ALTO Where Leaders Meet

16/06/2026

Strategy. Reinvention. Connection.

These were the themes at the heart of the ALTO Conference in Madrid, where leaders from across the international education industry came together to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping our sector.

From thought-provoking sessions with Professor Costas Markides, Dr Helena Boschi and Aidan McCullen to lively debates, networking and shared experiences, Madrid provided plenty of inspiration, fresh perspectives and meaningful connections.

To read the event summary visit: https://altonet.org/blog/detail/alto-madrid

A huge thank you to Victor Dominguez for his work in capturing the essence of the event.

https://vimeo.com/1198778113

Professional development and networking conference organised by ALTO for leaders and decision makers from the international education industry

12/06/2026

What does the international education sector really think about the year ahead?

The findings from the newly relaunched ALTO Pulse Spring Insights suggest a sector that remains resilient, but cautious.

Drawing on responses from 41 organisations across 14 countries, the Pulse provides a valuable snapshot of leader sentiment across the international education ecosystem.

Read the full report to explore the findings, insights and charts: https://altonet.org/blog/detail/alto-pulse-spring-insights

09/06/2026

International education is no longer navigating temporary disruption - volatility has become the operating environment.

To help us better understand how leaders are preparing for continued uncertainty, ALTO is inviting professionals from across the sector to complete a short, anonymous 2-minute survey.

📊Take the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ALTO_pre-forum_poll

The results will help inform discussion at the next ALTO Leaders' Forum on 16 June, where ALTO members will come together to share strategies for building resilience in uncertain times.

⏰ALTO members: don't forget to register for the Forum and join the conversation.

➡️Look out for the survey results, published with the forum blog on our website.

Every response helps build a clearer picture of how our sector is adapting and preparing for the future.

04/06/2026

At the ALTO Conference in Madrid, Aidan McCullen challenged delegates to examine one of the biggest barriers to change: the assumptions we no longer realise we are making.

In his session, Change What You See and What You See Changes, Aidan explored how individuals and organisations develop mental models that help us make sense of the world but can also limit our ability to recognise new opportunities, emerging threats and changing realities.

Drawing on examples from neuroscience, psychology and business, he highlighted how successful organisations often miss important shifts not because they lack information, but because they interpret new signals through old lenses.

As international education continues to evolve, leaders must remain willing to challenge assumptions, embrace new perspectives and continually rethink what they think they know.

You can read more about Aidan’s session on our website: https://altonet.org/blog/detail/neuroscience-of-connections

ALTO members will receive all presentation material by email in the next members’ news.

02/06/2026

At the ALTO Conference in Madrid, Dr Helena Boschi explored how the brain's natural wiring influences communication, decision-making, collaboration and change.

From our tendency to focus on threats over opportunities to our discomfort with uncertainty and resistance to being controlled, Helena highlighted several "brain quirks" that shape behaviour in organisations every day.

Rather than fighting these tendencies, leaders can learn to work with them - creating greater trust, engagement and connection within their teams.

The session also touched on the realities of leading multicultural organisations and the importance of understanding different communication styles, assumptions and perspectives.

You can read more about Helena’s session on our website: https://altonet.org/blog/detail/neuroscience-of-connections

ALTO members will receive all presentation material by email in the next members’ news.

27/05/2026

26/05/2026

At the recent ALTO Conference in Madrid, Professor Costas Markides of London Business School challenged participants to rethink how organisations respond to uncertainty, execute strategy, and mobilise people.

One key takeaway was that disruption should be viewed not only as a threat, but also as an opportunity - balancing urgency with long-term thinking.

The session also explored what leaders need to successfully mobilise their organisations, from creating clarity and emotional engagement to sustaining momentum over time.

As disruption becomes a constant rather than an exception, the discussion offered valuable insight into how organisations can remain resilient, agile, and strategically focused.

Read more about Costas’ session on our website: https://altonet.org/blog/detail/winning-in-the-new-normal

🛎️ALTO members will receive all presentation material by email in the next members’ news.

22/05/2026

ALTO has been shortlisted for Membership Organisation of the Year at the PIEoneer Awards 2026! 🤩🥳

We are honoured to be recognised alongside so many inspiring organisations! This recognition reflects the work being done across the ALTO community to bring together agents, educators, associations, and service providers from around the world to collaborate, share ideas, and strengthen the international education sector.

A huge thank you to everyone who continues to support and contribute to the ALTO network. 🧡

18/05/2026

Today the ALTO Board got together at the Aseproce offices for an in-person meeting. Thank you to the new Asperoce president, Emilio and to Cristina for hosting us.