Letters of Invitation

For many people, letters of invitation help smooth the visa process and/or support their requests to receive funding to attend professional development. Letters will be issued to those meeting any ONE of the following criteria:

  1. You have been a member of AEA prior to 12/31/2024
  2. You are scheduled to present at Evaluation 2025
  3. You have completed and paid for Evaluation 2025
  4. You can provide evidence of your work or study in the field of evaluation

Request a Letter of Invitation

We will be collecting inquiries immediately. Please complete the form here with the following information:  

  • An indication of which of the four criteria above you meet, including documentation of your work or study in the field of evaluation if you meet only criteria #4
  • The full address that should appear on the letter
  • The name and title of the person to whom the letter should be addressed
  • Any other information that you believe is needed in order to process your request for a letter or to develop the letter of invitation.

Please note that all letters of invitation will be transmitted via email only at this time. Letters of invitation are sent within three working days of receipt of all requested information. If you have questions about obtaining a letter of invitation, please direct them to the AEA office via email at info@eval.org or via phone at 1-202-367-1166.

Tips and Tools for Attendees Traveling From Outside The U.S.

We’re excited to welcome international attendees to Kansas City, Missouri, in November! In 2024, we welcomed attendees from 47 countries, and 2025 is shaping up to be even more global. We hope you’ll be part of it. To ensure a smooth journey, here's a quick guide to help with your travel preparations.

Visas & Travel Documents

  • Determine Your Visa Needs: Before anything else, check if you need a visa before entering the United States. Visa requirements vary by country, and it's essential to confirm this information well in advance. Find out if you need a visa to travel to the United States.

  • Apply Early: If a visa is required, we strongly encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Visa processing times can vary significantly, so early application is key to avoid delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Appointment Wait Times

  • Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from the United States.
  • Note that all U.S. air travelers must now present a REAL ID–compliant driver’s license or another accepted form of identification, such as a valid passport, military ID, or a DHS trusted traveler card, to fly within the country.

REAL ID Requirements

Important Considerations for Your Journey

  • Official Resources: Refer to official government websites, such as the U.S. Department of State, for the most accurate and up-to-date information on visa requirements and travel regulations.
  • Travel Flexibility: We understand that planning international travel can sometimes have unexpected twists and turns. While we hope for a smooth journey for everyone, we want you to be prepared and feel secure in your plans. Should your plans change, here's what you need to know about cancellations and transfers:
  • AEA must receive all cancellation requests in writing no later than Friday, October 10, 2025. Please email cancellation requests with the reason for cancellation to registration@eval.org. All cancellation requests will be reviewed by AEA, and if approved, will be processed within three weeks of the original request. Refunds that are approved will be subject to a $50 cancellation fee.

No refunds are accepted and all sales are final after October 10, 2025.

  • Transfer From In-Person to Virtual: If you can no longer attend the conference, you may transfer your in-person registration to the virtual event for the difference in price. All requests to transfer to the virtual conference must be sent via email to registration@eval.org by Friday, September 26, 2025. The difference in price will be refunded 2-3 weeks after the request is confirmed.

No refunds will be provided for requests received after September 26, 2025.

  • Virtual Conference Cancellation by Individual: All sales are final, and no refunds will be offered.