The 2026 UTIA International Showcase was nothing short of a success! The Smith Center’s goal of this event is to highlight the global engagement taking place across UTIA and the Knoxville community. This event also gives students the chance to learn about upcoming study abroad opportunities available to them. The 2026 International Showcase had a record high attendance, with 470 registered event attendees.
Throughout the two-hour event, hundreds of students visited the study abroad fair to learn about the 14 programs that will run this academic year. The Smith Center welcomed partners from across campus, including the Programs Abroad Office, the UTK Passport Office, and the Division of Global Engagement, to network with students, faculty, staff, and community members. Additionally, CENTRO and Bridge Refugee Services attended the International Showcase to share about the global work they participate in and meet members of the UT community.
Event attendees enjoyed free coffee from Capybara Coffee and ice cream from the UT Creamery. Attendees also got the chance to vote on the top international photo contest submissions. Congratulations to Stacy Byrd, Haley Harbin, and Charlotte Patterson for taking top honors in the photo contest.
International Photo Contest – Top Honors
A cow grazes near downtown Allihies, Ireland. Photo by S. Byrd.
A seagull quietly contemplating the rise and fall of the ancient Roman Empire from its perch inside the Colosseum. Photo by H. Harbin.
Young lioness watching tourists pass by. Photo by C. Patterson.
Finally, the annual silent auction was a success. Over the year, members of the Smith Center team source international items from countries they travel to for the silent auction. At the 2026 event, 20 international items brought in over $1,000 to help support study abroad opportunities for students.
Each year, the Smith Center team is excited to see the number of attendees continue to grow. We hope this event helps create connections that will build global partnerships and experiences in the future. We are beyond thankful for the continued support of our Knoxville community partners and UT students, faculty, and staff. We cannot wait to see how UTIA continues to Grow Global over the next year. Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s event!
