Have you ever wondered, “When is the next language event happening soon near me?” If so then this is your round up of the best language events still to come in 2018, hopefully with one near you.

Why attend a language event?

Whether we’re learning languages solo or in a class, from time to time our motivation will take a nosedive into the depths of “Why the heck am I even learning this language?” valley.

Over the years, I’ve discovered that one of the best sources of renewed inspiration for language learning is language events. So if you’re feeling ever so slightly lost, or even if you’re cruising along just nicely with your studies, attending a language event will do you the world of good.

What if my language skills aren’t good enough?

Hey! Number one – believe in yourself!

Number two – no one cares. Seriously.

Just like when you’re on a beach worrying that everyone is looking and pointing at your body and getting ready to snap you at the wrong moment and send it into one of those trashy magazines that puts a big red circle around people’s flaws, you’re worrying too much. You care more than anyone else does.

People are genuinely friendly, and welcoming, and inviting at language events and I’ve never once had a bad experience of someone doubting or testing my language knowledge.

If you’re reading this blog post with the title “Language Events Happening Soon Around the World in 2018”, then you are passionate enough about language to attend a language event.

Your abilities will not be put on test to enter at the door.

So now that those two questions are out of the way, let’s take a look at what’s to come in 2018.

LangFest, Montreal, Canada – 24th – 26th August 2018

LangFest is a great event that’s heading into its third year (the first year it was called NAPS) in Montreal, Canada. I mean, Montreal?! The perfect place for a language event! That alone is worth the trip!

This year’s line up includes a great range of presentations including The apolitical politics of language learning with Ellen Jovin, What does a linguist do? with Moti Lieberman, and Spanish con salsa with Tamara Marie (a previous student of the Online Teaching Starter Kit!).

As well as the presentations including a range of introductory sessions to languages, the program also has space for lots of social activities including a gala dinner, karaoke, and the annual picnic at the end of the final day.

Click to get your ticket and be sure to enter the promo code LINDSAY to get 15% off all ticket types.

Language Masters, London – 26th September 2018

This September, I’ll be on the panel at a one-off event in London hosted by Michel Thomas and Teach Yourself to celebrate 50 years of the Michel Thomas series.

I’ll be joined by Alex Rawlings, Richard Simcott, and Olly Richards and we’ll be there to answer your burning questions about language learning.

But that’s not all, the best part of this exclusive rooftop event is that your ticket (which costs just over £10 including the booking fee) gets you a free glass of wine AND a free Michel Thomas Start course. It’s worth the trip down to London for the evening for that alone!

Click here to learn more and get your ticket.

Polyglot Conference, Ljubljana, Slovenia – 26th – 28th October 2018

In 2014 I went to my first language event in Novi Sad, Serbia. It was the Polyglot Conference and I had a great time.

However, the following years’ events happened on a family birthday, followed by my actual wedding, followed by being halfway around the world in Mexico filming Language Stories.

With that in mind, I’m pretty excited to finally be getting back to the Polyglot Conference! The Polyglot Conference switches venue each year. This year’s location is lovely Ljubljana in Slovenia, a beautiful city I’m looking forward to revisiting.

And this year I’ll actually be presenting on the new first day of the event focused on language learning.

As well as that, there’s presentations lined up around this year’s theme of diversity including Pablo Roman Humanes speaking on the Pirahã language from the Amazon, Language: A Passport to “Global Citizenship” with Ernestine Lyons, and How to Learn Any Exotic Script with Judith Meyer.

Click here to learn more and get your ticket.

Women In Language, Online – tbc November 2018

Back in March, I co-hosted the first Women In Language online event with Kerstin Cable of Fluent Language and Shannon Kennedy of Eurolinguiste. It was a huge success and now we’re in two different timezones not three, we’re planning something very special for this autumn.

I can’t say too much at this stage, but if you’re curious to know more and didn’t attend the first Women In Language event, click here to sign up to be the first to know when we share the full details of what’s happening next.

Language Show Live, London, UK – 9th -11th November 2018

A regular event on my calendar, Language Show Live is happening a little later this year in London.

It’s a different type of event to the others on this list so far as on the face of it, it’s more like an expo than a conference, but there are still a number of presentations taking place over the three days for language lovers, teachers, and professionals. As well as this, there’s a huge range of introduction classes too.

The main event is free to attend (but you do need to register in advance). Definitely worth checking out! Click here to learn more.

Expolingua, Berlin, Germany – 16th – 17th November 2018

I’ve never had the chance to attend Expolingua but I’m reliably informed it’s a similar style event to Language Show Live, with the main difference being that it takes place in Berlin.

Enjoy if you’re on the continent!

Click here to learn more about Expolingua and get your ticket.

And of course, in May/June next year, the Polyglot Gathering will be happening so be sure to keep an eye out for that! Have I missed any events coming in 2018? Share in the comments!