The ELT Council's 13th Annual ELT Conference took place on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th October 2024 at the Salini Resort in Qawra, Malta. This year’s theme, "Successful Language Learning in a Diverse World", set the tone for two days of insightful presentations, workshops, and discussions centred around the future of English language teaching (ELT) in an increasingly globalised and technologically advanced world.

The conference kicked off on Friday afternoon with registration and a welcome coffee at 1300hrs, allowing attendees to network and reconnect before the opening session. Prof. Daniel Xerri, Chairperson of the ELT Council, officially welcomed everyone and set the stage for the day ahead.

The first plenary session was delivered by Philip Kerr, who tackled the topic of Educational Technology. Kerr's session encouraged participants to reflect on the history of technology in language learning, noting that while we often look forward to the next big innovation, the promises of the past 40 years in educational technology have largely remained unfulfilled. He urged the audience to approach new technological tools with a critical eye, suggesting that looking back at past trends could provide valuable lessons for the future.

Following this thought-provoking session, participants were treated to a variety of workshops. The diverse range of topics meant there was something for everyone, and attendees were left spoiled for choice, with sessions catering to teachers, trainers, and language professionals alike.

Running parallel to the teacher-focused sessions, the Business & Management Stream kicked off on Friday as well. .This yearly stream offers specialised content for Heads of Schools and Senior Management Teams. The 2024 stream focused on the theme, "Looking into ELT Malta 2025", and provided insights into the future of the industry. Carlo Micallef, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority presented insights into flight cpaacities and frequency into Malta for 2025 as well as marketing activities carried out by MTA for the ELT sector.Nicola Lutz delivered the first session on Mastering Learner and Agent Engagement, offering practical strategies to enhance engagement with both students and recruitment agents—an essential aspect of running a successful language school.

After a day packed with learning, networking, and idea-sharing, participants wrapped up the first day of the conference and prepared for an even busier second day.

Day Two: Awards and Insights into AI in Language Learning

Saturday morning saw the start of Day Two, with attendees arriving early for the much-anticipated Awards Ceremony. Two prestigious awards were presented, recognising the dedication and contributions of local ELT professionals. Norman Borg received the 11th Inspiring ELT Professional Award for his outstanding commitment and passion for the industry. The 3rd ELT Career Service Award was awarded to Alexandra Bianco, acknowledging her years of service and unwavering dedication to the development of ELT and teacher training in Malta.

After the awards, the second plenary session was delivered by Sophia Mavridi, who focused on the increasingly important topic of AI and L2 Students. Mavridi explored how L2 students are employing artificial intelligence in creative and often overlooked ways, particularly in academic writing. With institutions still grappling with how to respond to AI in education, Mavridi’s session provided valuable insights into how students are navigating this evolving landscape, offering fresh perspectives on the integration of AI tools in language learning.

The remainder of the day continued with a packed programme of workshops and talks, covering a broad range of topics from pedagogy to the latest trends in ELT. Attendees left the event feeling inspired, having gained new strategies to implement in their classrooms and organisations.

The 13th ELT Conference concluded at 1800hrs on Saturday, bringing to a close another successful edition of this much-anticipated event in Malta’s ELT calendar. With a focus on diversity, technology, and forward-thinking, the conference provided valuable food for thought on how educators can continue to ensure successful language learning in an ever-changing world. Sue Falzon, ELT Council CEO stated “We are thrilled to see such a strong turnout and enthusiastic participation at this year's conference. The continued support from our attendees  year after year is a testament to the valuable connections and insights fostered here. Moreover, year after year, we attract an impressive lineup of international speakers. We look forward to building on this momentum and welcoming everyone back next year!"