We look forward to two days of learning, collaboration, networking, and celebrating our world language community. Please review the information below to help you prepare for the conference. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
What is the conference schedule?
The 2026 MAFLA Fall Conference will take place on Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31.
Friday, October 30 – Conference Sessions and Workshops
Friday features presentations, two workshops, opportunities to connect with exhibitors, a student panel, and social activities.
- 7:00 AM – Registration Opens
- 9:00–10:00 AM – Presentations and Workshops
- 10:00–10:30 AM – Exhibit Hall Break and Coffee
- 10:30–11:30 AM – Presentations and Workshops
- 11:30 AM–12:15 PM – Lunch
- 12:15–12:30 PM – Welcome, Introductions, and Musical Performance
- 12:30–1:00 PM – Student Panel: Student Voices of Belonging: How Multilingualism and Language Classes Shape Our Identity and Community
- 1:15–2:15 PM – Presentations
- 2:30–3:30 PM – Presentations
- 3:30–4:00 PM – Exhibit Hall Break and Coffee
- 4:00–5:00 PM – Presentations
- 5:00–6:30 PM – Member Reception with Hors d’Oeuvres and Wine
- 7:00–8:00 PM – Social Activities
Friday Workshops
- Enacting Anticolonial and Antiracist Language Pedagogies – L. J. Randolph
- Making Communication the Goal: Strategies for Interpersonal Speaking – Catherine Ritz and Luna Hogan
Saturday, October 31 – Deep Dive Workshops
Saturday features five in-depth workshops, followed by the MAFLA Business and Awards Luncheon.
- 8:00–9:00 AM – Optional Immersion Breakfast (additional fee)
- 9:15 AM–12:15 PM – Deep Dive Workshops
- 12:30–2:00 PM – Business and Awards Luncheon (additional fee)
What is the difference between a session and a workshop?
A session is a 60-minute presentation led by an educator or other professional who shares ideas, research, experiences, and practical strategies. Friday sessions are included in conference registration, and attendees do not need to pre-select which sessions they wish to attend.
A workshop offers a more focused learning experience, allowing participants to explore a topic in greater depth through practical strategies, activities, and discussion. Friday features two workshops, while Saturday offers five three-hour Deep Dive Workshops.
Saturday’s five Deep Dive Workshops are:
- Humanizing and Liberating Curricular Frameworks for Language Education – L. J. Randolph
- Leading for Proficiency – Catherine Ritz
- Practical Frameworks for Building Inclusive, Proficiency-Aligned Classrooms – Joshua Cabral
- Greenhouse Leadership: Designing a World Language Program Where Every Student Can Bloom – Jessica Haxhi
- Tools Not Rules: Reframing Grammar Instruction – Michael Travers and Timothy Chavez
What is the student panel?
This year we are excited to feature a student panel on Friday.
Topic: Student Voices of Belonging: How Multilingualism and Language Classes Shape Our Identity and Community
Students from Latido Dual and Southbridge Public Schools will share their perspectives on how multilingualism and language classes shape identity, foster belonging, and strengthen communities.
The panel will take place from 12:30–1:00 PM on Friday, October 30, following lunch and a welcome, introductions, and musical performance.
What is the fee structure?
Your registration option determines which conference activities are included.
- Full conference registration includes Friday’s conference sessions and workshops, as well as Saturday’s Deep Dive Workshops.
- Saturday conference registration includes Saturday’s Deep Dive Workshops.
Please review the registration information for the specific inclusions and pricing associated with your registration option.
The Saturday Immersion Breakfast and Business and Awards Luncheon require separate payment.
Attendees may attend the Business Meeting without purchasing a luncheon ticket. This is MAFLA’s annual member meeting, where the organization conducts its business and votes on the slate.
What food is included? What if I have dietary restrictions?
Coffee will be available during designated breaks.
Friday’s schedule includes lunch and a Member Reception with hors d’oeuvres and wine. The Saturday Immersion Breakfast and Business and Awards Luncheon require separate payment.
When registering for a meal, you will be able to indicate your dietary preferences or restrictions.
How do I book a hotel room?
The conference will take place at the Wellsworth Hotel & Conference Center in Southbridge, Massachusetts.
MAFLA has arranged a limited number of rooms at a discounted rate at the Wellsworth Hotel & Conference Center. We encourage attendees who plan to stay overnight to reserve their rooms as early as possible. Click here to reserve your hotel room at the discounted rate.
Where do I park?
Parking is free at the Wellsworth Hotel & Conference Center!
Attendees may park at the conference venue at no additional cost. We encourage you to arrive early to allow time to park, check in, and get ready for the day’s activities.
Where do I go when I arrive?
Enter through the main doors of the Wellsworth Hotel & Conference Center. You will find the MAFLA registration desk inside.
Check in to receive your name badge and any applicable tickets for meals or additional activities you have purchased. We encourage you to arrive early to allow enough time to park, check in, and prepare for the day’s activities.
What if I did not register online or want to add an extra activity on-site?
Please visit the conference registration desk for assistance with registration questions or available additional activities. Any on-site purchases will depend on availability and the registration procedures in place.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Yes! Complimentary Wi-Fi is available at the Wellsworth Hotel & Conference Center, and no password is required.
I’m presenting. What should I bring?
Presenters should bring their own laptops and any necessary adapters to connect to the room’s presentation equipment. Please check your equipment in advance and bring an adapter compatible with HDMI if needed.
We also encourage presenters to arrive early to test their presentations and ensure everything is ready before their sessions begin.
What if I need a private space?
If you need a private space during the conference for nursing, pumping, or another personal need, please contact the conference organizers or hotel staff for assistance locating an appropriate space.
Who is in charge?
Each year, the MAFLA Board works together to plan and organize the Fall Conference. MAFLA is an all-volunteer organization supported by current and retired world language educators who generously contribute their time and expertise.
We are grateful to our presenters, facilitators, exhibitors, sponsors, and volunteers for helping make this conference possible. If you are interested in getting involved in future conferences, we would love to hear from you!
We look forward to seeing you!
Thank you for being part of the MAFLA community. We look forward to two inspiring days of professional learning, collaboration, and connection as we foster a sense of belonging through multilingualism.
— The MAFLA Team