Social Programme
Taking time out during the conference to relax and meet new people is important, that’s why we plan a range of social events for our delegates to enjoy, some during the breaks in the day and others in the evenings after sessions have finished.
Below you will see details of what we have planned for 2025, check back nearer the time to find out more.
A big thank you to our Social Programme Sponsor, Express Publishing.
Monday 7 April
Welcome Cèilidh | 17:30-19:00
Join us to celebrate the start of our 58th IATEFL Conference and Exhibition. IATEFL President, Aleksandra Popovski, and other special guests will welcome delegates to the event. It will be an opportunity to relax and meet other delegates as well as old friends.
Tuesday 8 April
Introduction to Edinburgh | 18:45-19:45
Edinburgh is Scotland's capital city and has celebrated being a Royal Burgh for 900 years. Join us for a talk about Edinburgh through time and discover its historical sites, hidden corners, closes and courtyards. Hear the fascinating stories about the colourful characters who once lived here and who walked the streets. At the end of the session you will be given information on when our upcoming walking tours will take place.
Our guides are local people who have a passion for our great city and for sharing their wonderful historic tales and knowledge with you.
You can find out more about us at our website. www.edinburghfestivalguides.org
Dynamic Debates | 20:00-21:00
In this activity two presenters collaborate on a single talk on any issue (ELT or non-ELT) for a total of five minutes. However, and this is the important part, each of the presenters must present an alternative view of the theme, ideally a completely different position on it. For example, “course books are vital to teaching a language” vs. “coursebooks are restrictive and never needs-oriented”, although non-ELT topics are encouraged too. This format encourages interaction and dialogue between presenters, as well as providing different perspectives on the topic.
Call for presenters: To take part please complete our registration form.
Wednesday 9 April
Sharing Stories | 18:45-20:15
Stories set us Free
Storytellers David Heathfield from the UK and Harry Kuchah Kuchah from Cameroon are joined by our special invited guest and friend Jackie Ross, a brilliant world-renowned Scottish storyteller from Aberdeenshire. Feel free to come and listen and tell folk tales, myths and legends from oral cultures around the world as well as personal stories and anecdotes. You are invited to tell your story rather than read it aloud.
When we listen to a well told tale, our imaginations are set free. Storytelling offers us a possibility of betterment, of how our shared world could be. This year we focus on Storytelling for Freedom and invite you to join us.
David Heathfield is a world storyteller and the author of Storytelling With Our Students. He runs online Creative and Engaging Storytelling for Teachers courses. www.davidheathfield.co.uk
Harry Kuchah Kuchah is a teacher educator from Cameroon who enjoys playing drums and telling African stories from his grandma’s repertoire.
Jackie Ross is deeply involved in telling and publishing stories in Doric, a dialect of Scots spoken in North-East Scotland
Music Night | 20:15 - 21:45
Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, inclusivity, and celebration at the IATEFL Conference 2025 in Edinburgh, hosted by the ever-welcoming Jeremy Harmer. This international music night is a chance for our global community to come together through the universal language of music. Whether you're a singer, a musician, or simply love to listen, you’re invited to share your talent and enjoy the diverse rhythms and melodies from around the world. All languages and musical genres are welcome – from folk to jazz, classical to rock, and everything in between.
Everyone, no matter their musical background, is encouraged to take part in this joyous evening, with sing-alongs and impromptu performances highly encouraged! Performers will be able to sign up on the night as they arrive. Whether you bring a song from your homeland, a favourite instrument, or just your voice to join in the chorus, let’s unite through music and celebrate the diversity of our IATEFL family.
Thursday 10 April
Lip-Sync Battle
Prepare to be dazzled as our contestants go head-to-head, battling it out with their jaw-dropping lip sync performances! From chart-topping hits to legendary classics, it's going to be a night of non-stop entertainment you won't want to miss.
Call for performers: To take part please complete our registration form.
International Quiz
The popular quiz is back again! You’ll need a global team (you can come along and join one on the night!) with diverse interests and knowledge, a sense of humour and a desire to meet new people, have some fun, network and work together to score more points than any other team. Join us for the chance to be crowned quiz champions of Edinburgh 2025.