For those well-versed in the intricacies of conference organization, the planning process is a familiar endeavour. At Eaquals, our team commences preparations for our annual flagship event, the Eaquals Annual International Conference, a full year in advance, ensuring meticulous attention to detail. Our objective? To deliver an unparalleled experience characterized by engagement, insightful interactions, and invaluable learning opportunities amongst a community of like-minded professionals and industry experts in language education.

This dedication to excellence has yielded remarkable results, with each successive year witnessing an increase in both attendance and global representation. This year, we were honoured to host over 270 participants from 33 countries across 6 continents—a testament to the growing significance of our conference on an international scale. Notably, a substantial proportion of attendees were first-time participants, underscoring the event’s continued appeal and relevance within the industry.

Yet, rather than solely relying on what we say, we invite you to explore firsthand accounts from this year’s Eaquals Teacher and Scholarship award recipients. Their reflections on the impact of the three-day Eaquals Annual Conference 2024 provide insights into the benefits and enriching experiences awaiting participants.

Mohsen Askari – Edtech Coordinator

Attending the Eaquals Annual Conference 2024 as a Teacher Award recipient marked a significant milestone in my career, exceeding all expectations. The atmosphere was vibrant with the exchange of innovative ideas and a shared passion for language education. Each session offered a rich array of insights, fostering a diverse community committed to advancing teaching excellence. I was particularly struck by the depth of knowledge and expertise among both panellists and participants. Every individual brought a wealth of experience and unique perspectives to the table, making the event truly memorable. Engaging in the workshop I led and listening to others’ experiences proved invaluable, reaffirming my belief in the power of collaborative learning. The conference was more than just an event—it was a celebration of education’s transformative potential. Departing with a renewed sense of purpose, I am eager to apply the shared knowledge to enhance my students’ learning journey.

Serpil Öz – EFL/EAP Instructor

Attending the Eaquals Annual Conference 2024 as the recipient of the Scholarship Award was an enriching and inspiring experience. One of the highlights of the conference was the diverse range of high-quality sessions, which offered valuable insights into innovative teaching methodologies and language education trends. I had the opportunity to engage with passionate professionals in the field of language education from various corners of the globe, fostering meaningful discussions and connections. From interactive workshops to thought-provoking keynote speeches, every session left a very positive impact, broadening my perspectives and providing practical tools to enhance my teaching practice. Moreover, the atmosphere was lively and the organizers were incredibly welcoming, making it a nurturing environment for learning and networking. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience that reaffirmed my dedication to continuous professional development in the field of language education.

Nursel Çetinkaya – English Instructor

The Eaquals Annual International Conference 2024 in Lisbon was a journey of inspiration and connections. From informative plenaries to engaging elective sessions and networking opportunities, the conference provided a dynamic platform for those who want to excel in language education. I had the privilege of communicating with and learning from the best educators and experts from around the world, discovering shared challenges and gaining new perspectives. Additionally, the vibrant atmosphere of Lisbon made the conference both intellectually stimulating and enjoyable. As I boarded my flight back home, I carried with me more than the conference materials. I developed a renewed sense of purpose in language education and a network of passionate colleagues. I would like to express my gratitude to Eaquals for awarding me a scholarship for such a successful conference. I feel incredibly fortunate for this opportunity and am truly grateful for their support.

Vladlena Tcherkachina – Director, School of Foreign Languages

Congratulations are in order for the impeccable organization of the Eaquals event in Lisbon. From the timely registration reminders to the well-structured program and delightful coffee breaks, every detail was meticulously handled. The team’s efforts ensured a smooth and memorable experience for all participants. Professional development events like these are chosen by ELT professionals for their emphasis on learning and networking. I personally benefited from both to a great extent. The management training led by Martyn Clarke was engaging and thought-provoking, providing valuable insights. The diverse sessions over the following days offered a range of perspectives and added to my professional expertise. I also made a lot of new friends, and got inspired by their knowledge, wisdom, energy, and skills. Likewise, I truly enjoyed running my workshop on Personality types and witnessing the creative and productive interaction of the participants.

Mehtap Özer Isovic – English Teacher

Three memorable days of insightful presentations, workshops, and discussions characterized the Eaquals Annual Conference 2024 in Lisbon.

The full-day Management Training Workshop provided participants with an opportunity to explore their experiences as managers and engage with practical approaches such as action research, reflective frameworks, and peer mentoring models.

Attendees gained a deeper understanding of the implications of generative AI on language education, considering its impact on educators and students both presently and in their future careers.

The closing session prompted attendees to reflect on the interconnectedness of sustainability education and language learning, encouraging them to consider the broader implications of this relationship.

Ilkem Kayican Dipcin – EAP Instructor

Attending this conference as an Eaquals Scholarship recipient was an invaluable opportunity for my professional development and growth. Being surrounded by passionate language educators from all over the world created an enriching environment for the exchange of knowledge and collaborative sharing of ideas. The sessions I took part in provided a well-rounded perspective on current trends, best practices, and the evolving role of technology in language education.

What particularly resonated with me were the discussions highlighting the importance of humanizing language learning experiences. Despite the rapid advancements in AI and edtech tools, fostering meaningful teacher-student connections and designing interactive, culturally-responsive curricula remains paramount. This conference served as a timely reminder that as educators, we must continuously upskill ourselves while staying grounded in sound pedagogical principles that prioritize the learners’ needs.

I’m returning reinvigorated, with a deeper appreciation for lifelong learning and a wealth of insights to implement into my own teaching practice. Participating in the Eaquals Annual Conference 2024 has truly been an enriching and thought-provoking experience. I would like to thank the organizers and sponsors for putting together such an insightful and well-run event. It was an absolute pleasure to be part of it.

In wrapping up the Eaquals Annual Conference 2024, we’re thrilled by the overwhelming positive response. The enthusiasm and engagement have truly made this event a success. Witnessing the exchange of knowledge and ideas among passionate language educators from around the globe has been inspiring. Your participation and feedback are invaluable as we strive to enhance future conferences and ensure they remain enriching and impactful experiences for all. Thank you for being part of the Eaquals community, and we look forward to welcoming you to future events.