The 2026 Air University Language, Regional Expertise, and Culture (LREC) Symposium will be held virtually from Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, 24-25 September 2026. After cancellation of the 2025 symposium due to lapse of appropriation, AFCLC is roaring back to being the LREC community together for its signature event.  This event marks the 10th LREC Symposium and celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Air Force Culture and Language Center (AFCLC).
The 2026 Air University LREC Symposium will convene leading experts, practitioners, and warfighters to explore the critical role of LREC in achieving the strategic priorities outlined in the 2026 National Defense Strategy (NDS). Presenters will speak to the direct link between LREC capabilities, and the operational readiness required to secure a decisive advantage in a complex world. This symposium will serve as a vital forum for demonstrating that deep cultural understanding is a strategic imperative for achieving objectives outlined in the NDS.
In support of the conference theme, keynote speakers and presentations will directly address the core pillars of the 2026 National Defense Strategy. The agenda will be structured to analyze how LREC capabilities are essential to mission success across the following lines of effort:
1.    Defending the U.S. Homeland: Discussions will focus on how LREC is fundamental to defending America's interests in the Western Hemisphere. This includes enhancing collaboration with partners and understanding the cultural landscapes that impact regional stability.
2.    Deterring China in the Indo-Pacific Through Strength, Not Confrontation: Presenters will analyze how advanced regional expertise is vital for building a "strong denial defense," strengthening alliances, and engaging in clear-eyed diplomacy. Understanding the language, culture, and strategic motivations of allies and competitors alike is paramount to preventing conflict and negotiating from a position of strength.
3.    Increasing Burden-Sharing with U.S. Allies and Partners: The symposium will feature presentations on leveraging LREC for the sensitive military-to-military engagements necessary to tackle shared security interests. This requires a sophisticated approach to culture and language to enable training to common standards for true force multiplication.
Throughout the symposium, a special emphasis will be placed on highlighting the contributions of our warfighters. Presentations will showcase how Airmen and Guardians use their LREC skills to build trust, gain unparalleled situational awareness, and provide the United States with a distinct operational advantage, embodying the warrior ethos central to the NDS.

Each presenter is limited to two submissions. Deadline for submissions is July 7th , 2026.

Submitting an Individual Presentation Abstract:
Individuals will be allotted 30 minutes to present. 

Submitting a Panel Abstract 
Each panel will have a total of 65 minutes for panel presentations and Q&A.

Proposals may be accepted if they demonstrate that substantial critical thinking has been applied in the creation of an organized framework showcasing the results of original research or experience-based insights. Successful proposals will articulate an original idea, even if this idea is in an early draft form, that is grounded in evidence which renders the resulting argument more of a working contribution to knowledge than simply a well-formed opinion.

You can also download the optional AU LREC Symposium Power Point template for building your presentation