Culture, AI, and the Future of Business English: Highlights From the 37th Annual IATEFL BESIG Conference in Malta

For nearly 40 years, the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language, IATEFL, Business English Special Interest Group (BESIG) has hosted an incredible in-person event for TEFL/TESOL educators who specialize in teaching Business English. The purpose is to bring teachers from all over the world together to share ideas, innovations, and opportunities from the Business English sector of the TEFL industry. This year, IATEFL BESIG went to Malta for their annual reunion, with Bridge Teacher Experience Manager Umut Ergöz leading a discussion on Cultural Coaching in Business English.

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Supporting Global Teachers Through Connection

IATEFL is comprised of numerous special interest groups, or SIGs. The BESIG alone has nearly 500 members across six continents. This active and diverse group of Business English teaching professionals represents an incredible variety of industry specializations.

Bridge’s Umut Ergöz recently joined the BESIG as its newest Non-Committee Content Curator & Poster Volunteer (read his story here). As a member and a volunteer, Ergöz was invited to attend and present at this year’s IATEFL BESIG Conference, an action-packed three-day event that went all day and well into the evenings.

In the Digital Information Age, oftentimes, events and conferences are held in a virtual space, especially for far-flung TEFL teachers and ESL educators. The IATEFL BESIG Conference is held in person as often as possible – part of the core beliefs of support and connection that IATEFL was founded upon. Always present was the reminder that IATEFL is an organization that focuses on professional development, collaboration, and supporting teachers in their research and educational journeys.

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Ambiance, Camaraderie, and Opportunity

More than 100 teachers, tutors, educators, and publishers were in attendance at the November conference. The multi-day event was organized at the Urban Valley Resort and Spa in Malta.

Talks and panels filled rooms of all sizes; meet and greets took place in banquet halls and side rooms. The ambiance was one of excitement as colleagues and acquaintances reunited over coffee and crisp information packets. This year’s theme was “Business Frontiers – Creating the Future Together.”

Panels centered heavily around the use of AI in Business English teaching and the impact of culture in the classroom. Each day’s events were broken into five general categories:

1. Business English learning technologies: AI, online teaching, platforms, tools & resources.
2. Teaching practices: transferable skills activities, learning strategies, and best practices from the Business English classroom.
3. Future-proofing our industry and our clients’ jobs: marketability, well-being, and employability.
4. Sustainability: the role of Business English in promoting positive social change, inclusivity, and sustainable practices.
5. Global world: managing multicultural business and classroom environments.

Ergöz shared, “Essentially, one of the goals of the event was professional development. Because you learn something from each talk or each interaction. Teaching methodologies and how to include AI in the classroom was a big topic for sure.”

Supporting Technology in the Classroom

IATEFL actively supports the integration of technology in the classroom through various initiatives and resources aimed at enhancing the teaching and learning experience. The organization promotes the use of digital tools by organizing events, webinars, and conferences focused on innovative technology applications in language teaching.

IATEFL provides a platform for educators to share best practices and explore new technologies that can engage students, improve language skills, and facilitate interactive learning.

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Leveraging the Power of Culture and Community

IATEFL promotes a culture of community by creating opportunities for teachers to network, share ideas, and collaborate across borders. This is achieved through various initiatives, including its annual international conference, webinars, regional events, and online forums.

The association hosts multiple Special Interest Groups (SIGs) focused on specific aspects of language teaching, such as Business English, Learning Technologies, Global Issues, and Teacher Development, which allows members to engage with like-minded educators who share similar professional interests. By encouraging participation in these groups, IATEFL helps teachers build connections, learn from one another, and collectively work towards improving the global landscape of language education.

Through these community-driven efforts, IATEFL cultivates a supportive and dynamic environment for teachers at all stages of their careers. The association’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and innovation makes it a leading force in shaping the future of ELT, while also creating a global network where educators feel empowered, supported, and inspired.

Gaining Visibility in Education Publishing

A major perk for conference attendees was the opportunity to connect with some of the biggest publishing names in education. Several publishers and organizations presented during the IATEFL BESIG Annual Conference 2024, showcasing a variety of topics.

Notably, publishers such as National Geographic Learning, Cambridge University Press, and Delta Press held sessions highlighting their latest resources and research relevant to Business English education.

Key topics included:

Corporate and Exam Prep Materials: Discussions around the evolution of materials designed to support both corporate language training and preparation for proficiency exams, focusing on practical applications in the global business environment.
Technology and AI Integration: Demonstrations on how AI-driven tools and platforms can enhance Business English instruction, particularly in customizing content and improving learner engagement.
Sustainability in ELT: Presentations exploring the role of English educators in promoting sustainable practices within business contexts and how this aligns with modern workplace needs.

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Focusing on the New and Notable

The 2024 conference showcased a diverse range of plenary talks, workshops, and panel discussions, with a strong focus on innovation and the future of Business English teaching. Key themes included:

Technology Integration in Business English: Sessions explored how AI and digital tools can enhance language learning experiences, fostering more interactive and personalized approaches.
Sustainability in Teaching: Discussions emphasized sustainable practices for educators and organizations, from curriculum design to online training models.
Cultural Competency: Workshops highlighted the importance of transferable skills such as cultural awareness and adaptability in global Business English contexts.

Notable speakers included Daniel Xerri, a prominent educator and researcher, and Dr. Sarah Mercer, a leading figure in ELT psychology.

Daniel Xerri is a Maltese educator and researcher and a well-regarded figure in the ELT (English Language Teaching) community. He’s well known for his contributions to teacher development and educational research.

