IH Directors’ Conference 2025

Palermo, Sicily

08/05/2025

- 10/05/2025

Join us in Palermo, Sicily for the 2025 IH Directors’ Conference from 8th – 10th May.

Join Us for the IH Directors’ Conference 2025

The IH Directors’ Conference affords an opportunity for those who own or manage International House schools to invest time in their own personal development and leadership skills, hear from industry experts and share their own knowledge with each another. It is also a time to celebrate the IH network, highlight everything we have achieved in the previous year, and inform our strategy for the future.

The 2025 conference sessions will focus on themes relating to:

Innovation
Leadership
Collaboration
Business Development
Marketing & Communication

See the programme here

Location

The conference will be taking place in Palermo, Sicily and our hosts will be IH Palermo Language Centre.

Accommodation

See our recommended hotels guide here – we will update in the new year as we get more information. We would also recommend using Booking.com – some of you may have preferential rates there. Please note that Palermo is a popular destination so we recommend booking soon!

The City

Join us in Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily, where ancient history seamlessly blends with modern Italian flair. Our venues (the Grand Hotel et des Palmes and IH Palermo Language Centre) are both located in the old town or ‘Centro Storico’, a captivating labyrinth of narrow streets brimming with stunning architecture and historical treasures. Enjoy relaxed and sunny evenings during the conference; May in Sicily offers a fantastic balance of pleasant weather and blooming scenery, minus the peak summer crowds! With its stunning Mediterranean coastline, UNESCO-protected religious and historical sites, and vibrant culinary scene, we can’t wait to see you in Palermo.

Programme & Schedule Overview

Wednesday 7th May

Afternoon: walking tour
Evening: welcome dinner – CitySea Palermo

Thursday 8th May

Full-day Conference Grand Hotel et Des Palmes

Early Evening: IHWO Auction – Ouverture Terrace – Grand Hotel et Des Palmes

Friday 9th May

Full-day Conference Grand Hotel et Des Palmes

Free evening – explore Palermo!

Saturday 10th May

Tracks – IH Palermo Language Centre (exam centre)

Evening: Gala dinner Florio / Villa Igiea

Optional Activities

Sunday 11th – Day Trip to Cefalù

Join us for an optional day trip to the ancient fishing village full of history, nature and charm on Sicily’s coast, Cefalù. We will travel by private bus and return to Palermo centre by 16:30.

Environmental Sustainability

We are delighted to have the opportunity to meet our friends and colleagues at this wonderful face-to-face IH Directors’ Conference. At the same time we can’t ignore the negative environmental impact that travelling to and gathering in one location will have.

We will be considering various other initiatives as we prepare for the conference. As delegates, you can contribute in the following ways:

If you fly, consider carbon offsetting your flight.
Please bring your own water bottle, re-useable coffee cups and pens to eliminate disposable single-use plastic waste.

Sponsorship Opportunities

If you would like to sponsor this event for a chance to reach the International House community of CEOs, Directors and Senior Management, please contact Giuliana Faldetta via email: Giuliana.Faldetta@ihworld.com

See what you can expect from the Directors’ Conference. Here are a few photos from the 2024 Directors’ Conference in Split, Croatia. You can also find out more through our blog.