Social Programme

The IATEFL Conference is not just about the academic programme!

Taking time out during the conference to relax and meet new people is important, that’s why we plan a range of social events for our delegates to enjoy, some during the breaks in the day and others in the evenings after sessions have finished. 

Monday 20 April

Welcome Reception | 17:30-20:00 | The Grand

Sponsored by Pearson

Join us to celebrate the start of our 59th IATEFL Conference and Exhibition. IATEFL President, Christopher Graham, and other special guests will welcome delegates to the event. It will be an opportunity to relax and meet other delegates as well as old friends. Featuring music by Big Mama Funk (Pritee Almeida),  who will be singing a range of cover songs, from iconic party anthems to Motown and everything in between. Remember to pack your dancing shoes as she guarantees a night to remember.
Complimentary non-alcoholic welcome drink. Bar available to purchase other drinks.

Tuesday 21 April

Introduction to Brighton| 18:45-19:45 | Syndicate 2

A gentle promenade or a walk on the wild side? You decide on this fascinating virtual walk discovering Brighton's past and present, famous, infamous and incredulous!
From a sleepy fishing village to the first seaside spa resort resulting in the escapades of heady Regency times , through Victorians and Piers, Mods and Rockers and Queers !
Keith Waterhouse said" Brighton looks like the kind of place that is continuously helping the police with its enquiries"....why? come and find out! 

Music Night | 20:00-22:00 | Syndicate 1

IATEFL MUSIC NIGHT IS BACK!

Do you like singing or playing? Would you like to come along and join some of your musical IATEFL colleagues and give us a song or a tune, whatever your musical background?.

Hosted by musician Jeremy Harmer, IATEFL music nights have given us, in the past, everything from Indian Bhangra to Ukrainian folk songs, from Irish whistle-playing to Country and Western, from the blues to classical Japanese flute - oh and did we mention jazz and even opera? 

IATEFL music nights offer music, friendship, warmth, laughter and international fellowship. Come along and take part or just listen and above all, whatever you do, have fun.

To help us plan the event, we encourage performers to register in advance via the link below. However, if you decide to join in last-minute, let us know and if there's space you can perform on the night.

Call for performers: To take part please complete our registration form.

Wednesday 22 April

Sharing Stories | 19:00-20:30 | Syndicate 2

Stories set us Free

Storytellers David Heathfield from the UK and Harry Kuchah Kuchah from Cameroon invite you to come and listen and tell folk tales, myths and legends from oral cultures around the world as well as personal stories and anecdotes. You are invited to tell your story rather than read it aloud.

When we listen to a well told tale, our imaginations are set free. Storytelling offers us a possibility of betterment, of how our shared world could be. This year we focus on Storytelling for Freedom and invite you to join us.

David Heathfield is a world storyteller and the author of Storytelling With Our Students. He offers Storytelling for Teachers courses and coaching online www.davidheathfield.co.uk

Harry Kuchah Kuchah is a teacher educator from Cameroon who enjoys playing drums and telling African stories from his grandma’s repertoire.

PronSIG 40th anniversary party | 19:00-23:00 | Daltons

Join us as we celebrate PronSIG’s 40th Birthday: four decades of connecting, inspiring, and championing pronunciation teaching worldwide! 

Since 1986, PronSIG has brought together passionate educators, researchers, and language lovers to share ideas, spark innovation, and advance the teaching of pronunciation. Now it’s time to honour our vibrant community and the incredible journey we’ve taken together.

Expect lively conversation, music, food and drinks, a look back at our milestones, and plenty of opportunities to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones.

Come raise a glass to 40 fantastic years and to the exciting future ahead. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Entry is ticket only – IATEFL PronSIG members can attend this event for free. There is a £10 charge for everyone else. Email sig@iatefl.org to register, or purchase your ticket at the IATEFL registration desk in Brighton.