The International Association of Language Centres (IALC) recently held its highly anticipated 2025 Auckland Workshop from April 3–6 at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland, New Zealand. Hosted by Languages International, this prestigious event brought together 53 carefully selected international education agents and 52 IALC- accredited language schools from around the world to connect, share insights, and build and strengthen relationships within the global language travel industry.
The event included an afternoon of seminars covering the latest industry trends, 2 days of workshop meetings and 3 fabulous evening events showcasing the best of what New Zealand and Auckland have to offer.
Highlights included:
IALC also organized familiarisation trips across New Zealand and Australia, giving agents the opportunity to visit partner schools, experience local cultures, and gain a deeper understanding of the student experience in these regions.
Darren Conway Reflects on a Successful Event
Darren Conway, Managing Director of Languages International and host of the event, expressed his pride in the successful execution of the workshop. “It was an absolute privilege to host the IALC community in New Zealand,” Conway said. “The industry is evolving rapidly, but the IALC community continues to thrive. To have so many agents and schools travel all the way to New Zealand was truly special. The connections and insights gained here will have a lasting impact on everyone involved.”
He further added, “The Māori cultural elements of this workshop were particularly meaningful. The Haka workshop, in particular, exceeded all our expectations. The enthusiasm from our international guests was inspiring. While we had a little weather setback early on, the spirit and excitement of the event shone through, especially during the social events, creating a sense of community that will last long after the workshop ends.”
A Message from IALC President Kevin McNally
IALC President Kevin McNally also shared his thoughts on the success of the workshop. “It has been a true privilege to spend time in Auckland as guests of Languages International. I extend my sincere thanks to Darren Conway and his team for their incredible hospitality. From sailing to a stunning island vineyard to learning the Haka and enjoying local New Zealand wine with our global partners, this event has been unforgettable.”
He continued, “Each year, IALC hosts its community in one of the exceptional destinations offered by our members. Despite the challenges our industry faces—such as rising travel costs and shifting visa policies—the IALC Workshop in Auckland demonstrated the resilience, innovation, and strength that define our sector. IALC workshops aren’t just about meetings; they are about fostering connection, collaboration, and long-term relationships. I’m excited to look ahead to our next event in Salerno, Italy, where we will continue to build on the success of this year’s gathering.”
Praise from Participants
The feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the intimate scale of the event, the high quality of the meetings, and the unique community atmosphere that sets the IALC Workshop apart from other industry events.
“The Workshop was an excellent opportunity to reconnect with existing partners and explore new ones,” said Sarah Pfennig from GLS Sprachenzentrum. “The venue was ideal, and the relaxed atmosphere made it easy to build meaningful relationships. The cultural activities, like the Haka workshop, were a highlight. I’m looking forward to attending more IALC events in the future.”
Barbara Frischknecht from frischknecht Beratung für Sprachausbildung also shared her thoughts: “IALC Auckland was a wonderful and well-organized workshop. Everything was perfect for me, and I took home many great, funny, and inspiring moments. Thank you for everything—it was an absolute blast!”
John Barnett from Cambridge Academy of English reflected, “It was definitely worth the five-year wait. An excellent workshop from start to finish.”
Looking Ahead to Salerno, Italy – IALC Workshop 2026
As the event concluded, IALC announced that the 2026 Workshop will be held in Salerno, Italy, from April 16–19, 2026, hosted by Accademia Italiana. The IALC community is already excited for what promises to be another unforgettable gathering.
Explore the Auckland Workshop Highlights
For those who missed the event or wish to relive the unforgettable moments, a gallery of stunning photos from the workshop is now available online. View the images here: https://www.ialc.org/auckland/the-gallery/
For More Information:
For more information on the IALC Workshop or to stay updated on future events, please visit www.ialc.org.
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