BANGOR — The 2026 Maine Chinese Conference “Thinking Globally … Acting Locally” will bring educators, students and community members together on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Dyke Center for Family Business at Husson University. The conference is free and welcomes educators, students and community members.
With the theme “Bridging East and West Through Language Education and Cultural Exchange”, the conference will highlight the value of learning the Chinese language and culture while exploring opportunities to strengthen educational, cultural and business relationships between the United States and China.
“There is so much we can learn from each other, and so much we can accomplish together!,” Jing Zhang, director of the Chinese Language & Culture Center of Maine, said. “I am passionate about helping people discover the value of learning another language and understanding another culture. This opens doors to new friendships, new opportunities, and stronger relationships that benefit us all. That is what makes this conference so exciting!”
The Mayor and Council Chair of the City of Bangor, Susan Hawes; Ms. Sun, Vice Consul General of the Chinese Consulate General in New York; and officials from the Maine Department of Education will speak at the conference’s opening ceremony. A panel of community leaders from across Maine will share ideas on how to strengthen friendship and cooperation between the United States and China by improving Chinese-language education. Professor Ying Zhang of the University of Maryland will lead an AP Chinese workshop for Maine Chinese-language educators. Students will present performances celebrating Chinese language and culture during the opening ceremony.
Conference topics include language education, cultural exchanges and educational and business cooperation between the United States and China. The event provides an opportunity for participants to connect with others who share an interest in language learning, cultural understanding and international cooperation.
The conference is presented by the Chinese Language & Culture Center of Maine and the Bangor Chinese School in collaboration with the Maine Department of Education, the University of Maine and the City of Bangor.
Admission is free. Educators, students and members of the public are encouraged to attend. Advance registration is available at https://forms.gle/P2HL5HS89AN631ty9.
For more information, visit www.bangorchinese.com or call 207-990-0710.