Update on the 54th IATEFL International Conference
We‘ve all been following, with concern and dismay, the spread of COVID-19 and its effects around the world. In the United Kingdom one of the ways the pandemic has been tackled is through using convention centres as large-scale medical facilities. This was the case for Manchester Central, where the conference was supposed to be held in April this year, and it is also currently the case for the Harrogate Convention Centre, where we are planning to hold the deferred conference in 2021.
We have been informed that this medical usage will continue until the end of March next year as a government contingency, should it be required, preventing us from going ahead with our conference mid-March. After detailed discussions with the venue, we have been provided with alternate dates for the IATEFL conference further into 2021. As such, the 54th IATEFL International Conference and Exhibition will take place at the Harrogate Convention Centre from Saturday 19 June to Tuesday 22 June 2021, with Pre-Conference Events on Friday 18 June 2021.
As was the case previously, all confirmed delegate bookings already made for the conference will be automatically deferred to the June dates, and all confirmed speakers will have their proposal automatically accepted for inclusion in the programme.
This is, once again, an unprecedented situation and change, which we are all aware has implications for everyone involved in the event, but we hope and believe it is the most sensible and rational choice which aims to ensure the 54th International Conference can go ahead as originally planned, and with everyone able to enjoy a safe and enjoyable experience.
The Board of Trustees of IATEFL
25 August 2020