Registration will open soon for the Association for International Agriculture and Rural Development (AIARD) 2026 Annual Conference. This year’s event will be held in Arlington, Virginia (Washington, DC area) from Thursday, June 4th to Friday, June 5th.

Now, more than ever, it is essential for our community to come together—exchanging ideas, strengthening partnerships, and preparing for the future of food systems and rural development in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Held during the International Year of the Woman Farmer, the 2026 conference will highlight the vital role women farmers play in driving progress across market systems, climate resilience, nutrition, livelihoods, and community stability. The program will also address shifts in foreign assistance, emerging financing models, and new partnerships shaping the future of global agriculture and development. With dedicated programming focused on careers, connections, and navigating professional transitions, the conference will provide practical guidance, peer learning, and networking opportunities for participants at every career stage.

​Theme: “Women Farmers. Food Systems. The Future of Global Development.”
📅 Dates: Thursday, June 4th – Friday, June 5th, 2026
📍 Location: Arlington, Virginia (Washington, DC Area)
Venue details and hotel information coming soon

Registration

Conference registration: Opening March 2026
Registration deadline: To be announced

Activities

Wednesday, June 3rd: Future Leaders Forum Immersion Day
  • Dedicated experience for the 2026 Future Leaders Forum cohort
  • Visits to key institutions in the Washington, DC area shaping international agriculture and rural development
  • Networking dinner connecting fellows with AIARD members and mentors
Thursday, June 4th: Women Farmers and Food Systems Transformation
  • Flagship day highlighting the essential role of women farmers in resilient and inclusive food systems
  • Sessions exploring market systems, policy, technology, investment, and partnerships
  • Discussions on climate resilience, nutrition, livelihoods, and community stability
  • Evening reception launching the International Year of the Woman Farmer
Friday, June 5th: A Future Focused for Everyone — Careers, Connections, and the Next Chapter
  • Policy discussions on the evolving development landscape
  • Career labs and coaching sessions
  • Networking opportunities across sectors
  • AIARD Business Meeting
Saturday, June 6th: Experience Washington, DC (Optional)
  • Curated self-guided itineraries
  • Exploration of DC’s history, culture, and global development institutions
  • Informal networking and reflection opportunities
  • Conference Programming Highlights
Throughout the conference, participants will engage in:
  • Keynote sessions and panel discussions
  • Lightning talks and research presentations
  • Poster sessions featuring academic research
  • Career development workshops and coaching
  • Networking events and receptions
  • Awards recognition

Conference Hotel

Hotel and room block details will be announced soon.
Special AIARD rates and booking instructions will be provided when registration opens.

Future Leaders Forum

Learn more about the Future Leaders Forum, a competitive fellowship for current undergraduate and graduate students to share their work and better prepare to engage in global agriculture.