The American Evaluation Association (AEA) is excited to welcome participation in the Evaluation 2026 buddy programs. Their are two opportunities that welcome buddies and veterans to support two different audiences at the AEA conference.
Evaluation 2026 Buddy Program
Pairs AEA conference veterans with first- and second-time conference attendees. This is best suited for new attendees who are primarily focused and practicing domestically in the United States. Veterans will have attended three or more AEA conferences. Since we had an overwhelming response to the call for buddies last year, veterans will have 3-4 each in a small pod. This is more informal connection opportunity with guidance provided on how to connect but with no required heavy lifts.
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International Buddy Program
Championed by the International and Cross-Cultural Evaluation Topical Interest Group (ICCE TIG), this program pairs US-based evaluators with international participants to participate in knowledge exchange. This is best suited for US-based evaluators interested in learning more about the state of evaluation in other countries and welcoming our international colleagues to the AEA conference. The international participants best suited for this program are interested in gaining a better understanding of evaluation practice in the US by exchanging with a US-based peer and a more curated connectivity focused on convening all international attendees present at the conference.
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Can’t be a buddy? Be An AEA Ambassador!
At the conference, we are asking AEA volunteer leaders to wear an “Ambassador” ribbon on their nametag (found on the ribbon wall). Ambassadors will operate “at large,” so no sign-up is required nor is there a fixed schedule or orientation session to attend. The only qualification required is a willingness to be helpful to first-time attendees wearing “First-Time Attendee” ribbons and/or buttons (see below). Buttons will be made available at the AEA Hub near registration.
