International Association for Language Learning Technology

So, you've volunteered (or had your arm twisted) to host a conference. Congratulations! There will be lots of hard work, but the experience can be very rewarding. The following are some guidelines, based on the experiences of others who have planned such conferences.

Thanks to Pam Griffin-Castro, Ed Dente, Jan Marston, Charlotte Wharton, Fawn Whitaker, Pete Smith, Bruce Parkhurst, Kathleen Ford, who prepared materials for the FLEAT session on conference planning and/or who made suggestions for these guidelines. However, if you have suggestions, corrections, or questions, please contact Read Gilgen.

My intent in posting the guidelines at the IALLT web site is to give regional conference planners something more than "Good Luck" as they prepare to host a conference. I've also included some issues that arise only at the larger conferences. Most of you will never have to plan a conference the size of IALLT. But you could! I've left the comments mixed together so you can use what you need and to appreciate what you don't have to use.

Finally, I've also prepared a Conference Planning Table (PDF document) that summarizes these guidelines and gives you a check sheet to use as you plan your conference.

One of the joys of our profession is the opportunity to get together in regional and international meetings. As a conference organizer you are providing a needed and appreciated service. Yes, hosting a conference involves a lot of work. But if you plan ahead, considering the above suggestions, you should be able to enjoy the conference just as much as those who attend.