Soledad Zapiola

Universidad de San Andrés, Argentina

Soledad Zapiola is the Director of International Programs at Universidad de San Andres, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Soledad has experience in international education management, team leadership and program development. She is passionate about promoting education abroad, developing capacity for international cooperation and improving service to students. Soledad has served as Leader in different organizations in Latin America and enjoys working collaboratively around the globe, fostering a global conversation about best practices and future narratives in international education. She served as mentor, reviewer, presenter and currently Global Perspective Member for NAFSA 2026 Annual Conference Commitee.

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Herwig Dämon

Universität St. Gallen, Switzerland

Herwig is Public Affairs and Communication Manager at the University of St. Gallen (HSG) in Switzerland. In this role, he focuses on safeguarding and enhancing the university's reputation among its many stakeholders in a rapidly changing environment. Prior to this he was Head of Communications at the University of Liechtenstein, Principality of Liechtenstein. He holds a Master’s degree in German Philology, Psychology and Communications and a degree in Public Relations from the University of Vienna, Austria. Before joining the University of Liechtenstein in 2011, Herwig held positions as Head of Communications at an international medical foundation in Davos. He also worked as Chief Communications Officer at a globally active Swiss industrial company. In the higher education field, he has been advocating an experience-centred communications and marketing strategy with a focus on brand ambassadors. Herwig was a session speaker and workshop facilitator at multiple EAIE Conferences, and since 2024, he has been a member of the EAIE General Council.

Robert Buttery

FHNW Switzerland, Switzerland

Robert Buttery is Head of International Relations at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW), where he leads the institution’s global strategy and partnership portfolio. With dual British and Swiss nationality and over 25 years of experience in international education, he is a recognised expert in global engagement, student and staff mobility, and reputation building.

Since joining FHNW in 2002, Robert has held several leadership roles, including International Relations Head for the School of Business. He also lectures in international management and business communication. His earlier career spans consultancy in the pharmaceutical and financial sectors, academic posts in Spain, and leadership in language education.

Robert holds degrees in European Studies, Education, and Linguistics, and is fluent in five languages. A committed advocate for inclusive and transformative international experiences, he has received multiple awards, including honours from the Canadian Bureau for International Education and the British Columbia Council for International Education. He has also served as Chair of the EAIE Business Education Board and as an elected 

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Elspeth Jones

Leeds Beckett University (Emerita), United Kingdom

Elspeth Jones is Emerita Professor of the Internationalisation of Higher Education, Leeds Beckett University UK, and founding editor of the influential book series, Internationalization in Higher Education (Routledge). Elspeth is an internationally recognised thought leader in IHE.  Following many years as a practitioner, she has worked with a range of universities, ministries and other organisations across six continents. She also served as Chair of the EAIE’s Internationalisation at Home Expert Community. Elspeth has published widely and was awarded the inaugural North Star Medal of Lifetime Achievement in Transnational Research in the Noam Chomsky Global Connections Awards, and the EAIE Tony Adams Award for Excellence in Research. 

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