IBP AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
- The international participants will feel more at home upon their registration at the AEA conference in Charlotte;
- The international participants will gain a better understanding of evaluation practice in the US by exchanging with a US-based peer;
- The US-based evaluator will learn more about the state of evaluation in other countries;
- Queries from the international participants to the US-based evaluators regarding conference logistics issues will be dealt with in a timely and non-bureaucratic manner; and
- The initial confusion and uncertainty faced by all new international visitors will be lessened.
The buddy relationship will consist of three phases:
1. Before the Conference
To take part in the program, complete the registration form below. Based on your background and professional interests, Michele Tarsilla will pair international visitors and U.S.-based evaluators who are a strong match.
Once paired, participants will receive each other’s email addresses and are encouraged to connect a few weeks before the conference begins.
If you are an international participant or a U.S.-based evaluator, register for Evaluation 2026 and complete the form below.
2. During the Conference
AEA will create opportunities for buddy pairs to connect with each other and the broader community throughout the conference.
Key moments include the Poster Exhibit and Meet the Authors reception on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. and the Topical Interest Group (TIG) Fair and Reception on Thursday, November 19, 2026 at 6:00 p.m., along with the International and Cross-Cultural Evaluation TIG annual meeting.
Participants are also encouraged to connect informally during lunches, receptions and other events. U.S.-based evaluators can help answer questions about sessions, logistics and navigating the conference.
3. After the Conference
The goal is for participants to leave Evaluation 2026 having built meaningful professional connections that extend beyond the conference and across borders.
Interested in more information? Please contact Michele Tarsilla, IBP Program Coordinator.
Important Disclaimer: Remember that this is an informal opportunity to enhance your experience at the Annual Meeting, and it should be an enjoyable experience for both the international visitor and the US-based evaluator. Therefore, individuals enrolled in the program are invited not to present their buddies with resumes or work in progress, and not to expect formal career guidance or introductions to specific scholars in the course of the conference.