Evaluation 2026

The American Evaluation Association (AEA) is excited to present its in-person annual conference, Evaluation 2026. This conference celebrates AEA's 40th Anniversary and invites evaluation practitioners, researchers, and community members to explore and advance the future of evaluation. The theme, "Evaluation Across Boundaries," encourages openness to new ideas, welcoming diverse perspectives, and fostering collaboration across fields, sectors, and geographies. Attendees can expect a strategic investment in their careers, with tailored sessions and learning opportunities designed to build new competencies, stay ahead of trends, address challenges, and acquire strategies and methods for real impact. The event will feature various sessions over five days, including keynote presentations curated by the AEA President, Presidential Strand sessions, and a mix of session styles. Attendees will also have opportunities to network with other evaluators from around the world, meet speakers, authors, and AEA leadership, and explore an Exhibit Hall featuring publishers, universities, service providers, and organizations in the field of evaluation. The conference is organized around five streams: Foundational knowledge and practices of evaluation; Evaluation methods, design, and technology innovations; Equity, cultural responsiveness, and justice across evaluation practices; Evaluation practice in dynamic systems and/or uncertain environments or contexts; and Professional development and career pathways. Limited professional development workshops will be available separately for an additional fee.