2026

Join language educators from across Hokkaido and beyond for an inspiring, face-to-face professional development event in Sapporo. The JALT Hokkaido Winter Language Conference 2026 brings together teachers, researchers, and publishers to explore innovative and practical approaches to language education, with a strong focus on engagement, creativity, and classroom impact.

Conference Schedule

Saturday, February 14
6:30–8:30 PM — Networking Event
Begin the conference by reconnecting with colleagues, meeting new educators, and sharing ideas in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Sunday, February 15
10:00 AM–5:00 PM — Main Conference Day
Hokkai-Gakuen University, Sapporo
Enjoy a full day of presentations, interactive sessions, and publisher displays featuring the latest resources and research in language education.

Featured Keynote Speaker

Dr. James York (Meiji University, Tokyo)

Keynote   -   Finding the SPACE to Play in Language Teaching

This keynote explores how educators can intentionally design physical and conceptual spaces for play within language classrooms. Drawing on principles of ludic pedagogy, the S.P.A.C.E. framework highlights how play can foster student agency, creativity, and meaningful engagement. Rather than viewing play as a distraction from learning, this approach positions the classroom as a pedagogically designed environment where students learn through exploration, interaction, and iteration. Participants will engage with reflective questions and collaborative discussion as they reconsider how thoughtful classroom design can transform learning into a dynamic, student-centered experience.

Featured Workshop  -  TBLT-Gaming

This workshop introduces a Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) framework designed to develop all four language skills through and around gameplay, with particular emphasis on communication and oral proficiency. The framework primarily uses analog games, whose affordances such as face-to-face interaction, negotiation of meaning, and social dynamics make them especially effective for language instruction. The framework is also adaptable to digital games, allowing flexibility across teaching contexts. Gameplay accounts for approximately one-third of the learning process, supported by pre-task preparation, analysis, and reflection to ensure meaningful learning outcomes. Participants will leave with a ready-to-use framework and worksheets that can be immediately applied in their own classrooms.

Preーconference video here about the keynote and workshop topics

Conference Fees

Students - Pre-registered: Free / At the door: ¥1,000

JALT Members - Pre-registered: ¥1,000 / At the door: ¥2,000

Non-JALT Members - Pre-registered: ¥3,000 / At the door: ¥4,000

Please check your JALT Membership Status and Membership Number before registering. 

Pre-registration here

(Please pay both 'pre-registered' and 'at the door' fees in cash when entering the conference)

Important Information

This year’s conference will be held face-to-face and on-site only. Pre-registration is strongly recommended.

Learn, play, and connect with fellow educators at the JALT Hokkaido Winter Language Conference 2026.

We look forward to welcoming you to Sapporo!

Full schedule here and also PDF below: