NILE’s 30@30 Event: Reflecting on Three Decades of ELT Collaboration

On Thursday 3 July 2025, NILE hosted its NILE 30@30 event in Norwich, part of a year-long series marking the

 institution’s 30th anniversary. Supported by the Eaquals Member Event Fund, the gathering took place at The Narthex Hall and Garden at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, just a short distance from NILE’s main teaching centre.

The event welcomed around 120 participants, including NILE staff, trainers, course attendees, local guests, and international partners. It provided a relaxed yet thought-provoking opportunity for the community to come together and reflect on the shared journey of English language teaching (ELT), from its past achievements to its future directions.

The evening centred on a series of academic talks exploring the theme “ELT: past, present and future.” Speakers included a NILE consultant trainer, the DELTA programme leader, and the Deputy Director of NILE. Each presentation offered both theoretical perspective and practical relevance, prompting valuable discussion among educators representing diverse professional contexts.

The Nile 30@30 event began with a welcome drink in the garden before guests gathered in the hall for the talks. Later, President and Founder Dave Allan led a toast recognising NILE’s international partnerships, including those with fellow Eaquals members and celebrating the collaborative spirit that continues to drive quality and innovation in language education.

A buffet reception and informal quiz concluded the evening, offering further chances for networking and cross-cultural exchange in a friendly, informal atmosphere.

The 30@30 event successfully met its aims: to connect academic reflection with professional development, foster international collaboration, and celebrate three decades of contribution to the ELT field. It also reflected the value of the Eaquals Member Event Fund in supporting meaningful engagement and shared learning across the Eaquals community.