37th Annual APPI Conference in Braga, Portugal – REPORT

It is always a pleasure to attend an international conference and to catch up with great speakers that you’ve known over the years and to meet new colleagues and share exciting ideas. This was the case at this year’s 37th Annual APPI Conference held in Braga, Portugal May 10 through 12th. Some of the featured speakers were names like Carol Read, Rachel Harris, Libor Stepanek, Daniel Xerri, Annie Altamirano, Harry Waters, Kieran Donaghy, and Sarah Mercer. A highlight, as always, was hearing IATEFL President Aleksandra Popovski. The event took place in the luxurious and spacious Altice Forum in beautiful historic Braga, a venue perfectly suited for such a gathering. With an attendance of around 850 delegates, the building was abuzz with talks, workshops, meetings, and casual chats with old and new friends. The APPI staff made everyone, including myself, welcome.

Of course, AI was discussed more than a few times. Talks featured apps to use for teachers, apps for the classroom, and the psychological aspects. Many other talks centered around practical takeaways for the classroom, young learners’ issues, wellbeing, motivation, engagement and more. There were seven plenaries, seventy-eight sessions (6 concurrent), a welcome party, a Pecha Kucha, an AGM, raffle, and topped off with an exciting dance recital from a group of local talented youngsters.

I am grateful to TESOL Spain’s Annie Altamirano for introducing me to APPI President Sonia Ferreirinha in Madrid 2 years ago. Sonia and I agreed that it was time for APPI and IATEFL Poland to forge a partnership. We look forward to receiving a member from APPI at our conference in Gdansk.