2026 Annual Conference & Pre-Conference Workshop

Finding Opportunity: Future-Proofing English Language Programs with AI

Pre-Conference Workshop

Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 1:00 - 4:00 pm ET

Tickets $100 (members); $150 (non-members)

Register for the Workshop Here

English Language Programs are navigating one of the most significant periods of change in our field. Recruitment patterns are shifting, traditional markets are evolving, budgets remain constrained, and new opportunities are emerging—often in places we haven’t considered before.

Artificial Intelligence is emerging as a strategic planning partner for English Language Programs. It can help programs identify new markets, uncover strategic opportunities, analyze institutional data, strengthen recruitment efforts, and make better-informed decisions for the future.
Designed for English Language Program administrators, faculty leaders, recruiters, and staff, this interactive three-hour workshop focuses on using AI as a strategic partner to help programs thrive in a changing landscape.

Participants will explore how to:

• Identify emerging opportunities for program growth in local and international markets
• Analyze institutional, demographic, and market data to support strategic planning
• Build customized AI assistants (“AI agents”) that can securely work with your program’s documents, policies, enrollment data, and institutional knowledge.
• Discover new student pipelines, partnerships, and program models
• Strengthen recruitment, communication, and operational decision-making
• Balance AI capabilities with human expertise, institutional knowledge, and sound educational practice
• Evaluate AI-generated recommendations using institutional expertise and professional judgment

Working with real examples and practical exercises, participants will learn how AI can help transform existing information into actionable insights—whether that’s identifying new learner populations, adapting existing programs for changing demographics, or uncovering opportunities that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Rather than focusing on AI for its own sake, this workshop explores how English Language Programs can use today’s technologies to build resilient, forward-looking strategies for tomorrow.
Participants will leave with practical workflows, customizable tools, reusable prompts, and strategic planning frameworks they can immediately apply to strengthen recruitment, support institutional decision-making, and position their programs for long-term resilience.

Workshop Facilitator: Sara Davila

Click here to learn more about Sara!

Hilton Alexandria Old Town

1767 King Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314

EnglishUSA has room blocks with rates starting at $199 per night. 

Book your room here now!

For restaurants nearby, please view this document. Parking information will be available soon.

Call for Proposals Submission Form

The 2026 EnglishUSA Annual Conference convenes the English language program (ELP) community at a pivotal time for U.S. international education. Amid enrollment fluctuations, staffing constraints, program restructuring, and ongoing visa and policy uncertainty, English language programs are adapting quickly while continuing to play a vital role in global engagement and student mobility.

Under this year’s theme—Forward Together: Supporting People, Programs, and Possibilities—we invite educators, administrators, and partners to share strategies and models that strengthen programs, support students, and reinforce the United States as a leading destination for English language study.

This conference will highlight how ELPs are responding to current challenges while advancing innovation, building cross-sector partnerships, and engaging in effective advocacy. We welcome proposals that offer practical insights, demonstrate impact, and contribute to a stronger, more coordinated voice for the field.

Proposed Sub-themes:

• Student success, well-being & retention in a changing environment
• Global enrollment trends, recruitment & market diversification
• Advocacy, visa policy & the role of ELPs in U.S. international education
• Program sustainability, staffing models & institutional alignment
• Strategic partnerships (campus, community, industry, and government)
• Teaching innovation, technology & AI in language education
• Marketing, branding & promoting U.S. study globally
• Leadership, workforce development & navigating change
• Data, outcomes & demonstrating the value of ELPs

We especially encourage sessions that connect practice to policy, highlight collaboration across stakeholders, and position ELPs within the broader international education ecosystem.

Join us in shaping a resilient, innovative, and globally engaged future for English language programs in the United States.

Check out possible co-presenters here or submit your own idea!

Session Tracks

Session Types

There are two types of sessions for which proposals may be submitted: 

1) Panel Discussions: 
Panels are 60 minutes long with a minimum of 15 minutes of interactive discussion and Q & A with session attendees. This session type is similar to sessions at other international education conferences with slide decks used (and provided to participants after). These sessions should focus on lessons learned, challenges and issues encountered, and how those were addressed. Presenters are requested to keep details or case studies from specific universities or programs to a minimum; these can illustrate points but should NOT be the focus of sessions.

2) Facilitated Roundtables: 
Roundtables are 60 minutes long, focused on specific topics, and presented/organized by a maximum of 2 facilitators. The idea of the roundtables is to delve into the deeper issues of particular topics and focus on developing solutions, approaches, strategies, or innovative thinking. They demand interaction from participants. Facilitators briefly introduce the topic and provide background information, then pose questions to facilitate the discussion. The outcome of each roundtable session is a collegial discussion and an exchange of ideas providing a range of perspectives and take-aways for participants. Facilitators are requested to submit the discussion outcomes in writing to EnglishUSA for posting on the conference website within two weeks of the conference.  These discussions should pose a series of discussion questions; target audience is specifically ELP administrators and educators and sessions should focus on an issue at the strategic leadership level.

