The Association Européenne des Conservatoires, Académies de Musique et Musikhochschulen (AEC) has announced its Annual Meeting for International Relations Coordinators 2026, taking place at the Conservatorio “F. A. Bonporti” in Trento, Italy, from 2 to 5 September 2026.
Held under the theme “Common Ground – Diverse Pathways,” the meeting reflects on how higher music education institutions across Europe and beyond share a common ground built on artistic exchange, academic cooperation, mobility, and mutual understanding, even as their approaches to internationalisation grow more diverse under the influence of digital transformation, environmental responsibility, geopolitical developments, and new forms of global collaboration.
The programme will cover Erasmus digitisation, including the annual EASY-dedicated workshop, which this year marks the project’s 10th anniversary, as well as the relationship between education and the profession, the role of AI in institutions, and the role of institutions in society.
A core focus this year is the professional development of coordinators themselves, with dedicated workshops on project writing for both beginners and advanced practitioners, covering Erasmus+, KA171, BIPs, KA220 and Horizon applications, alongside sessions on intercultural training and the ethical use of AI and automation in international office processes.
Further sessions will address new education formats developed by IN.TUNE, sustainable mobility processes, cross-continental partnerships, and support for institutions and students in enlargement countries, with particular attention to Ukraine and the Balkans. Beyond the formal programme, the meeting will foster peer learning and community-building through speed dating sessions, matchmaking activities, student-led discussions, and networking opportunities across Trento and Lake Garda.
The event is designed for both experienced professionals and newcomers and aims to strengthen the AEC community while encouraging fresh approaches to international cooperation in higher music education.
Full programme, registration, and travel details are available on the AEC website: https://aec-music.eu/event/theme-and-teaser-2026/
