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CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF EVALUATION

As evaluation evolves, so does the way we come together. For our 40th anniversary, Evaluation 2026 introduces a more connected program experience, with five streams designed to help you explore ideas, discover new perspectives, and focus on what matters most.

Please note: The general conference begins on Wednesday, November 18 and concludes on Friday, November 20. We encourage you to view the agenda before making travel plans.

Explore the streams below to find your path.

Foundations and Core Practice

Focused on foundational knowledge and practices. Sessions explore core competencies, ethical practice, professional standards, theory-informed evaluation, and the day-to-day realities of evaluation work across contexts.

Design, Methods, Evidence,
and Use

Focused on methodological learning and design choices that produce credible, useful evidence to support evaluation learning, use, and influence.

Equity, Culture, and Justice
in Evaluation

Focused on how culture, power, history, identity, and evaluator positionality shape our work. Addresses culturally responsive, Indigenous, participatory, and community centered approaches; equity focused and justice-oriented frameworks; and critical systems perspectives.

Innovation, Complexity, Systems, and Futures

Exploring systems thinking, complexity, developmental approaches, technology, futures thinking, and foresight. These sessions bring non-traditional perspectives to evaluation, emphasizing adaptation and experimentation in complex environments and using insights about possible futures to inform decisions today.

Building Professional Community Within and Beyond AEA

Centered explicitly on the people and relationships that sustain the evaluation profession. Sessions focus on professional identity, career pathways, mentoring, leadership development, collaboration, and community building within and beyond AEA.

Learn More

visit charlotte, nc

Join the AEA community as we gather to advance the practice and impact of evaluation. All conference functions will take place at The Charlotte Convention Center, and AEA has secured discounted hotel accommodations for attendees in hotels nearby.

evaluation 2026 checklist

Register

Reserve your spot to connect with thousands of colleagues from across the globe.

Plan Ahead

Explore the program to find the sessions you want to attend at Evaluation 2026.

Connect

See what this year’s theme, Evaluation Across Boundaries, is all about.

Explore

Explore Charlotte, NC, ahead of the conference to learn more about the "Queen City".

eval26 sponsors

Make New Connections

From small-group conversations to large community celebrations, Evaluation 2026 is designed to help you build relationships at every turn. Connect one-on-one with thought leaders at Meet the Authors, explore communities at the TIG Fair, and close out the week at the AEA Send-Off Celebration—a special 40th anniversary gathering to reflect, connect, and carry new ideas forward. 

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