TOIT+ 2026
First of all, What is a TOIT?
Since 2006, Young SIETAR has hosted TOIT+, a biennial professional learning conference dedicated to applied intercultural practice, dialogue, and exchange. Over three intensive days, emerging and experienced practitioners, educators, and facilitators come together for interactive workshops, peer learning, and collaborative reflection.
TOIT+ is a practice-based learning experience.
From the start, TOIT+ has prioritized accessibility and equity in professional development. Designed as a high-quality alternative to expensive and exclusive programs, the conference keeps meaningful intercultural learning and community building financially attainable.
Basic Logistics of TOIT+ 2026
When: 21 – 23, May 2026
Where: Dijon, France (See below to read more)
In collaboration with Université Bourgogne Europe, TOIT+ 2026 is hosted within a university environment that is deeply committed to internationalization, interdisciplinarity, and societal engagement. Université Bourgogne Europe, which entered a new chapter in its history in January 2025, is a multidisciplinary European university offering hundreds of degree programs and supported by a strong research ecosystem spanning the humanities, social sciences, technology, health and sustainability.
As a founding member and coordinator of the FORTHEM European University Alliance, the institution provides a distinctly international and European learning context, with extensive mobility, exchange and collaboration opportunities.
The partnership with programs such as the MA in Intercultural Management (ICM), known for its critical, research informed approach to intercultural communication, offers TOIT+ 2026 participants meaningful exposure to academic perspectives on culture, identity, power and communication that complement practice based learning and community exchange.
2026 TOIT+ Theme: Voices and Visions
This edition is a direct call to action for Young SIETAR members, emerging practitioners, and anyone passionate about shaping the next chapter of intercultural work. Built on two pillars—Voices (who gets to speak) and Visions (what we aspire to build)—the theme challenges traditional canons of the field and seeks to amplify diverse, emerging, and youth-led perspectives.
TOIT+ 2026 is about asking “what if?” instead of settling for “what is?”, exploring innovation, new research, and the evolving career paths of the next generation of interculturalists.
Key questions we’ll explore include:
- Whose voices are missing in the intercultural field, and how do we platform them?
- How can we decolonize the field by re-examining foundational theories and models?
- What entrepreneurial and “side hustle” opportunities are emerging in intercultural work?
- What are the boldest visions for inclusive and effective intercultural practice in 2035?
TOIT+ 2026 is a space for experimentation, dialogue, and co-creation. If you’re ready to challenge assumptions, amplify underrepresented voices, and envision the future of our field, this is the place to be.
Calling Volunteers
Want to support presenter outreach, marketing, logistics, or community engagement?
This is a great way to meet other ICC enthusiasts, grow new skills, and help create an unforgettable event in Dijon in May 2026.
A quick note: volunteering is open to members only.
Interested? Join US www.youngsietar.org/join-us/ email: toit@youngsietar.org
Call for Papers
Link to application form: https://forms.gle/YroL8BhTfeqWJSZx8. ⏰ Deadline: 25.02.26
Young SIETAR members and supporters to explore two essential questions for the future of our field:
- whose voices shape intercultural practice, and
- what futures are we collectively building?
Grounded in the pillars of Voices and Visions, this theme challenges established canons and encourages forward looking, critical and imaginative contributions.
The focus is less on defining what the field has been and more on envisioning what it could become. We actively welcome contributions that amplify emerging, underrepresented and youth led perspectives, critically re examine dominant theories, and explore innovation, decolonial thinking and evolving professional identities.
Topics may include:
- missing voices in the field,
- new career and entrepreneurial pathways,
- digital and hybrid intercultural spaces,
- ethics and responsibility,
- language and power,
- identity and belonging,
- and bold visions for inclusive and effective intercultural practice in 2035.
Who should submit?
- University students,
- recent graduates and
- researchers working in or alongside the intercultural field are all encouraged to apply.
Submissions may be theoretical, empirical, reflective or practice oriented.
Sessions should actively engage participants through discussion or reflection.
⏰ Deadline: 25.02.26
Presentation slots are limited.
Selected contributions will be offered oral or poster presentation opportunities, with additional visibility through the Young SIETAR members platform.
Link to application form: https://forms.gle/YroL8BhTfeqWJSZx8
⏰ Deadline: 25.02.26
Request for Proposals
Find the application here: https://forms.gle/8N2CH7KkYcgaTPMf8
⏰ Deadline: 25.03.26
TOIT+ 2026 invites Young SIETAR members and emerging intercultural professionals to submit proposals for interactive, in person sessions that explore two essential questions: whose voices shape the intercultural field, and what futures are we collectively building?
Grounded in the twin pillars of Voices and Visions, TOIT+ 2026 challenges traditional canons and creates space for new, diverse, and practice rooted perspectives. We are especially interested in proposals that question established frameworks, amplify underrepresented experiences, and imagine innovative directions for intercultural work.
About TOIT+
TOIT+ is a community centered, highly interactive conference. Proposals should prioritize engagement, dialogue, and applied learning rather than lecture style delivery.
Who can submit?
We welcome proposals from:
- University students and doctoral candidates
- Early career researchers
- Emerging and established intercultural practitioners
- Alumni professionals working across sectors
Interdisciplinary and practice based submissions are strongly encouraged.
Session formats (60 or 90 minutes)
- Interactive workshops
- Facilitated discussions or dialogues
- Practice labs or skill building sessions
- Roundtables or collaborative panels
Sessions should actively involve participants through reflection, discussion, or experiential elements.
TOIT+ values sessions that are dialogic, reflective, and participatory. Submissions that prioritize engagement, co-learning, and future-oriented inquiry are strongly encouraged.
⏰ Deadline: 25.03.26
Find the application here: https://forms.gle/8N2CH7KkYcgaTPMf8
⏰ Deadline: 25.03.26
For more information contact us: TOIT@youngSIETAR.org