S. Board of Directors, presents a gift to Agnes O’Hare, wife of Ambassador David O’Sullivan of the Delegation of the European Union to the United States (center), at one of eight evening receptions following Day 1 of the National Meeting.
Emerging Leaders in Citizen Diplomacy
Thanks to the generous support of Al and Sharon Durtka and the Capitol Skyline Hotel, 21 emerging leaders of citizen diplomacy from across the U.S. participated in the National Meeting as part of their professional development in the international exchange field.
Family Feud
Courtney Brooks (left), Chair of the 2018 National Meeting Planning Committee, faces off against Tim Horgan, Chair of the 2019 National Meeting, in an “exchanges” version of Family Feud at the Closing Celebration.
Photos Courtesy of A. E. Landes Photography