Wednesday, March 25, 2026 - Friday, March 27, 2026
The BTAA Summit is a multi-day conference designed for colleagues from the Big Ten universities to explore and share ideas for maximizing international student engagement on campus. The Summit also offers opportunities to connect with peers across the Big Ten who share similar professional interests, exchange ideas, and learn how others are advancing success in the international education field.
Attendees include colleagues from international student and scholar offices, as well as those from colleges or departments whose work involves collaborating with these offices to support international students and scholars.
Through presentations and roundtable discussions, participants will exchange insights and best practices across a wide range of topics. Both new and experienced professionals are encouraged to attend.
Registering and attending the summit is free! Costs incurred by attendees are those associated with travel, lodging, and meals not provided by the summit.
BTAA Summit Communication List
To be added to the BTAA Summit communication list of professionals working in international student and scholar services across Big Ten universities, please complete this form.
This list is ongoing and passed on to the next host university.
BTAA Summit 2026, Presenter Sign-Up
If you are interested in presenting, co-presenting, or serving on a panel at the 2026 BTAA Summit, please complete this form. Completing this form will help the University of Iowa planning committee in selecting session topics and making connections among colleagues wishing to present with someone else.
Discounted Hotel Blocks
The summit has organized room blocks at two area hotels, both located within walking distance of downtown Iowa City and the University of Iowa campus. Attendees are welcome to book at these hotels or others in the area. Attendees are responsible for their own lodging expenses.
Element Hotel
The Element Hotel is located in downtown Iowa City, a block and a half from the University of Iowa campus.
Group rate: $119/night
Book at the group rate by February 23, 2026
- Check in time: anytime after 3 p.m.
- Check out time: anytime before 12 p.m.
- Parking charged to your guest folio (as needed) at a discounted rate of $15/day.
- Complimentary continental breakfast served daily.
- Fitness center on site.
Graduate Hotel
The Graduate Hotel is located in downtown Iowa City, a block and a half from the University of Iowa campus.
Group rate: $109/night
Book at the group rate by February 21, 2026
- Check in time: anytime after 4 p.m.
- Check out time: anytime before 11 a.m.
- Parking charged to your guest folio (as needed) at a discounted rate of $20/day.
- The GYM fitness center is open 24/7 and complimentary for our guests
- Poindexter Coffee Shop is open 7 days a week, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., serving breakfast and lunch options.
- Wilder Bar & Restaurant is open 7 days a week, 4 p.m. - close.
Summit Schedule
Planned Session Topics
- Innovative & High-Impact Student Programming
- Working with the Campus Community
- Supporting International Students' and Scholars' Mental Health & Well-being
- Working with Student Leaders and Student Employees
- Peer Mentor Programs
- Orientation & Transition
- Assessment & Evaluation of the International Student Experience
- Career & Professional Development for International Students
- Technology in International Education
- Supporting International Scholars and Dependents
*Planned topics are subject to change based on presenter availability. Full schedule will be available by early February.
Day One / Wednesday, March 25, 2026
5:30 p.m. (CDT) - Pre-Summit Opening Reception at ReUnion Brewery
Day Two / Thursday, March 26, 2026
- Opening session will begin at 8:30 a.m. (CDT)
- Lunch provided
- Last session will end around 5:30 p.m. (CDT)
- Dinner on your own
Day Three / Friday, March 27, 2026
- Opening session will begin at 8:30 a.m. (CDT)
- Lunch on your own
- Last session will end around 12 p.m. (CDT)
Presenter Bios
To be added...
Travel & Parking
Getting to Iowa City
The BTAA Summit will take place on the University of Iowa campus in Iowa City, Iowa.
Flying In
Attendees traveling by air should fly into the Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, located approximately 25 miles north from Iowa City.
From the airport, transportation options include:
- On-site rental car companies offering services at the Eastern Iowa Airport
- Uber or Lyft
- Anaman Concierge Services, which offers reliable airport shuttle transfers and is frequently used by University of Iowa guests.
- More options available on the Eastern Iowa Airport website.
We recommend booking ground transportation in advance when possible.
Driving & Parking
Attendees who are driving to Iowa City or renting a car locally are encouraged to park in City of Iowa City parking ramps, which are conveniently located in downtown Iowa City. If you are staying in the Element Hotel or Graduate Hotel, parking ramps are directly connected to both hotels, and parking charges can typically be billed directly to your hotel room. Please confirm parking details with your hotel at check-in.
Summit Location
Summit sessions will be held on the 2nd floor of the University Capitol Centre (200 South Capitol Street), located on the University of Iowa campus.
The University Capitol Centre is approximately one and a half blocks from both the Element Hotel and the Graduate Hotel, making it easily walkable for attendees staying nearby.
Places to Eat
For places to eat located inside the University Capitol Centre, visit the Capitol Mall's directory.
For places to eat in downtown Iowa City, visit the Iowa City Downtown District food and drink guide.
For more options in Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, and Tiffin, visit Think Iowa City's restaurant guide.
Things to Do
Shopping
Shops located within walking distance of campus can be found on the Iowa City Downtown District shopping guide.
Located five miles from campus is the Coral Ridge Mall.
Things to Do
Looking for events and activities happening in the area? Visit the Think Iowa City visitor guide.
2026 Summit Organizers
International Programs at Iowa
The University of Iowa is committed to enriching the global experience of students, faculty, staff, and the greater community. International Programs (IP) does this by providing leadership and support for internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement; we encourage students to see the world in a whole new way. IP is comprised of International Student and Scholar Services, Study Abroad, Student Grants & Fellowships, Faculty Funding & Services, Communications & Relations, and a U.S. Passport Office. Our goal: To connect Iowa with the world and the world with Iowa.
International Programs Monthly Newsletter
Stay current on all that's happening in International Programs at the University of Iowa throughout the year.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Daniel Vorwerk in advance by email at daniel-vorwerk@uiowa.edu or call 319-467-1619.