English Teachers’ Conference in Milan: Back to What Matters
International House Milan | San Donato is bringing teachers and ELT professionals together in Milan on Friday 16 October 2026 for its annual English Language Teaching Conference.
This year’s conference, Back to What Matters: Rediscovering the essentials of effective teaching, will focus on the ideas and practices at the heart of successful language teaching. The programme will explore practical classroom approaches, teaching methodology and ways of making thoughtful, effective choices as teachers.
The event offers a full day of professional development, with sessions from experienced ELT speakers and opportunities to meet and exchange ideas with other teachers.
Attendance is free, but places are limited and advance registration is required.
Conference at a glance
- Date: Friday 16 October 2026
- Time: 8.30 am – 4.15 pm
- Location: FAST Congress Centre, Piazzale Rodolfo Morandi 2, 20121 Milan
- Format: In person
- Cost: Free
- Certificate: Ministry-recognised certificate available through AISLi
- Booking: Advance registration required
What is the conference about?
Teaching languages effectively depends on more than keeping up with the latest trends. The 2026 IH Milan conference takes the opportunity to look again at the fundamental principles and practices that underpin good teaching.
Under the theme Back to What Matters, the day will encourage participants to consider how core teaching principles can inform everyday classroom decisions and contribute to better learning experiences.
The conference is intended to be practical and relevant to teachers working in a range of educational settings, while also providing space for professional discussion and sharing ideas.
Who can attend?
The event is aimed at teachers and other professionals involved in English language teaching, including:
- English teachers in state and private education;
- EFL and ESL teachers;
- teacher trainers;
- ELT professionals and academic staff;
- teachers looking for practical ideas to apply in their classrooms;
- teachers supporting learners preparing for English language examinations.
Whether you are looking for new classroom techniques, opportunities to reflect on your teaching or simply a chance to connect with other ELT professionals, the conference provides a day dedicated to professional learning and exchange.
What to expect
The programme will feature a range of presentations and practical sessions delivered by experienced ELT professionals and members of the IH Milan | San Donato teaching team.
Throughout the day, attendees will be able to:
explore approaches and ideas that can be applied in the classroom;
hear from experienced speakers working in English language teaching;
consider the principles behind effective teaching practice;
exchange ideas and experiences with fellow teachers;
discover resources and services from conference sponsors;
take part in a recognised professional development event.
The programme also includes breaks and time to visit the sponsor exhibition area, providing opportunities to discover new resources and connect with other participants.
Speakers
The 2026 conference will feature contributions from a number of ELT specialists, including Graham Seed, Chantelle Walsh, Lucie Cotterill, Glenn Standish and Julie Wallis, alongside a practical session delivered by teachers from International House Milan | San Donato.
Further information about the individual sessions, speakers and session abstracts will be added as the programme is confirmed.
Professional development certificate
Participants attending the conference in person can receive a certificate of attendance recognised for the professional development of teaching staff in Italy through AISLi, an accredited teacher training body.
This makes the conference an opportunity not only to gain ideas and inspiration for the classroom, but also to record your participation as part of your ongoing professional development.
A day of learning with International House Milan
International House Milan | San Donato is part of the International House World Organisation network, a global network of independent language schools and teacher training organisations.
The annual conference brings together members of the local and wider ELT community for a day centred on professional learning, practical teaching and collaboration.
Interested in attending? Places are free but limited.
