Croatian Association of Teachers of English

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33rd Annual International HUPE Conference- second plenary speaker

Dear HUPE Members and Friends,

We are delighted to share some exciting news about the HUPE International Conference 2025. This year, we are honoured to welcome a distinguished educator and influential figure in the field of English language teaching—someone whose commitment to innovation and personal growth in education continues to inspire teachers worldwide.

Please join us in welcoming our second plenary speaker:
George Kokolas

Plenary Talk:
Crafting Character Through Language Learning

In this engaging session, George Kokolas will examine the increasingly important role of character development within language education. Grounded in the Seligman and Peterson framework, the talk will present practical approaches to helping students build resilience and unlock their potential through the recognition and nurturing of their character strengths. The plenary will also emphasize the importance of educator self-reflection and the intentional creation of a positive, empowering classroom culture—reminding us that true educational change begins with inspired teachers.

About the Speaker:
George Kokolas brings over two decades of expertise as Academic Director and Teacher Trainer at Express Publishing. He is a certified Level 7 TEFL teacher, a licensed Level 5 Positive Education Practitioner, and an ADVANCED Neurolanguage Coach®. He also holds a BA in English Literature and a Level 5 Diploma in Positive Psychology. Since 2017, he has co-produced the Teachers’ Coffee podcast, offering professional development insights to educators around the globe. Recognised in 2022 as one of Greece’s most influential ELT professionals, George has delivered more than 1,000 talks at international events. His contributions to TESOL Greece—as Vice Chair and founding member of IPEN Greece—further reflect his dedication to the ELT community.

We are confident that his session will leave you inspired and equipped with valuable ideas for personal and professional growth.

Plenary speaker George Kokolas

Become a HUPE Volunteer – Join Us at the 33rd Annual Conference in Poreč!

Dear final-year English language and literature students and students of primary teacher education: English Language Specialisation,

This year, HUPE is organizing its 33rd annual conference, which will take place in Poreč from October 24 to 26, 2025 – and we need you!

We invite you to join our team of volunteers! As a volunteer, you will be a key part of the conference organization, assisting with logistics and the implementation of all activities. In return, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Attend lectures and workshops at the conference
  • Meet top domestic and international experts in English language teaching
  • Gain valuable contacts and insight into the real world of the teaching profession
  • Enjoy free conference registration and accommodation at the Valamar Diamant Hotel
  • Use organized bus transportation at discounted rates from several cities

If you’re interested in joining our team and helping us make this conference unforgettable, send us a short motivational letter explaining why you would like to volunteer, along with your basic information (name, surname, university, year of study, city, email, and phone number).

Applications are open until July 20, 2025, and more information about how to apply can be found here.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of one of the most important events in education and join our community of professionals!

We look forward to your applications!

The HUPE Team

33rd Annual International HUPE Conference- first plenary speaker

📣 Dear HUPE members and friends,

It is our great pleasure to welcome an inspiring voice in global ELT to this year’s HUPE International Conference – a speaker whose energy, insight, and experience continue to shape the way we think about teaching in a rapidly changing world.

We are proud to announce our plenary speaker:

🌟 Rob Howard
Owner of the Online Language Center & Business Language Training Institute
Teacher, Trainer, ELT Author & International Speaker

🎤 PLENARY TALK:

The 'Y' in HYPE: AI vs. A-why
In an age where Artificial Intelligence is rapidly redefining the educational landscape, language teachers are left navigating both promise and pressure. Is AI the future of EFL, or just the latest buzz?
Join Rob Howard as he explores the transformative potential – and the real limitations – of AI in the EFL classroom. This thought-provoking session will help you ask the right questions, not just about how to use AI, but why.

💡 Discover when AI can truly support learning,
💬 Engage with real-world examples and practical applications,
🔎 Gain clarity amidst the hype – and walk away with tools, not just trends. 

👤 About the Speaker:

Rob Howard is a prominent figure in ELT. He is the current President of IATEFL Poland, founder of EFLtalks and Independent Authors & Publishers, and past Joint Coordinator of IATEFL BESIG. As a speaker, author, trainer, and online education innovator, he has delivered sessions worldwide for institutions such as Macmillan Publishers, ELI Publishing, Gallery Teachers, IATEFL LTSIG, and more.

With deep knowledge in Business English, Teacher Development, Marketing, and Technology in Education, Rob brings not only expertise but also practical wisdom that resonates with educators everywhere.

🌍 Join us for a plenary that will challenge, inspire, and energize your teaching journey.

The future of ELT is being written now — be part of the conversation.

Rob

Reminder: Call for Proposals Closes Soon!

Dear HUPE Friends and Future Conference Speakers,

This is a friendly reminder that the deadline to submit your proposals for the 33rd HUPE International Conference in Poreč is May 31, 2025!

If you haven’t submitted your proposal, there’s still time to share your expertise and inspire others at this exciting event. Whether it's a talk or a workshop, we’d love to hear what you have to offer!

📝 Submit your proposal here: 👉 https://hupe.hr/index.php/conference/conference-2025/speaker-proposals-form

We look forward to receiving your ideas and welcoming you to Poreč! 🌟

Call for papers reminder