AIR’s Mission & Values
The Association for Institutional Research’s (AIR) annual conference, the AIR Forum, is an essential element of AIR’s mission to empower higher education professionals to use data, information, and analytics in ways that are effective, ethical, and equitable. AIR values and works to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment at all events (including the AIR Forum) and ensuring safe experiences for our community.
The AIR Forum is the largest global gathering of higher education professionals who build and support data-informed decision cultures. The conference presents a unique opportunity for professionals to network with peers, share best practices, and learn from practical workshops and sessions led by the field's leading experts.
An important goal of the AIR Forum is to provide equitable opportunities for the development of diverse and inclusive professional networks. Another goal is to offer programming that incorporates diverse approaches, solutions, and viewpoints from individuals with a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
Selection of AIR Forum Locations
Due to the size and scope of the AIR Forum, locations must be booked up to five years in advance. AIR alternates destinations around the U.S. in an attempt to provide the majority of AIR stakeholders with equal access to conference locations.
In addition to accessible travel options, AIR strives to maintain affordable registration and related costs, and considers logistical criteria in site selection that include:
- The cost of renting convention center and hotel venue spaces, the cost of labor and vendor services, and the cost of food and beverages.
- The availability of enough hotel rooms for the event's size, offered at reasonable room rates, and host hotel(s) close to the convention center.
- The availability of public transportation, domestic and international flights, and proximity of the airport to the convention center.
- The availability of off-site restaurants, after-hours venues, and entertainment that is close to the convention center and host hotel(s).
- The ADA accessibility, safety, and pedestrian-friendly environment of the convention center and surrounding areas.
AIR does its best to avoid booking conferences in locations that may inhibit participation due to state policies/legislation, state-to-state travel bans, or other travel restrictions.
Unfortunately, state policies or travel restrictions may be implemented after a site is booked. Although such situations are handled on a case-by-case basis, it is generally true that AIR faces severe financial penalties from venue and hotel contracts that make relocation of a previously booked conference prohibitive.
In such cases, AIR stays abreast of travel-related concerns and works with the host city to ensure attendees are welcome, safe, and comfortable at the conference.
AIR also recognizes that the AIR Forum and our attendees create an economic impact in the host city, especially for workers in the service industries that support the event. Canceling or moving the conference once booked may cause economic harm to the local economy. Changing locations may also limit access by local and regional stakeholders.
Regardless of the location, AIR strives to give back to our host cities by identifying areas of need within the area and contributing donations on behalf of AIR Forum attendees for charitable and community groups addressing these needs.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding these guiding principles for AIR Forum site selection, please email forum@airweb.org.