Taking place July 10-13 and co-hosted by Tulane University and Loyola University, the conference will bring together collaborators from around the world to discuss important matters of global education with a focus on the transition process from secondary to higher education.

“I can’t think of a better place to be hosting a global conference on education than New Orleans”

Founded as the Overseas Association for College Admission Counseling, International ACAC now boasts more than 2,800 professional members globally.

The three days of professional development, as well as pre- and post-conference events, are expected to set a conference attendance record with 1,436 participants hailing from 100 nations across the globe.

It will also feature interactive sessions on a full range of topics that touch global education, opportunities for professional development and a series of ‘Conference Chats’ shorter discussion-based presentations similar to TED Talks.

The annual College Fair will take place on July 11, followed by the High School Fair on July 12. On July 13 the conference will close with a community service project, which will see a group of conference attendees volunteer at ArcGNO, a New Orleans based non-profit organisation that supports children and adults with developmental disabilities by recycling Mardi Grad beads.

International ACAC president Aaron Andersen told The PIE News that the conference has always been about its members, who represent many different countries and cultures, coming together to talk about the best way to support students.

“This year, the prospect of education spanning borders and bridging cultural barriers is just as important as it has ever been.

“Our organisation plays an important role in ensuring that students are informed about the world of options available after secondary school… and I can’t think of a better place to be hosting a global conference on education than New Orleans, a city that is proud of its history of cultural diversity and hospitality,” he added.

• Kerrie Kennedy will attend the International ACAC conference for The PIE News – follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates