A look Back from the Future – A report on the 34th IATEFL Poland Conference
A report on the 34th IATEFL Poland Conference
The 34th IATEFL Poland Conference, themed Back from the Future, was successfully held from September 19th to 21st, 2025, in Łódź, Poland.
Hosted at the campus of the Lodz University of Technology, with key involvement from the University’s Language Centre, this significant event reaffirmed its position as one of Central Europe’s largest and most important gatherings for English Language Teaching (ELT) professionals, attracting hundreds of participants from Poland and across Europe.
Undoubtedly, the conference was a testament to strong collaboration. The conference theme encouraged a forward-thinking yet critical perspective, focusing on the future of ELT with a strong emphasis on the responsible and ethical integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into teaching practice, alongside a renewed focus on core pedagogical principles.
The robust programme featured over 200 sessions, including talks, practical workshops, and live lessons, catering to the diverse needs of the ELT community. The core thematic areas included:
A major highlight was the plenary speech delivered by the President of IATEFL, Christopher Graham, who addressed the critical issue of sustainability in language education, urging attendees to integrate environmental and social responsibility into their curricula. The conference also featured an impressive line-up of international and local ELT experts who shared cutting-edge research and practical classroom solutions.
The event also featured extensive educational exhibitions, where major international and Polish publishers and educational technology providers showcased their latest materials, resources, and digital solutions. Attendees had ample opportunity to network with representatives from organisations such as Early Stage, Hamilton House, MM Publications, Express Publishing, Oxford University Press, Cambridge PWN, Eli, Polanglo, Let’s Talk and many others, who were vital partners in the success of the conference.
A significant development during the conference was the AGM of IATEFL Poland Members. We are delighted to announce the election of our new President, Magdalena Gałaj, from the Language Centre at Lodz University of Technology. Ms Gałaj succeeds the outgoing President, Rob Howard, and we look forward to the innovative direction she will bring to the association. We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr Howard for his dedicated service and invaluable contributions over the years.
On behalf of the Organising Committee, we extend our most sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone who contributed to making the 34th IATEFL Poland Conference a resounding success. Our deepest gratitude goes to the Lodz University of Technology for their warm hospitality and seamless collaboration.
A special thank you to all our distinguished keynote and plenary speakers and the numerous presenters who shared their expertise, enriching the professional lives of all attendees. We also thank our exhibitors and sponsors for their crucial support and commitment to the ELT community.
Most importantly, we thank all the participants—teachers, researchers, students, and volunteers—for their active engagement and enthusiasm. Your presence and commitment to professional development are the true highlights of this annual event.
We look forward to welcoming you all to the 35th International IATEFL Poland Conference!
