2026 Panels – ISMAC Conference

Head of School as Chief Brand Ambassador – Effective Partnerships Between Marketing and Academics Teams

Judi — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:04:39 +0000

Head of School as Chief Brand Ambassador – Effective Partnerships Between Marketing and Academics Teams

A school’s external promise must match its internal reality.

Focus: Internal Alignment & Operational Efficiency

This panel addresses the critical need for alignment between the admissions office, marketing team, and academic faculty. Discover strategies for breaking down silos, improving internal communication flows, and ensuring that every touchpoint in the “customer journey”—from the first inquiry to the classroom—delivers a consistent and professional message.

Panelists

Henry Wong

Managing Partner, PD Academia

Tyler Sherwood

Head of School, Chatsworth International School

Other Sessions at ISMAC 2026

Using Video for Storytelling

Beyond Beautiful Words: Closing the Gap Between Promise, Perception, and Experience

International Schools Market Update 2026

Building your Parent Personas Understanding

Jargon Runs Both Ways: Bridging the Language Gap Between Marketing, Leadership, and Your Community

Building your Parent Personas Understanding

How to Transform Your Parent Communications Using Simple AI Tactics

Navigating Chinese Social Media Platforms

Building your Parent Personas Understanding

The Service-Satisfaction Gap: Plugging the Leak in Your Word-of-Mouth Pipeline

Building your Parent Personas Understanding

Mainland China Market – Culture, Support & Expectations

Authentic Storytelling – Partnering with Students, Teachers and Parents

Branding & Market Positioning in International Schools

Authentic Storytelling – Partnering with Students, Teachers and Parents

Lii Jing Ong — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 05:26:57 +0000

Authentic Storytelling – Partnering with Students, Teachers and Parents

The most powerful marketing doesn’t come from a brochure; it comes from the lived experiences of your community.

Focus: Content Strategy & Community Engagement

This session discusses how to identify and amplify authentic voices within your school. Learn how to collaborate with students, staff, and parents to create compelling narratives that build trust, showcase school culture, and humanize your brand across digital and traditional platforms.

Panelists

Dr Howard Stribbell

Founder, Hive Schools International

Anneleen Erlingen

Admissions and Marketing Director, Harrow International School Bangkok

Yvonne Trisynthia

Director of Engagement, NIST International School

Carl Esposito

Director of Admissions, Marketing & Communications, Korea International School

Other Sessions at ISMAC 2026

Navigating Chinese Social Media Platforms

Building your Parent Personas Understanding

What Families Remember: Designing Experiences That Build Trust Before, During, and Beyond Enrollment

Building your Parent Personas Understanding

The Service-Satisfaction Gap: Plugging the Leak in Your Word-of-Mouth Pipeline

Building your Parent Personas Understanding

Beyond Beautiful Words: Closing the Gap Between Promise, Perception, and Experience

International Schools Market Update 2026

Building your Parent Personas Understanding

How to Transform Your Parent Communications Using Simple AI Tactics

Building your Parent Personas Understanding

Jargon Runs Both Ways: Bridging the Language Gap Between Marketing, Leadership, and Your Community

Mainland China Market – Culture, Support & Expectations

Branding & Market Positioning in International Schools

Head of School as Chief Brand Ambassador – Effective Partnerships Between Marketing and Academics Teams

Mainland China Market – Culture, Support & Expectations

Lii Jing Ong — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 05:23:26 +0000

Mainland China Market – Culture, Support & Expectations

The Mainland China market remains a significant opportunity for international schools, yet it requires a nuanced, culturally specific approach.

Focus: Market Intelligence & Cultural Competency

This panel provides expert guidance on navigating the unique digital ecosystem (such as WeChat and Xiaohongshu), understanding the evolving expectations of Chinese parents, and providing the localized support necessary to convert inquiries into enrolments.

Panelists

Dr Howard Stribbell

Founder, Hive Schools International

Lena Gidwani

Director of Community and Communications, Canadian International School of Guangzhou

Kathy Burns

Director of Communications and Marketing, American International School of Guangzhou

Winnie Tsoi

Executive Director of External Affairs, CTF Education Group

Other Sessions at ISMAC 2026

Identifying the Blind Spots in Your School’s Marketing and Admissions

Building your Parent Personas Understanding

How to Transform Your Parent Communications Using Simple AI Tactics

Using Video for Storytelling

Beyond Beautiful Words: Closing the Gap Between Promise, Perception, and Experience

The Service-Satisfaction Gap: Plugging the Leak in Your Word-of-Mouth Pipeline

Building your Parent Personas Understanding

What Families Remember: Designing Experiences That Build Trust Before, During, and Beyond Enrollment

Building your Parent Personas Understanding

Jargon Runs Both Ways: Bridging the Language Gap Between Marketing, Leadership, and Your Community

Building your Parent Personas Understanding

Branding & Market Positioning in International Schools

Head of School as Chief Brand Ambassador – Effective Partnerships Between Marketing and Academics Teams

Authentic Storytelling – Partnering with Students, Teachers and Parents

John Doe

Branding & Market Positioning in International Schools

Lii Jing Ong — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 05:14:49 +0000

Branding & Market Positioning in International Schools

In an increasingly crowded educational landscape, standing out is no longer optional – it’s essential.

Focus: Competitive Strategy & Identity

This panel explores how schools can define a unique value proposition and build a cohesive brand identity that resonates with prospective and current families.

Marketing and admissions leaders will gain insights into differentiating their school through strategic positioning that aligns with their mission and the current market demand.

Panelists

Dr Howard Stribbell

Founder, Hive Schools International

Ruth Benny

Founder, Admissions Expert, Top Schools

Sami Yosef

Head of Global Research, ISC Research

Ewan McIntosh

Founder & Managing Director, NoTosh