American Council on Teaching of Foreign Languages - ACTFL 2026
Event Date
November 20–22, 2026
Location
San Antonio, TX
Expected Exhibitors
200
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe ACTFL Annual Convention and World Languages Expo is organized by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and is globally recognized as the most comprehensive professional development event for language educators in the U.S. The 2026 edition takes place in San Antonio, Texas, from Friday, November 20, through Sunday, November 22, at the Henry B. González Convention Center.
The convention draws thousands of language education professionals — teachers, administrators, and language leaders. This event offers learning opportunities for all language education professionals at all levels and from all languages. Attendees gather for three days of innovation, collaboration, and practical strategies that advance multilingual learner success.
It is worth attending for both the depth of programming and the marketplace. Registration includes access to more than 600 educational sessions for all levels of instruction and entry to an interactive exhibit hall featuring more than 200 companies. Attendees are encouraged to return with new ideas, stronger professional connections, and an action plan that builds measurable impact in their classroom, school, district, or institution.
Show Highlights
- Opening General Session Keynote: Debbie Allen, an Academy and Golden Globe Award winner, actress, director, and advocate.
- Closing General Session Keynote: Mychal-Bella Rayne Bowman, a humanitarian and National Honor Society scholar.
- Featured Voices: Maureen Aguilar and Jeremiah "Jerry" Sokomba.
- Signature learning zones: Featured learning experiences in the AI Corner Classroom, Digital Learning Lounge, Electronic Posters, Career Café, Wellness Studio, and many others.
- SIGstravaganza! Sponsored by Vista Higher Learning, this is described as the "must do" event of the Convention, with limited, first-come, first-served registration.
- ACTFL Central: A space to experience all things ACTFL and meet the newest authors for book signings.
- Networking: Opportunities to connect and network with more than 6,000 language professionals.
Attendance
Over 4,000 language educators attended ACTFL 2025. ACTFL also promotes the convention as an opportunity to connect and network with more than 6,000 language professionals. ACTFL publishes attendee demographic breakdowns (by assignment, instructional levels, languages taught, and reasons for attending) based on its 2025 audience, though specific percentages are presented in charts on the official site rather than as figures.
Booth Pricing
Booth costs for ACTFL 2026 (furnishings not included):
- Standard 10' x 10' (100 sq. ft.) booth space: $2,300. Includes two complimentary full registrations per 10' x 10' space purchased (limit 20 per company).
- Non-Profit Tabletop Booth: $1,800. Reserved for 501(c)(3) organizations (proof required); includes one draped table, two side chairs, carpet, waste basket, and two complimentary full registrations.
Furnishings such as carpet, tables, chairs, and electricity are not included in the standard booth cost. Exhibitor Workshops: Each 45-minute timeslot is $975, or $925 each if purchasing more than one.
Registration
Register online through the ACTFL registration portal. Key pass types and rates for ACTFL 2026:
Full Convention (Advance / Late after 10/28/26):
- Member: $425 / $525
- Non-member: $625 / $725
- Student: $230 / $330
One Day Onsite Only (Advance / Late):
- One Day Member: $410 / $510
- One Day Non-member: $545 / $645
Advance registration closes on October 28, 2026, after which rates increase. Joining ACTFL saves $200 off convention registration.
History
The convention is the annual flagship event of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), an association headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. The 2026 theme is "Leading the Future of Language Education." The convention is held annually in a different U.S. host city; the 2026 edition takes place in San Antonio, Texas. ACTFL maintains records of both past and future conventions, and the event has grown into what the organization describes as the most comprehensive professional development gathering for language educators in the United States.
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Information
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
Last updated: August 8, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is ACTFL 2026 taking place?
ACTFL 2026 takes place November 20-22, 2026, at the Henry B. González Convention Center in downtown San Antonio, Texas. The venue is located at 900 E Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205.
Who should attend the ACTFL Convention?
The convention is designed for language education professionals at all levels and from all languages, including teachers, administrators, and language leaders. It is recognized as the most comprehensive professional development event for language educators in the U.S.
How do I register and what does it cost?
Registration is completed online through ACTFL's portal. Full convention advance rates are $425 for members, $625 for non-members, and $230 for students, with rates increasing after advance registration closes on October 28, 2026. Joining ACTFL saves $200 off registration.
What is included with convention registration?
Registration includes access to more than 600 educational sessions, entry to an interactive exhibit hall featuring more than 200 companies, featured learning zones such as the AI Corner Classroom and Wellness Studio, the Opening and Closing General Sessions, and networking with more than 6,000 language professionals.
How much does it cost to exhibit at ACTFL 2026?
A standard 10' x 10' booth space costs $2,300 and includes two complimentary full registrations, while a non-profit tabletop booth (for 501(c)(3) organizations) costs $1,800. Furnishings such as carpet, tables, chairs, and electricity are not included in the standard booth price.
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