The fourth International Language Coaching Association conference took place against the sun-splashed backdrop of Málaga and delivered our most dynamic gathering to date.
Plenaries that Framed the Future
- Gordon Lewis traced three decades of English-language teaching, charting each disruptive turn and pointing to the next: artificial intelligence. Far from alarmist, his talk mapped clear ways to keep the human heart of education beating while welcoming smart tech.
- Daniel Xerri followed with research on factors leading to successful adaptability, which will let educators thrive in worlds not yet imagined with the help of coaching. Pens flew as participants captured practical ways to build that muscle.
Research, Theory, and Practice Intertwined
Thanks go to the teams from the University of Bremen and to Dr Katarzyna Bieniecka-Drzymała of Adam Mickiewicz University, whose presentations anchored the conference in solid academic ground and expanded the evidence base for language coaching. As first-time presenters they provided our attendees with much thought-enriching data to take away.
Workshop and Talk Highlights
- Kathy Ellis made a compelling case for intercultural awareness as a hard-core professional competence.
- Zuzana Štrbáková explored Gestalt coaching, drawing clear lines between language coaching and broader coaching practices.
- Dr Mika Tamura travelled from Japan to show how coaching accelerates collaboration in science and engineering.
- Ruth Hughes sailed through her “boat” analogy for resilience, captain’s hat included.
- Zoltán Gyurácz energised the room with an Ed Talk that sparked follow-up conversations well into the evening.
- Afternoon sessions kept the momentum: Rolade Berthier on inclusive communication, Inna Cherevko on resilience, Gabriella Kovács and Carrie McKinnon unpacking ILCA programmes, Boelo van der Pool on reaching the “other 20 percent,” Pablo Molina Byers on authentic voice, and many more.
Special appreciation goes to Ian King, who balanced camera duties with a live coaching demo that showcased best practice in real time.
Nature, Water, and New Traditions
Continuing a tradition begun last year, delegates stepped outside conference walls for nature-based coaching. Gabriella Kovács led an outdoor circle, while a water-coaching session in the Mediterranean, guided by Carrie McKinnon, offered a literal deep dive into reflective practice.
Community and Celebration
Hub leaders Monika Szijjártó, Nicola Mole, and Karen Curry added local insights and community-building sessions throughout the programme. Esteban Aristizábal Ramírez, our master of ceremonies, kept energies high from the first coffee to the final round of applause, complete with an impromptu vocal performance.
Looking Ahead
The conference overflowed with standout moments; no single recap can catch them all. Share your personal highlight in the comments and browse the photo gallery for a taste of the atmosphere.
Plans for the next ILCA gathering are already under way. Stay tuned because bigger ideas and new destinations await. 💙
