IATEFL Conference Selections 2023 - digital publication

In 2023, the IATEFL Conference and Exhibition returned to Harrogate – one of our favourite venues, with its beautiful parks and gardens, Victorian architecture, spa, teashops, range of independent shops, and surrounded by the dramatic beauty of the Yorkshire dales and moors.

For many of us, this annual event is the highlight of our year, and, once again, we were not disappointed. Over 2,000 of us attended and, thanks to the hard work of our Conference organisers, sponsors, and strategic partner, we were treated to no fewer than 500 talks, workshops, forums, panel and signature events, poster presentations, pop-up presentations, early morning sessions and fun-filled evening events. We caught up with old friends, made new ones, shared our knowledge and experience, learnt from one another, and went home refreshed and prepared for the new challenges

that lay ahead. This year, we also bade a fond ‘farewell’ and huge ‘thank you’ to our long-serving Patron, colleague and friend, David Crystal – a truly esteemed IATEFL champion who will be greatly missed.

For those of you who may be new to Conference Selections, you will find in these pages a broad selection of papers reflecting the topics and concerns of the 2023 Conference. These selections give attendees and non-attendees alike an overview of issues and developments in our profession, and highlight key ELT themes of the time.