Host HPAIR 2026 Asia Conference (ACONF)

HPAIR is now accepting bids to host the 2026 Asia Conference (ACONF) — a premier international conference connecting global leaders, students, and professionals for four days of discussion, collaboration, and cultural exchange across Asia.

If you’re a student team passionate about leadership, event organizing, and showcasing your home country to the world, this is your moment to make history.

Bidding Interest Form

What is ACONF?

The HPAIR Asia Conference (ACONF) is our flagship annual event held in partnership between Harvard University and a local Host Country Organizing Committee (HCOC) in the Asia-Pacific region.


Each year, 300–600 delegates gather for:

  • Keynotes and fireside chats with global leaders

  • Expert-led panels and seminars

  • A career fair and networking sessions

  • Cultural and social events celebrating international collaboration

Why Host ACONF?

Hosting ACONF is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to:

  • Represent your city and university on a global stage.

  • Gain hands-on leadership experience organizing one of the largest student-run conferences in Asia.

  • Build long-lasting professional and international networks with peers, speakers, and sponsors.

  • Join the Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR) legacy — a 30+ year tradition of bridging Asia and the world.

How to Get Started

  1. Assemble your core team and identify a partner university.

  2. Begin building your Bid Book early — focusing on clarity, logistics, and partnerships.

  3. Attend our info sessions for best practices and bid support.

  4. Submit your bid by December 1, 2025.

What to Include in Your Bid

  • 1. Partner University Letter

    A formal letter of support from your university’s faculty advisor, confirming their commitment to providing facilities and collaboration.

    Only bids with confirmed university partnerships will be considered.

  • 2. Budget Projection

    A granular and accurate financial plan covering venue, logistics, catering, and operations.

    Emphasize economic and realistic budgeting.

  • 3. Visa Process

    A clear outline of visa requirements and application procedures for international delegates.

    Accessibility and ease of visa acquisition will be highly weighted.

  • 4. Operations & Logistics

    A well-structured plan for venues, delegate accommodations, and transportation.

    Highlight the accessibility and capacity of proposed facilities.

  • 5. Corporate Relations & Sponsorships

    A list of confirmed or potential corporate and non-corporate sponsors, or a clear strategy to secure them.

    Include ideas for local business partnerships and in-kind sponsorships.

  • 6. Marketing Plan

    A thoughtful approach to local and global promotion.

    How will your marketing team collaborate with HPAIR’s central media efforts?

    Outline how you’ll reach students, universities, and local press.

  • 7. Team Structure & Biographies

    Introduce your executive and director teams, with short bios explaining their experience, roles, and what they’ll bring to HPAIR ACONF 2026.

    Include org charts and committee divisions (Programming, Finance, Operations, etc.).

Evaluation Rounds & Criteria

  • Focus areas:

    • University partnership confirmation

    • Budget accuracy

    • Visa process clarity

    • Operational and venue logistics

    • Sponsorship and marketing strategy

  • Evaluates:

    • Understanding of HPAIR and its mission

    • Commitment and preparation for the bid

    • Team management and communication

    • Depth of university partnership

  • Assesses:

    • Each director’s value-add and contribution

    • Team cohesion and synergy

    • Compatibility with the broader HPAIR organizing team

  • Final selection based on:

    • Institutional alignment with HPAIR’s goals

    • Alumni and faculty advisor perspectives

    • Overall fit and readiness to host ACONF 2026

2026 Bidding Timeline

October 17

First Info Session

October 24

Info Session Recap Email

November 3

Second Info Session – “Dos and Don’ts of Bid Books”

December 1

Bid Books Due

Mid-December

Round 1: Bid Book Evaluation

Late December

Invitations to Round 2 & Executive Interviews

Early January

Invitations to Round 3 & Team-wide Interviews

February 8

Asia Conference Announced at Harvard Conference

Submit Your Interest

Fill out the Bidding Interest Form below to officially register your intent to bid.
Our team will reach out with resources, templates, and session links.

Bidding Interest Form 
For questions, reach out anytime to corporate@hpair.org and CC presidents@hpair.org!