Selection Criteria

Proposals submitted for the EnglishUSA Conference will be reviewed by the Conference Planning Task Force and evaluated with the following criteria in mind:

1. Relevance to Leaders in English Language Programs: Proposals should address topics pertinent to senior leaders, faculty, and staff involved in English language programs (ELPs).
2. Alignment with Conference Theme and Sub-Themes: Sessions should clearly connect to the conference’s overarching theme and/or sub-themes, showcasing insights valuable to the EnglishUSA community.
3. Originality and Quality: We value innovative session ideas that contribute new perspectives or approaches in the field of English language teaching & learning.
4. Inclusivity/Diversity of Perspectives: Proposals should feature multiple viewpoints, ideally involving a variety of stakeholders or practitioners among the presenters.
5. Effective Time Management: Sessions should be structured to allow ample time for discussion, with a clear and realistic allocation of time for each part of the presentation.
6. Presenter Expertise and Background: We seek presenters who have expertise in areas relevant to ELPs.  
7. Format Alignment: Session descriptions should correspond to the selected format (e.g., roundtable or panel discussion), optimizing attendee engagement.

Call for Proposals Submission Form

Additional Considerations

• Diverse Presenter Teams: Standard panel sessions are encouraged to include presenters from diverse programs, institutions, associations, and/or organizations. Roundtable sessions may have up to two facilitators.
• No Product/Program Promotion: Sessions must focus on insights and best practices, not the promotion of specific programs, services, or products. Sponsorship opportunities are available separately for service providers.
• Balanced Program: The Conference Planning Task Force will consider the overall program balance, seeking to cover a variety of topics and perspectives that reflect the interests of the EnglishUSA membership and the industry as a whole.
• Potential for Collaboration: Proposers may be invited to combine their sessions with others who submitted similar topics to maximize the depth and breadth of discussion.

You do not need to be an EnglishUSA member to submit a proposal to this event.  However, please do not submit a proposal if you are a professional speaker expecting compensation for your contributions. EnglishUSA does not compensate speakers nor does it reimburse any travel expenses.  A limited number of invited agency and association speakers will receive complimentary registrations; all other presenters are expected to register (member discount will be provided). 

KEY DATES

• Mid-May 2026: Call for proposals opens
• August 4, 2026, 11:59 PM EST: Deadline for submitting proposals
• September 2026: Presenters notified

Frequently Asked Questions

I am an invited presenter, am I required to register for the conference? 
All presenters are required to register for at least one day of the conference. We recommend that presenters register early to take advantage of early registration discounts.

When will I hear about whether my proposal is accepted or not?
You will hear by the end of July, if not sooner, regarding the status of your proposal.

Can I request a specific date or time for my session?
No, due to the complexities in conference scheduling, EnglishUSA is unfortunately unable to accommodate specific requests for session scheduling. Please make sure you and your co-presenters/facilitators are available during this time frame. If selected, session chairs will be notified of the session date and time in July/August.

Will there be virtual sessions or will sessions be live-streamed? 
No, there will be no virtual sessions and all session presenters are required to participate in-person.  

How are the proposals reviewed?
Members of the conference planning task force will review proposals. There are at least three reviewers for each proposal.

How many sessions can I participate in as a presenter?
Presenters may be included in a maximum of two separate conference sessions at the EnglishUSA Annual Conference, whether as presenter or as chair.

Do presenters receive a discount in conference registration fees?
No, there is no discount in conference registration fees for presenters.* We recommend that presenters register early to take advantage of early registration discounts. All presenters are required to register for at least one day of the conference (please make sure your co-presenters are aware of this policy.) 
*NOTE: Invited government and selected association presenters receive complimentary registrations. 

 
If I am using PowerPoint, am I required to bring my own computer?
You are welcome to bring your own computer but we will have back-up computers as well. Mac users should bring appropriate adapter cables/dongles.

If I have handouts, am I required to bring copies to the conference?
We can provide electronic links for participants to access presentations, handouts and other materials.  We encourage presenters to provide QR codes in sessions for easy access to digital handouts to reduce the number of printed materials.  

Refund/Cancellation Policy:
Registration fees are non-refundable. You may transfer your registration to a colleague in your program through October 20, 2026 (11:59 p.m.) ; Requests must be received in writing to info@englishusa.org.

Photography Policy:
Registration and attendance at, or participation in, EnglishUSA meetings and other activities constitute an agreement by the registrant to EnglishUSA's use and distribution (now and in the future) of the registrant's or attendee’s image or voice in photographs, videotapes, electronic reproductions and audiotapes of such events and activities. 

Health and Safety Guidelines:
EnglishUSA’s priority is the health and safety of our event participants. Together with the Hilton Alexandria-King Street, VA, EnglishUSA’s goal is to hold an event, recognizing it is not possible to remove all risks, in particular concerning COVID-19.

EnglishUSA will put measures in place (set according to CDC and public health recommendations, federal, state, and local regulations applicable at the time of the event) to provide a safe environment for its event attendees. EnglishUSA may change, update, or add to these requirements at any time as it deems prudent to best protect the health and safety of attendees and others. Attendees must comply with relevant policies and requirements as communicated b EnglishUSA and the Hilton Alexandria-King Street, VA. 

By registering for and attending the in-person EnglishUSA Annual Conference (November 5-6, 2026), you acknowledge that EnglishUSA cannot guarantee you will not be exposed to or contract a Communicable Disease at the event. You knowingly and freely assume all such risks, both known and unknown, and assume full personal responsibility for your participation in the event.