5 tips for thriving at Language World 2026 (and any MFL conference)

If you're heading to an in-person MFL conference for the first time, have a look at these tips for making the most of it!

This weekend (13th-14th March 2026), I'm heading to Hinckley, Leicestershire to the Language World conference. Last year, I attended as a speaker, but this year I'm going to be exhibiting so please do pop by my stand to say hi and grab a free Kate Languages pen! If you're there on Saturday, you might even get to meet Mr Languages (aka my husband Ben) as he's joining me for the day then.

Last year was my first time at an in-person language teaching conference, and I learnt a few lessons from my experience there, so I thought I'd remind myself, and any other first timers, of what to expect and how to thrive at Language World 2026:

1. Take snacks! Especially if you have dietary requirements/allergies. Last year, I really struggled with the food at the conference. I'm vegetarian and allergic to cheese, and the only veggie option for lunch on Friday was a very cheesy lasagne! I had a couple of bits of garlic bread and some lettuce, followed by a dessert, and suffice to say I was STARVING by the evening meal (which wasn't served until nearly 9pm)! The very lovely Kedi Simpson actually gave me some fruit, which helped to keep me going a bit, but this year, I am taking ALL the snacks!
2. Take breaks and get outside if you need to. Last year, there was about an hour for lunch and I used the opportunity to go back to my room to check my emails and put my feet up, but I wish I'd gone outside for a walk at that point. I realised in the evening that I hadn't actually left the hotel all day, and if you know anything about me, it's that I need to get outside and get some fresh air every day! You don't need to spend the whole day inside watching presentations - it's perfectly OK to miss one or two - so take breaks whenever you need to.
3. If you enjoyed a presentation, find the speaker and let them know - they work so hard on their presentation and everyone gets nervous so a bit of reassurance that you enjoyed it goes a long way. The feedback I got from people after my presentation last year was absolutely lovely, and made me feel like all the hard work and nerves had been worth it! 
4. If there are 2 presentations in one slot but you only want to watch one of them, you don’t have to stay for both. Sit by the door! Last year, I ended up in a presentation that was all in Spanish that wasn't at all relevant to me and my work, because I was waiting to see Esmerelda Salgado in the second slot of the session! If I'd realised I could swap between sessions, I would have found something else to watch first (or gone outside for a walk then!) and then come into the main room again for Esmerelda halfway through the slot.
5. Wear comfortable clothes. I was speaking so last year I wore a smart dress all day but this year, I'm planning to wear smart trousers/jeans and a nice top as I’m much more comfortable like that. Stick to what makes you feel good and comfy - especially the shoes! 

Have I missed anything? What would be your top tip for thriving at a conference? Drop me a message on Instagram @katelanguages.

If you're heading to Language World this weekend, I hope these tips help you have a brilliant time. And don't forget to swing by the Kate Languages stand to say hello!