7 – 9 June 2024, Budapest
The 3rd International Language Coaching Conference
Organized By ILCA
The 2024 International Language Coaching Conference
Conference Summary 2024, Budapest
As hosts and organizers of the 2024 International Language Coaching Conference in Budapest, we’re excited to share our experiences and reflections from this remarkable event.
We would like to say how grateful we are for the venue at ELTE University and the technical staff, all speakers and ILCA supporting members.
This year, we were thrilled to see our attendee numbers more than double compared to last year’s conference in Paris. We knew we were in for something special, but what we experienced exceeded all expectations. The atmosphere was not only spectacular but profoundly human. The interactions were plentiful and meaningful: speakers connecting with each other, engaging with attendees, and creating a supportive, learning-focused environment.
From the very first session, the compassion, support, and eagerness to grow and learn were palpable. Despite the summer heat, the dedication and passion of everyone involved shone through, covering a wide range of topics that enriched our understanding of language coaching and its interdisciplinary applications.
A new feature this year was the TED-style talks, where speakers had the opportunity to deliver maximum value for the audience by presenting their BIG IDEA to everyone at the conference. This addition made it easier for attendees to choose the workshops that interested them most, while still receiving inspiration and learning from the workshops that they were unable to attend.
Our aim was to deliver a professional conference that also felt personal and intimate. Judging by the feedback we’ve received and the vibrant conversations we witnessed, we believe we struck that balance perfectly.
Carrie and Gabriella kicked off the conference with an opening plenary on the five things they’ve learned about language coaching from training over 20 cohorts of language coaches. This set the stage for inspiring plenaries on growth mindset by Ruth Hughes and language teacher agency for wellbeing by Sarah Mercer. The workshops offered practical insights and plenty of food for thought, with extended Q&A sessions that deepened the discussions.
Coffee and lunch breaks were buzzing with excited chatter and networking. Attendees exchanged contact details, continued conversations from sessions, and eagerly dashed to the next workshop. The energy was infectious, filled with laughter and a shared enthusiasm for learning.
The 3rd day of the conference was again, a new and ambitious addition to the conference program. We took to the outdoors and spent a glorious morning together on Margaret Island, reflecting on our professional development journeys and connecting with nature (more on that later).
Of course, there were lessons learned, and we’re currently analyzing feedback to refine our approach for next year.
Our reflections continued during the week we spent together post-conference, joined by our newly appointed Chair of the ILCA board, Julie Yoder. This face-to-face time is a luxury we cherish, allowing us to reflect, work, and plan for the future.
We’re already looking forward to the 4th International Language Coaching Conference in Spain in 2025. Stay tuned for details, and we hope to see you there!
Warm regards,
Gabriella Kovács & Carrie McKinnon
The First International Language Coaching Conference in London, held on July 2, 2022, exceeded expectations in bringing together language educators and coaches from diverse countries. The conference aimed to deepen knowledge about language coaching and related areas within language education.
ILCA board members met in person after collaborating online for over two years, fostering a stronger sense of camaraderie. Attendees, including teachers, trainers, and language coaches from various countries, shared a common goal of understanding language coaching and its long-term impact.
The event marked the launch of “A Comprehensive Language Coaching Handbook (2022),” authored by Gabriella Kovács PCC, MA, signaling a new era in language coaching.
Speakers delivered high-quality talks and workshops, leaving attendees with thought-provoking questions, such as the role of teaching people rather than subjects and the perception of time in learning.
The networking event fostered connections and a sense of commonality among participants. A professional panel discussed financial aspects of language coaching, covering topics like niche specialization, working for free, and the importance of certifications.
The parallel workshops in the afternoon provided opportunities for growth and inspiration, although attendees faced the challenge of choosing among concurrent sessions. Overall, the conference left participants with valuable insights, connections, and a sense of unity within the language coaching community.
The 2nd International Language Coaching Conference
Paris
June 17th & 18th, 2023
The 2023 conference in Paris focused on the theme of language coaching and transformation. It explored various aspects of transformation, including relational, visual, spatial, and aural perspectives, as well as specific coaching skills like listening and questioning.
Day 1 of the conference addressed topics such as transformation in language coaching, setting smart objectives, coaching outdoors, and understanding the impact of relational learning.
The first plenary discussed the state of the language coaching industry, its origins, trends, and the transition theme. Other sessions covered active listening, using rhythm in language coaching, and the benefits of coaching outdoors.
A panel discussion explored language coaching in the French market, while workshops emphasized collaboration, mindfulness in coaching, and the interconnectedness of knowledge and self-development.
Day 2 featured sessions on positive psychology coaching, tools for language coaching success, communication transformation in the classroom, coaching in group courses, the power of listening, visual techniques for communication, website attractiveness for clients, and personal growth through language coaching.
The conference concluded with a group reflective activity, promoting shared insights, discussions, and reflections among participants. Overall, the conference provided valuable insights and networking opportunities for language coaches to enhance their coaching skills and effectiveness.