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2025 Annual Conference Information

The 2025 EnglishUSA Annual Conference will be a dynamic gathering for the English language program (ELP) community focused on this year’s theme: Connecting Communities. We invite educators, administrators, and advocates to strengthen ties across programs, regions, and countries as we navigate a rapidly evolving field together.

This event will create space for ELP professionals and stakeholders to explore critical issues, such as how ELPs are building partnerships, adapting to diverse student needs, and enhancing experiences within a shifting global landscape.

Throughout the conference, participants will engage in interactive presentations and networking sessions focused on sustainable, impactful connections. Topics may include student support services, pedagogy innovations, program sustainability, policy and practice, and advocacy actions. More than a theme, “Connecting Communities” reflects a commitment to unity and progress. 

Join us as we work to shape the future of English language programs in the U.S. and build a resilient, interconnected community that embraces change and leads in global engagement.

Sub-themes include: 

  • Student success & well-being
  • Collaborative partnerships
  • Adapting to global challenges
  • Innovation in teaching & learning
  • Visibility, marketing & engagement

Examples of topics: 

  • Empowering students through community connections
  • Fostering a community of well-being for students
  • Forming public-private partnerships for community engagement
  • Strengthening partnerships for growth and student success
  • Connecting through alumni networks
  • Marketing for the next generation of ELPs and their students
  • Enhancing program visibility on campus and/or within the community
  • Creating global communities through local connections
  • Leveraging technology to connect and engage students

 

Session Tracks

This year, the EnglishUSA Annual Conference will have two tracks of concurrent sessions in addition to several general sessions for all attendees.  

Track #1: Academic, teaching & learning track geared towards attendees whose role focuses on teaching, curriculum development, testing, technology in learning, etc.

Track #2: Administrative, staff & operations track geared toward those whose role(s) involved the operations of a program, including marketing/recruiting, admissions, campus & community visibility, etc.  

 

Session Formats

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 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 of Perspectives: Proposals should feature multiple viewpoints, ideally involving a variety of stakeholders or practitioners in English language education.
  5. Diversity of Presenters: We encourage a mix of regional and institutional backgrounds among presenters to represent the breadth of the ELP community.
  6. 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.
  7. Focus on Substantive Issues: Proposals should address meaningful challenges, trends, and lessons learned, with adequate time for participant engagement. Product or service promotion is strictly prohibited.
  8. Presenter Expertise and Background: We seek presenters who have expertise in areas relevant to ELPs.  
  9. Format Alignment: Session descriptions should correspond to the selected format (e.g.,, roundtable, or panel discussion), optimizing attendee engagement.

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.

Proposals should focus on addressing key challenges and trends in English language programs, emphasizing collaborative dialogue and shared learning over presentation.

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 May, 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 May/June.

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.  

KEY DATES

Mid-March 2025: Call for proposals opens
May 16, 2025, 11:59 PM EST: Deadline for submitting proposals
July 2025: Presenters notified
TBD: Early registration deadline
TBD: Regular registration deadline