The SEA-EU European University Alliance is taking part in the 36th Annual Conference and Exhibition of the European Association for International Education (EAIE), held from 8 to 11 September at the Scottish Event Campus in Glasgow under the theme The Rhythm of Revolution.
Recognised as Europe’s largest international higher education event, EAIE Glasgow 2026 is expected to welcome more than 7,000 professionals from 107 countries. The exhibition will feature over 250 stands representing more than 1,200 organisations, while the conference programme includes over 240 sessions and activities delivered by more than 350 speakers.
European Universities alliances will have a particularly strong presence in Glasgow. A total of 36 alliances, representing more than 300 higher education institutions, will share their experiences and achievements through over 40 sessions and networking events addressing topics such as student participation, mobility, inclusion, innovation, and the impact and future of European university cooperation.
SEA-EU, coordinated by the University of Cádiz, will welcome visitors at stand G53, which it is sharing with the EUNICoast Alliance. The stand will showcase the progress and opportunities offered by both alliances, strengthen their international visibility, and foster new connections with universities and organisations from around the world. SEA-EU representatives will also contribute to several sessions in the conference programme and will host an open reception at the stand on Wednesday 9 September at 15:00.
The conference began on Tuesday with a large welcome reception at the OVO Hydro, next to the venue where the exhibition will take place. From the moment participants arrived, greeted by bagpipers in traditional dress, the event offered a lively introduction to Scottish culture. Inside, a traditional music group performed live on stage while guests enjoyed games and interactive activities as well as food and drink stations throughout the venue. In keeping with the EAIE’s commitment to more sustainable catering, the menu was entirely vegan and included a plant-based version of the traditional haggis and tatties.
The packed venue brought together professionals from around the world in a festive and welcoming atmosphere, with many colleagues reconnecting at an event that has become an annual meeting point for the international higher education community. Following this opening celebration, the main conference sessions and exhibition will begin on Wednesday, when SEA-EU will welcome participants and partner organisations at stand G53.