At the IATEFL BESIG Annual Conference 2024, Xerri’s keynote, titled “Empowering Educators Through Reflection and Research Literacy,” focused on the transformative potential of teacher-led inquiry and reflective practice in enhancing teaching outcomes. Xerri emphasized the critical role of reflection in professional development.

He argued that when teachers take time to analyze their practices, they uncover valuable insights that can lead to more effective teaching strategies. Xerri encouraged educators to engage in classroom-based research, providing examples of how inquiry into teaching methods can lead to innovations tailored to specific learner needs.

Exploring Innovation

Dr. Sarah Mercer’s keynote speech at the 2024 IATEFL BESIG Annual Conference focused on the theme of “language learner and teacher psychologies.” She highlighted the critical role of psychology in creating effective and enriching language-learning environments. Her talk explored the interplay between emotions, beliefs, and social relationships in the classroom. She spent time emphasizing the importance of teacher well-being as a cornerstone for fostering learner engagement and success.

Mercer argued for an integrated understanding of cognition and emotion, challenging the traditional separation of these elements in educational psychology. She underscored the need for educators to cultivate healthy psychological conditions for both themselves and their students. Additionally, she spoke on recognizing the centrality of human connections in teaching and learning. Mercer also shared strategies for helping teachers manage professional challenges and enhancing their sense of agency and purpose​.

The Core of Community

Katerina Apostolaki, the Institute Support Officer at ACS Athens – a student-centered international school in Greece founded on American educational principles – shared her reflections on the IATEFL BESIG Annual Conference: “Attending this event was an incredibly meaningful experience, as I had been closely involved in organizing the conference since Malta was announced as this year’s destination.”

“It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow committee members in person and gain valuable insight into the intricate behind-the-scenes operations. The experience was truly unforgettable, marked by a warm and inclusive atmosphere, top-tier presentations, and a vibrant cultural event,” Apostolaki added.

Additionally, beyond the scheduled sessions, the conference provided a platform for delegates to share experiences and build professional relationships. Informal gatherings, such as the networking dinner and coffee meetups, allowed participants to connect with peers from around the globe.

The ESL (English as a Second Language) industry thrives on the strength of its community, which serves as a cornerstone for innovation, collaboration, and support. This sense of community is particularly vital in an industry that is both dynamic and deeply human-centered, addressing the diverse needs of learners across cultural and linguistic contexts.

In forums like those of IATEFL BESIG and similar professional gatherings, the community becomes a space for addressing shared challenges, such as integrating technology and adapting to global shifts. These connections help break down the isolation often felt by educators.

At its heart, the ESL community is a collective force that not only drives pedagogical advancement but also supports its members in creating transformative learning experiences for students.

Interested in learning more about community building? Read this next: How to Build an Online ESL Community of Practice.

Takeaways From the Annual IATEFL BESIG Conference

The closing session summarized the key takeaways, emphasizing the evolving role of Business English in a rapidly changing global economy. Attendees left with fresh perspectives, practical strategies, and renewed enthusiasm for their work.

The use of AI in the classroom was a significant topic at the 2024 IATEFL BESIG Annual Conference. Speakers discussed various ways artificial intelligence is transforming English Language Teaching (ELT) practices.

Vicky Saumell, a teacher, trainer, and materials writer, delivered a plenary session titled “The AI Factor: Have We Figured It Out?” She explored the fast-moving advancements in AI and their implications for ELT. Her talk highlighted the diverse applications of AI, from lesson planning and automated grading to marketing campaigns.

She also emphasized the ethical considerations of AI, advocating for teachers to understand and address biases in AI tools while working toward an ethical framework for their use​.

Additionally, other sessions and workshops focused on AI tools like chatbots, image generators, and language learning apps, reflecting on how these technologies can reduce workloads and enhance learning outcomes when implemented thoughtfully.

Learn how AI is transforming assessment and progress tracking in innovative ways in the post Using AI Tools for English Language Proficiency Placement, Leveling, and Progress Monitoring.

Exploring Cultural Coaching in Business English: Insights From Umut Ergöz

One of the unique presentations at the 2024 IATEFL BESIG Conference in Malta was delivered by Bridge’s Umut Ergöz, who introduced the concept of cultural coaching in Business English. In his talk, Ergöz highlighted the role of a culture coach as not just a language instructor but also a guide for navigating cultural differences in global business contexts. By fostering cultural awareness, this approach equips students with the adaptability needed for international success.

Ergöz emphasized the flexibility and engagement of cultural coaching, noting its suitability for all student levels and its effectiveness in both online and in-person classes. He outlined how this method enhances students’ communication skills while exposing them to the diverse cultures and accents they may encounter in their careers. Importantly, cultural coaching was shown to go beyond traditional language instruction by integrating modern methodologies like Task-Based Learning and the Communicative Approach, ensuring a more interactive and meaningful learning experience.

The presentation underscored the growing need for cultural competency in today’s interconnected world, making it a valuable takeaway for educators looking to prepare their students for multicultural professional environments.

Looking to the Future

As the IATEFL BESIG community reflects on the success of Malta 2024, anticipation is already building for next year’s conference. The event continues to set a high standard for collaboration, innovation, and excellence in Business English teaching.

Will there be more IATEFL BESIG events in the coming months? Ergöz says there are a number of events already on the books. “They are planning [the annual conference] for the next year. But until then, we have the next IATEFL event in April! It will be in Edinburgh. I believe all three of our colleagues, including, me got accepted as speakers, which is good news!”

To find out more information about upcoming ELT events, including those organized by IATEFL, keep your eye on Bridge’s TEFL Events Calendar, a hub for the best events around the world and online that the industry has to offer.

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