Unite 2025: A Transformative Gathering at the 10th IAAAC Conference in Bangkok 

by Joe Toler (Director of Athletics and Activities)

There’s something powerful about being in a room full of people who care about the same things you do. Earlier this month, I had the privilege of experiencing that feeling at the 10th annual IAAAC Conference in Bangkok, Thailand.  

Over 90 athletic leaders from international schools, directors, coaches, PE teachers, outdoor educators, came together to share ideas, challenges, and energy around one central theme: “Unite – Building Teams, Elevating Athletics. 

I became familiar with IAAAC a little over 10 years ago and provided such an impactful experience for growth as an athletic administrator and leader.  What makes the IAAAC Conference so much more than just a professional gathering is the shared energy of passionate educators coming together with one clear mission: to make school sports and activities more meaningful for students. For me, being part of this experience wasn’t just about attending workshops or networking—it was a reminder of why we do what we do. 

Representing ISL Qatar on this platform continues to fill me with pride, knowing that our efforts contribute to a wider movement that celebrates student voice, character-building, and belonging through athletics. The knowledge and inspiration brought back will ripple through our programs—not just in how we plan seasons or run teams, but in how we create spaces where every student can thrive, lead, and grow. 

I was fortunate not to just attend the event, but to lead the organizing committee for this year’s conference.  A whole year in the making, this professional development conference required a team from all of over the world, with a shared vision, to provide this opportunity for athletic leaders from international schools around the world. Many countless hours were spent in the evenings and weekends organizing the schedule of events, coordinating speakers, sponsors, event facilities.  I can truly say that just as the theme for this year was ‘Unite,’ the team was united in everyone’s efforts to make it a meaningful experience for everyone. 

 

Conference Highlights 

• Keynote Address by J.P. Nerbun: Renowned leadership coach and author J.P. Nerbun opened the conference with an inspiring keynote on cultivating high-performance cultures in school athletics. Drawing from his books Calling Up and The Culture System, Nerbun emphasized the importance of character-driven leadership and intentional team development. 

• Workshops and Sessions: Attendees engaged in over 40 interactive sessions covering topics such as sports psychology, fitness conditioning, aquatics safety, and effective coaching methods. Notable workshops included “Developing a Championship Culture,” “Engaging Games for the Badminton Enthusiast,” and “Leadership Strategies for International School Sports.” 

• NIAAA Certification Courses: The pre-conference day featured National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) courses, offering participants opportunities to earn professional certifications and enhance their administrative competencies. 

• Networking Opportunities: The conference facilitated meaningful connections among educators through roundtable discussions, job-alike sessions, and social events, fostering a global community dedicated to advancing school athletics.