Behind every world-class conference is a dedicated team driven by a shared vision. From September 27 to October 2, 2026, the 51st Annual Conference of the International Association for Educational Assessment (IAEA) will welcome about 400 delegates, including leading educational leaders, researchers, policymakers, and assessment practitioners, to Toronto, Canada.
A Historic First for Canada
Over the past half-century, the IAEA Annual Conference has served as a cornerstone for global educational dialogue, having been hosted in dynamic locations across the globe, including Zambia, the United States, Jamaica, Mexico, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Singapore, and Australia. This is the first time the conference will be held in Canada.
Hosted by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO), an award-winning assessment agency recognized for excellence in large-scale assessment, in collaboration with its assessment technology partner, Vretta, IAEA 2026 offers an unprecedented platform for global knowledge exchange.
This year’s program will feature more than 200 presenters from over 30 countries, creating a dynamic gathering of global expertise. Spanning North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Australia, delegates will present research, lead panel discussions, and showcase technological innovations across the assessment landscape.
The event, themed Trust, Transparency and Technology in Educational Assessment, will provide exceptional in-person opportunities for sharing experiences, advancing research, strengthening professional collaboration, and building partnerships with examination bodies, universities, research organizations, and government agencies from all around the world. You can learn more about the conference on the conference website, www.iaea2026.org, and view the event schedule by clicking Program.
To support delegates worldwide and deepen international engagement, the organizing committee introduced a novel Conference Ambassador initiative for IAEA 2026. As recognized leaders in the educational assessment space, these Ambassadors serve as regional leads and have extended their support far beyond their assigned geographic areas. They provide direct guidance to delegates while sharing the unique value of this year’s conference. Below are the Ambassadors and their primary focal regions:
| Ambassadors | World Regions |
| Amina Afif | Western Europe |
| Angel Mutale Kaliminwa | Africa |
| Dr. Ebrahim Talaee | Middle East and North Africa |
| Gelareh Keshavarz | Canada, Post-Secondary Institutions |
| Munira Mohammad Rangwala | Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, & Sri Lanka |
| Dr. Ovidiu Bagdasar | Eastern Europe |
| Dr. Richard Jones | Canada, Ministries of Education |
| Dr. Shafiza Mohamed | Southeast Asia |
| Tim Burnett | United Kingdom |
| Katie Carroll | United States of America |
| Vali Huseyn | Caucasus and Central Asia |
I had the opportunity to interview most of our Conference Ambassadors to discuss their work, industry expertise, and vision for the future of educational assessment. You can explore their featured profiles and read their interview insights here.
Join Us in Toronto
Whether you are presenting groundbreaking research, seeking innovative technological solutions, or looking to build lasting international partnerships, IAEA 2026 promises an inspiring, collaborative experience in Toronto.
- Explore the Schedule: Browse our accepted presentations, workshops, and panel sessions by visiting the IAEA 2026 Program Page.
- Register Today: Secure your delegate pass directly at www.iaea2026.org.
A heartfelt thank you to the IAEA, EQAO, Vretta, and our dedicated Conference Ambassadors for their tireless leadership and support. On behalf of the entire host team, we look forward to welcoming you to Toronto this fall!
RMJ ASSESSMENT 