Move Abroad Con 2026 was amazing! This year was our second time hosting the event, and this year we held it at the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego. It was the perfect, intimate venue for 600 aspiring emigrants and 67 experts to connect and share info. (See the full lineup). Don’t take our word for it — CNBC spoke to several Move Abroad Con guests!
I had the privilege of welcoming everyone on day one and shared data about the move abroad movement (34% of Americans are thinking of leaving) and folks in the room (52% Gen Xers!). We also took a moment and pictured our perfect day abroad. It’s an important touchstone to remember why you’re doing this when you feel overwhelmed with new info and decisions to make.
The event was a total team effort. I emcee’d the talks in the ballroom, while Brett led the ones in the breakout room. Gama hosted the exhibition hall, where dozens of experts held one-on-one sessions all weekend. Vanessa managed our incredible team of volunteers, who worked tirelessly to check in guests, deliver badges, direct speakers, and herd cats.
Ikiah shared tons of info about our scouting trips, both on stage and at a booth. Stephanie, who was stuck waiting on her residency permit in Portugal, managed all the behind-the-scenes logistics and worked both her usual European hours and our California schedule. Kelsey hit the ground running as her on-the-ground eyes and ears, and everyone commented that it seemed like she’d been with us for years.
Our partners brought their A game as well. Not to brag, but I know a LOT about moving abroad, and I still learned something new in every session! Most worked the full weekend without breaks to make sure everyone got their questions answered.
Our guests were wonderful, as per usual. We always get compliments from our partners that Expatsi folks are much smarter and kinder than their typical client. Also prettier and more fun, of course. I loved reading the feedback about the sessions and what they learned, not to mention how motivated they were when they left. These comments are exactly why we do what we do:
“Thanks for an awesome conference. I learned so much. You did an amazing job. Thanks again for all that you do. It really was a transformational experience. I’m in awe of your energy. Thank you for making it really terrific.”
“I also just wanted to say how much I admire everything you’ve built. It was clear how much thought, work, and coordination went into creating the conference, and it was really impressive to see it all come together.”
“Thank you for a great and very informative conference. I was ready to go before the conference, but many sessions taught me about issues I had not thought of, like the exchange rate game. I brought my husband and hoped it would open his eyes to the possibility. He thought it was too hard and America is not so bad (he is a white male boomer). But the conference has excited him and made it seem like a fun, somewhat complicated, adventure with living in Europe a realistic final prize. He needed a push and this conference achieved it.”
“We came into the conference curious, hopeful, and carrying a thousand questions about whether building a life abroad was really possible. By the close of the conference on Sunday, we had made the decision to pursue moving to Mexico.
Then everything moved so quickly. I created my Mexican consulate account on Monday, and today in Calexico I was granted a temporary resident visa foil in my passport. It still feels surreal.
Your conference helped transform this idea from a dream into something tangible and achievable. The sessions answered so many practical questions we had, but beyond that, they opened our minds to entirely new possibilities for what life could look like. My sister and I are so excited to explore Mexico and eventually other parts of Central and South America in the coming years. It feels like the beginning of an entirely new chapter.
Thank you a hundred times over for creating something so thoughtful, informative, and deeply encouraging. Your kindness had a real impact on our lives.”
(Excuse me one moment while I have a short cry).
We also had a ball. We like to treat our international partners to some American fun, so we hosted a big party at Petco Park during the Padres game and ate hot dogs and apple pie. Most of them had never been to a baseball game, and everyone loved it (though the Uruguay contingent though the crowd should be much louder, fútbol-style!).
As for Team Expatsi, we wrapped our weekend with Prince Street Pizza and PJs, swapping stories and catching up on everyone’s weekend highlights. Brett & I could not be more fortunate than to work with this talented team.
So there you go. Two great days that sparked friendships, generated conversations, and got people moving! We can’t wait to do it again next year. Vote here for our 2027 dates and location!
