Through a series of specially endowed lectureships, the College invites many distinguished speakers to campus each year. For example, the Rosenfield Lectureship sponsored the visits of Ambassador George E. Moose '66, former assistant secretary of state for African affairs, former President of Costa Rica Oscar Arias, diplomat and scholar George F. Kennan, former secretary of state Madeleine Albright, former secretary of defense Robert McNamara, and Cesar Chavez. The Gates Memorial Lecturer each year is an authority in the field of religion. The Roberts and Heath Lectureships provide for visitors who are outstanding in various academic disciplines. The College also benefits from speakers sponsored by the Woodrow Wilson Foundation and the United Chapters of Phi Beta Kappa. In addition, Grinnell sponsors a Scholars' Convocation that features speakers from outside and within the college community.

Interest in partisan politics and public issues is encouraged by the Program in Practical Political Education, which brings speakers to campus to discuss political issues, including presidential contenders, local and state candidates, and officeholders. The Donald L. Wilson Lectureship in Business and Enterprise brings distinguished speakers to campus for discussion of various aspects of American business, including career preparation and employment opportunities.

The Rosenfield Program in Public Affairs, International Relations, and Human Rights hosts the Rosenfield Lectures and sponsors or co-sponsors four three-day symposia each year. Recent topics have included "Culture, Politics, and Change in Contemporary Cuba," "The Palestinian-Israeli Conflict in Perspective," "New Faces in Iowa: The Challenges and Prospects Created by Recent Immigration," "Iraqi Culture and the Diaspora," "Women, Politics, and Leadership for the 21st Century," and "Water: Conflicts and Trade-offs." The program also hosts weeklong visits of government and private sector leaders from the United States and abroad, and sponsors student summer internships.

Influential feminists and international theorists have visited campus under the auspices of the Louise R. Noun Program in Women's Studies. The Noun Program has sponsored noteworthy scholars Cynthia Enloe, Maria Lugones, Gayatri Spivak, Jane Flax, and Barbara Christian, and well-known writers Margaret Randall, Etidal Osman, Olga Broumas, Heather McHugh, and Angela Carter.

Other conferences and symposia are devoted to topics such as careers in particular areas or observances such as Latin American Week, Slavic Weekend, Jewish Cultural Weekend, and Black Awareness Week.