SPIA in Service Conference: Responding to Changing Times in Public Service

Join SPIA alumni, students, and faculty for two days of conversation on responding to changing times in public service. Through alumni storytelling, coffee chats, and interactive panels, participants will explore career pathways across government, international development, nonprofits, philanthropy, consulting, and multilateral institutions.

Topics include climate and energy careers, digital infrastructure and AI, public–private partnerships, state and local innovation, research and evaluation, global crisis response, democracy and governance, migration and human rights, and navigating early-career transitions.

All events will be held in Robertson Hall. If you are interested in attending in person, please hold the dates on your calendar. Graduate Student register on SPIAConnect for each session.

DAY 1 — THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2026

3:30 – 4:30 PM — Registration and Refreshments (Dodds Atrium, Robertson Hall)

4:30 PM–6:00 PM — Storytellers Lounge/Tiger Tales - Alumni Edition, 
  “SPIA Alumni in Service”

6:00–8:00 PM — Dinner Conversations

6:30–6:40 PM — Welcome & Address by Dean Amaney Jamal

DAY 2 — FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026

7:30 AM — Networking Breakfast

8:15–9:50 AM — Coffee Chats

10:00 AM–11:30 AM — Forging New Pathways in International Development - Alumni Panel

10:00 AM–11:30 AM — Innovative Opportunities in State & Local Government - Alumni Panel

11:45–1:15 PM — LUNCH + 8  ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS

1:30–3:00 PM – Global Crisis Response & Humanitarian Systems - Alumni Panel

1:30–3:00 PM – Career Transitions: Non-profits, Philanthropy, and Think Tanks - Alumni Panel

3:15–4:45 PM — Elected Opportunities in State & Local Government - Alumni Panel

3:15–4:45 PM –  Managing and Leading During Changing Times: Non-profits, Philanthropy, and Think Tanks - Alumni Panel

4:45–5:00 PM – Conference Closing and Acknowledgements

5:00-5:30 PM –  Farewell and Departure