2026 Initial Convening

We understand some fellows may wish to travel with a guest. Please note that if you bring a guest to Washington, D.C., you will be responsible for any costs associated with their travel and accommodations. Guests outside of the convening community will not be allowed in the convening space. Guests are welcome to attend the welcome reception event on the evening of January 26th. Other evening events are restricted to fellows only.

If you have to cancel your trip for any reason, please let us know immediately. ([email protected]) 

Please note, if you cancel your trip after stipends have been issued, you are responsible for paying the funds back to The George Washington University. International fellows will be asked to wire the funds back. U.S. fellows will need to transfer the funds back or mail a check payable to The George Washington University. Sharon White ([email protected]) will reach out with further instructions, should this situation occur.

Flight changes after a ticket has been booked is not permitted. Please review our air travel policy here.

Please reach out to Selam Bedada for assistance.

Email: [email protected]

Cell/WhatsApp: + 1 (202) 817 – 5786

We recommend you first talk with the airline agent at the gate for fastest assistance if you need to rebook a flight. You may also reach out to Altour as they will be able to best assist you in the immediate need to reschedule a flight. Altour Agency (company that booked your individual flight) POCs: 

• During regular business hours (8am – 5pm Eastern Time), please contact the travel leaders Altour agent Sadique Allison at +1 (800) 544-2307 or at [email protected].
• If you cannot reach Sadique during regular business hours, please call +1 (706) 882-9381 or (855) 771-9109 (if within the US) or +1 (240) 387-4324 (if outside the US) and ask to speak to an Altour agent to help with your flight. 
• You can also reach out to Shadelle Yancey (+1 434-960-1115) or Olivia Jefferson (+1 864-517-0040) for assistance.