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Wednesday, November 4th: Pre-Conference Workshop

Pre-Conference Workshop: Finding Opportunity: Future-Proofing English Language Programs with AI

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

More information here

Are you attending the workshop or arriving Wednesday afternoon/early evening? Do you live in the DMV area?  Come to Theismann's Restaurant (1800A Diagonal Rd.) near the hotel/King St. Metro for a casual, no-host meet-up.  Board members will arrive about 6:00pm in the bar area.

Thursday, November 5th: Annual Conference

Registration, Breakfast, & Networking (7:45 - 8:30 am)

Welcome & Opening Remarks & 40th Year Anniversary Remarks (8:30 - 9:25 am)

Join us for opening remarks as we kick off our 40th year of our Annual Conference with opening remarks by Mary Reeves.


Session #1: Advocacy in Action: Moving Forward Together: Leadership from EnglishUSA, TESOL, Alliance for International Exchange, U.S. for Success Coalition, NAFSA (9:30 - 10:30 am)


Coffee Break (10:30 - 10:45 am)


Concurrent Session #2a: Language Programs as AI Literacy Labs: Preparing Learners as Responsible Designers for an AI-Mediated World (10:45 - 11:45 am)

NEED DESCRIPTION

    • Krisztina Domjan


Concurrent Session #2b: From Language Center to Strategic Partner: Developing an Innovative Bridge Program  (10:45 - 11:45 am)

NEED DESCRIPTION


Lunch & Networking - Table Topics (11:45- 12:45 pm)

Grab your lunch from the buffet, find the table of your choice, and engage in a discussion on one of the topics below.  Feel free to get up and move around during the hour. 

  • Breaking into New Markets Overseas                                                                     
  • D/S Discussion: Potential Impact on Programming                             
  • Offering Online Programs                                                                                                                   
  • New(ish) Directors                                                                                                                           
  • So Many Choices: English Proficiency Tests
  • Mental Health for Students
  • Classroom Practices: What's New with AI?                                                     

 

Session #3: Sustaining Growth: Partnership Models for English Language Programs (12:45 - 1:45 pm)

Building on our 2024 EnglishUSA presentation (Partnerships 101), this session will provide an in-depth follow-up on institutional partnerships within the current political and educational landscape. Each presenter will share updates from their respective programs, highlighting emerging challenges and opportunities in forming and sustaining partnerships.



Session #4: Whisper, Don’t Shout: Recruiting International Students in Uncertain Times (2:00 - 3:00 pm)

We’ll explore the challenge of marketing to international students amid political uncertainty. How can language programs communicate their offer without drawing unwanted attention? Authenticity is key; student-centered strategies, inclusive messaging, and peer advocacy approaches connect communities and build trust. Leave with practical ideas and resources you can implement immediately.

Coffee Break (3:00 - 3:15 pm)

Concurrent Session #5a: Building Innovative English Language Programs: Professional Development for University Staff and Community Members, and For-Credit Dual Enrollment for High School Students (3:15 - 4:15 pm)

Participants will learn how English courses for university credit taught to local high school ELs can be offered through an ELP, and how Washburn University IEP adds value by offering a certificate for the same courses to benefit current students and adults in the community. Attendees will see how these two offerings were interconnected and designed to serve diverse student groups. The session will also highlight the University of Georgia IEP’s ESL for Professional Staff Development program for university building services workers. Presenters will discuss program development, challenges faced, communication needs of departments, workers’ English proficiency goals, and participant progress over the past two years.


Concurrent Session #5b: How English Language Programs Facilitate Soft Diplomacy (3:15 - 4:15 pm)

English language programs offer students academic and cultural foundations to practice soft diplomacy as cultural ambassadors during and after completion of their programs of study.   The session explores three core skills that facilitate soft diplomacy — mindset, vulnerability, and learning zone—training to become global citizens during and after their studies.

    • Cheryl Ernst, English Language Institute, University of Delaware

Break (4:15 - 4:30 pm)

Session #6: Supporting English Language Programs through Quality Assurance  (4:30 - 5:30 pm)

Networking Reception (5:30 - 7:00 pm)

Located at Hilton King Street, 1767 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Friday, October 24th: Annual Conference

Registration, Breakfast, & Networking (7:30 - 8:30 am)

Opening Remarks (8:15 - 8:30 am)

Join us for opening remarks on day two of conference.

Session #7: From Data to Decisions: Insights from IIE & Bonard (8:30 - 9:30 am)


Break (9:30 - 9:45 am)

Concurrent Session #8: Perspectives On Generative AI Exploration in an English Language Program (9:45 - 10:45 am)

Panelists describe an action research study undertaken in an ELP exploring diverse work-related uses of generative AI. Preliminary results based on qualitative data from researcher-participants involved in the project are discussed. The panel invites audience members to ask questions and share insights. 


Coffee Break (10:45 - 11:00 am)

Session #9: Professional Development in Post-secondary English Language Programs  (11:00 - 12:00 pm)

As education professionals, faculty and administrators in English language programs have a responsibility to undertake appropriate and regular professional development (PD). For accredited programs and institutions, this responsibility is made explicit through the standards. Requirements and recent data on types of program director PD will be presented and discussed.


Lunch & Networking - Table Topics (12:00 - 1:00 pm)

Grab your lunch from the buffet, find the table of your choice, and engage in a discussion on one of the topics below.  Feel free to get up and move around during the hour.

  • Nurturing Allies on Campus/in the Community                                            
  • Local English Language Program Offerings (residents, businesses)  
  • Getting Involved with EnglishUSA
  • Marketing & Storytelling
  • Pathway Programs   
  • EnglishUSA Trade Mission to Brazil


Session #10: The Importance and Benefits Of “Service to the Field” (1:00 - 2:00 pm)

Professional organizations are crucial to the success of ELPs today, and the success of these organizations is dependent upon individuals engaging in service to the field. This panel will discuss the opportunities for service at all levels and will highlight the benefits of this service to both individuals and programs.

    • Megan Forbes, English Language Institute, University of Florida
    • Bill Wallace, English Language Institute (ELI) at The University of Alabama (retired)
    • Mark Algren, Applied English Center, University of Kansas


Concurrent Session #11a: Study Travel & ICEF: Recruitment Resources (2:15 - 3:00 pm)

Concurrent Session #11b: Volunteering as a Path to Student Empowerment (2:15 - 3:00 pm)

Participants will learn how volunteering can be a tool to empower students and help them build their social and professional networks to enhance both language development and cultural integration. Participants will share ideas and brainstorm ways to design volunteering opportunities to help their students adventure beyond the classroom.

Break (3:00 - 3:15 pm)

Session #12: United for Impact: Your Associations in Action (3:15 pm - 4:15 pm)

Wrap Up (4:15 - 4:30 pm)