Conference Side Events

Welcome Reception – FREE

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Join fellow delegates for a drink or two at the ACE Welcome Reception. This event provides a great opportunity for delegates to network and get to know each other. All registered presenters and audience members are welcome to attend. Admission is included in the conference registration fee. The event will be held at GARB Central, a trendy bar and restaurant located in the heart of Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo.

GARB Central is stunning in the evening, with a modern, trendy aesthetic, beautiful lighting and water features, making it a great backdrop for your conversations and networking. A variety of complimentary drinks and snacks will be available for delegates.

ACE2023 Gala Dinner

Step outside the formal conference environment and immerse yourself in an evening designed to foster connections and cultivate insightful dialogues. The 15th Asian Conference on Education (ACE2023) proudly introduces its first Gala Dinner – a diverse, vibrant, and interactive gathering that extends discussion beyond the lecture halls.

This exclusive gathering, limited to 100 attendees, offers an enhanced platform to forge connections with fellow delegates, engage with the Conference Programme Committee, and interact with esteemed academics and professionals. Seize this opportunity to create lasting relationships and engage in meaningful conversation.

The Gala Dinner offers an opportunity to socialise with conference delegates while enjoying a good meal. A multi-dish buffet offers an array of traditional Japanese local cuisine interspersed with western favourites, ensuring a blend of familiar and new flavours. The dinner also includes a complimentary drinks service, adding a sparkling touch to the experience.

The Conference Programme Committee, plenary speakers, and a host of esteemed academics, professionals and ACE alumni from within Tokyo and Japan will be in attendance. Furthermore, IAFOR will be opening up ticketing to our wider academic network, meaning that this could be your chance to discuss your research and exchange ideas with a broader audience than within the conference itself. This unique mixture of attendees promises an evening of conversation, culture, and shared experiences.

ACE Gala Dinner Cultural Presentations

The evening promises an immersion into Japan's storied traditions through two distinct performances.

Rakugo: Classic Comedic Storytelling

The evening's entertainment begins with Rakugo, a cherished form of Japanese comedic storytelling. Unlike typical theatrical performances, Rakugo involves a solitary storyteller seated on a stage, artfully bringing multiple characters to life with minimalistic props and a vibrant narrative. These tales, rich with wit and insights into everyday life, are presented with impeccable timing and charisma.

Karate: Martial Arts Showcase

Complementing the nuanced artistry of Rakugo, the evening will transition into the realm of martial discipline with a Karate demonstration. Karate, deeply embedded in Japanese culture, is revered not just for its physical techniques but also its underlying philosophy of balance and self-discipline. Instead of merely displaying technical sequences, the student practitioners will be delivering a dynamic performance, embodying the essence and spirit of this martial art.

Together, these performances offer attendees a multifaceted glimpse into Japan's rich cultural traditions, emphasizing the unique blend of artistry and discipline that defines the nation.

The Gala Dinner at ACE2023 is more than an event; it's a dynamic platform to network, an exploration of cultural heritage, and a shared celebration of intellectual pursuits. It is an extension of the conference that goes beyond formal presentations, promising an evening of excitement and camaraderie.

Don't miss the opportunity to elevate your conference experience with this once-in-a-lifetime evening. Secure your Gala Dinner ticket now and join us in shaping an unforgettable chapter of ACE2023.

Tickets for the Conference Dinner are available on the online store. Please visit the Registration page for more details.

Kintsugi Workshop

Delegates attending The 15th Asian Conference on Education (ACE2023) are invited to begin their conference journey with an engaging pre-conference Kintsugi Workshop. Dive into this traditional Japanese art form, which beautifully captures the philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection and embracing flaws. Experience firsthand the meticulous process of repairing broken pottery with gold, underscoring the resilience and transformation inherent in both art and education.

The Art and Philosophy of Kintsugi

Kintsugi, often translated as "golden joinery," is a centuries-old Japanese art form that mends broken pottery using lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. Rather than concealing breaks and imperfections, Kintsugi accentuates them, celebrating each piece's unique history. The philosophy underpinning Kintsugi speaks to broader themes of resilience, restoration, and the transformative power of repair, emphasising the beauty in imperfection. In an academic context, it serves as a poignant metaphor for understanding and valuing life's fractures, suggesting that experiences, once broken and mended, can become even more meaningful and enriched.

Immerse Yourself in an Age-Old Art

This hands-on session will guide participants through each meticulous step of the Kintsugi process: from assessing breakage patterns and preparing the special lacquer, to the careful application of metallic powders. Beyond its artistic techniques, the workshop highlights the philosophical dimensions of Kintsugi, drawing parallels between the art form and pedagogical principles of resilience, acceptance, and transformative learning. Incorporating such a workshop into the conference program not only offers delegates a tactile cultural experience but also provides a metaphorical lens through which to explore educational challenges, emphasising the potential for growth and enlightenment through adversity and repair.

Secure Your Spot in Tradition

For just ¥7,500, immerse yourself in the age-old Japanese art of Kintsugi, engage with fellow conference attendees, and create lifelong memories. With only 30 spots available, secure your place now and add this exclusive Kintsugi Workshop to your ACE2023 experience.