ISAK Impact Conference 2026
A celebration of our community's most extraordinary change-makers.
What is the Impact Conference?
The ISAK Impact Conference is where our community comes together
to celebrate the year’s most remarkable stories of leadership and change-making.
The 80-minute program features:
Live keynote presentations from our three Impact Award winners
Live keynote from this year’s Alumni Action Fund recipient(s)
Recognition of outstanding achievements across our community
A dynamic panel discussion exploring the nature of impact
Awarding our 2026 Impact Award recipients
This is more than an awards ceremony:
it’s a celebration of what’s possible when people identify
what’s needed and take action despite discomfort.
A Special Weekend
The conference takes place during graduation weekend, bringing together current families, returning alumni, and community partners for this unique moment of recognition and inspiration.
How to Join
- In-person: Limited to 100-150 attendees by application
- Virtual: Professional livestream open to the entire ISAK community
Event Program
Part 1: Video Showcase (10 minutes)
Celebrating runners-up across all categories
A curated compilation highlighting exceptional impact stories from our community. See the breadth and depth of change being created by ISAK students, alumni, and faculty & staff around the world.
Part 2: Live Keynotes (40 minutes)
Our winners take the stage
Each of our three category winners presents a 10-minute keynote, going deeper into their impact story, the lessons learned, and their vision for what comes next.
- Alumni Winner: [TBA]
- Current Student Winner: [TBA]
- Faculty & Staff Winner: [TBA]
- AAF Recipient: [TBA]
Four unique perspectives on leadership, impact, and creating meaningful change.
Part 3: Panel & Closing (30 minutes)
Moderated by Lin Kobayashi
Our winners join Lin for an intimate conversation exploring the nature of impact, the role of ISAK values in their work, and advice for others seeking to create change. Followed by audience Q&A and closing recognition.
Why Attend?
For Alumni
Reconnect with classmates during graduation weekend. Celebrate peers who are living the ISAK mission. Network with fellow change-makers. Leave inspired to amplify your own impact.
For Current Students & Families
See what’s possible after graduation. Meet alumni making a difference. Understand the real-world application of what you’re learning. Celebrate alongside the graduating class.
For Parents
Witness the tangible outcomes of an ISAK education. Meet the community your child is part of. Understand how ISAK values translate into real-world impact. Connect with other families during this special weekend.
For Founders, Catalyst Supporters
See the return on investment in ISAK’s mission. Network with alumni, parents, and community leaders. Explore potential collaborations with our change-makers. Celebrate the tangible impact of your support.
How to Attend?
In-Person Experience (Application Required)
The intimate setting of TAC allows for meaningful connection but limits capacity to 100-150 attendees. We’re looking for community members who will contribute to the energy and dialogue of the event.
What to expect:
- High production quality
- Post-event reception with speakers (?)
- Networking opportunities with community members
Application Timeline:
- Applications open: February 1, 2026
- Application deadline: March 1, 2026
- Notifications sent: March 8, 2026
Selection Criteria:
We prioritize alumni, parents of graduating alumni or award winners, founders and catalyst supporters
Virtual Attendance (Open to All)
Can’t make it to Karuizawa? Join us online.
What’s included:
- Livestream of full program (?)
- Interactive Q&A participation
- Digital program with winner bios
- Access to recording after the event
Registration opens:
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Event
A: Smart casual. Think comfortable but polished—this is a celebration, not a formal gala.
A: The main program is 80 minutes. Plan for an additional 30-45 minutes for the post-event reception.
A: Light refreshments will be served at the post-event reception. The conference takes place in the afternoon, so plan to have lunch beforehand.
A: The primary language is English, but keynotes may include other languages with translation.
A: Personal photos are welcome! However, please silence phones during presentations and be respectful of speakers. Professional recording will be handled by our team.
About Attending In Person
A: Applications will open Feb.1. You’ll complete a brief form explaining your connection to ISAK and why you want to attend. We’ll notify accepted applicants by Feb.1.
A: We have space for 100-150 people and expect more applications than capacity. Alumni, parents of winning students, Founders & Catalyst Supporters will be given priority.
A: No. Attendance is free, but you’re responsible for your own travel and accommodation.
A: The event is designed for adults and high school-aged students. Younger children are welcome to attend virtually if they’re interested.
A: Please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your spot to someone on the waitlist.
A: Yes. Winners can request spots for immediate family members, which will be accommodated within our capacity.
About Virtual Attendance
A: Registration will open [TBA]. You’ll receive a link to access the livestream on the day of the event.
A: Yes! Virtual attendees can submit questions during the Q&A portion via the livestream platform.
A: The recording will be available to all registered attendees within 48 hours of the event.
A: Just a stable internet connection and a device with a web browser. The livestream will be accessible on computers, tablets, and smartphones.
A: Yes. The livestream will include English closed captioning.
About Graduation Weekend
A: Yes! The conference is Saturday evening, and graduation is Sunday. You’ll need to apply separately for conference attendance.
A: Yes. Graduation weekend includes various alumni reunions, campus tours, and family gatherings. Check the main graduation weekend schedule for details.
A: Karuizawa has various accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels. We recommend booking early as this is a popular weekend.
View accommodation guide
A: Taxis are readily available (15-minute ride). We may also organize shuttle service for conference attendees—details will be sent to confirmed attendees.
A: Campus tours may be available—check the graduation weekend schedule. The conference itself takes place in TAC, giving you a chance to see this beautiful facility.
About Accessibility & Special Needs
A: Yes. TAC has wheelchair access, accessible restrooms, and designated seating areas.
A: Yes. Please note any dietary restrictions in your application, and we’ll ensure appropriate options are available.
A: Please email [email protected] as soon as possible so we can make appropriate arrangements.
About Accessibility & Special Needs
A: Yes! The post-event reception is specifically designed for networking and conversation with winners and other attendees.
A: Absolutely. The conference brings together alumni from various years, creating natural networking opportunities.
A: We welcome community support! Please contact [email protected] to discuss partnership opportunities.
A: Yes. We will have ISAK Impact merchandise available at the event, along with other UWC ISAK Japan merchandise.
A: This is the inaugural ISAK Impact Conference! You’re invited to be part of making history. After 2026, we’ll maintain an archive of past events.
Still have questions? Email us at [email protected]
We’ll update this FAQ as the event approaches.
