In addition to shorter and more frequent “Bilateral Dialogues,” the NEXT Alliance Initiative also convenes occasional in-depth offsite “retreats” and expert exchanges dedicated to emerging priority issues for the alliance related to technology, innovation, and pressing foreign and security policy challenges. Participants include relevant scholars, scientists, private sector representatives, and current and former government officials from both countries. The NEXT Alliance Conference (NAC) itinerary involves a series of government briefings to provide background information for delegation, and then a two-day private workshop followed by a public event to share key takeaways from the bilateral dialogue. We also organize “Study Trips” bringing a small expert delegation from one country to the other to interact with counterparts in a variety of venues. Our goal is to foster substantive expert discussion on complex issues facing the alliance, develop some practical policy recommendations, and support greater mutual understanding and broader public awareness of these challenges.