Join us at the 108th AATSP Annual Conference as we gather to exchange ideas, strengthen our community, and advance the teaching of Spanish and Portuguese.
This is your space to learn, connect, and stand alongside colleagues who share your commitment to language education.
Together, we celebrate the value of language teaching and the community it creates!
Date: July 8 - 11, 2026
Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton At the Entrance to Universal Studios
Teaching in all tenses: The past, present, and future of Spanish and Portuguese Enseñando en Todos los Tiempos: El pasado, el presente y el futuro del español y el portugués Ensinando em Todos os Tempos: O passado, o presente e o futuro do espanhol e do português
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
Dr. Diego Pascual y Cabo
Reframing Spanish Language Teaching: A Pathway to Achieving Real Bilingual Outcomes
In his keynote address, Dr. Diego Pascual Cabo will explore the vital role of Spanish heritage speakers in shaping the future of Spanish language education in the United States.
Drawing from current research, he will examine how deficit-based views of bilingualism continue to affect both policy and classroom practice - and will challenge educators to create more
equitable and inclusive learning environments. Dr. Pascual Cabo will propose a practical framework that bridges heritage and second-language instruction, fostering engagement, motivation,
and the full recognition of students' linguistic and cultural strengths.
Dr. Diego Pascual y Cabo, Professor and Director of the Spanish Heritage Language Program at the University of Florida, focuses on Spanish heritage speaker bilingualism and creating
equitable, critically conscious learning environments. He has published five books and over 65 articles and has received multiple teaching and research awards, including the 2021 UF
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Teaching Award.
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
Dr. Julie Sykes
Addressing the Real AI Challenge: Tackling Together What Neither Sector Can Do Alone
In this keynote, Dr. Julie M. Sykes will examine how the rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping the ways language is understood, taught, and learned.
While AI presents powerful new possibilities, it also raises complex challenges that cannot be solved by education or industry alone. Drawing from her experience as both a CEO and an academic, Dr. Sykes will highlight the critical role of academia-industry collaboration and outline three essential pillars for success: sustainable funding and resources, research-driven decision-making, and technological expertise. Her talk will challenge educators and innovators alike to rethink development, classroom structures, and shared responsibility in shaping the future of language education.
Julie M. Sykes, PhD is the CEO of LingroLearning and a Professor of Applied Linguistics at the University of Oregon. Her work focuses on innovative, technology-driven language learning and academia-industry collaboration, and she is the recipient of the University of Oregon's Research Award for Impact and Innovation.
KEYNOTE PANEL
Technological Innovation and Language Teaching and Learning
Moderated by Julie M. Sykes, CEO, PhD
Join us for a dynamic panel discussion where three leading voices from academia and industry tackle the most pressing questions in language learning technology.
Through an interactive interview format, our expert panelists will explore how technological innovation is reshaping language education—from pedagogical breakthroughs to ethical dilemmas to cutting-edge innovations. This is your chance to hear directly from those at the forefront of change and get your questions answered.
PROPOSAL SUBMISSIONS
We are now accepting proposals for Regular, Panel, Roundtable, Vendor/Exhibitor, Workshop, Compact, and Poster sessions.
Your project does not need to be completed in order to submit - you may propose an idea that you are ready to develop and present at the conference.
Share your voice with the Spanish and Portuguese teaching community!
Please review the guidelines and submit your proposal by February 22, 2026.
The 108th AATSP Annual Conference venue will be the Double Tree by Hilton At the Entrance to Universal Studios.
Conveniently located near Universal Orlando's CityWalk, the hotel features on-site restaurants, swimming pools, a splash pad, a game arcade, and more.
Hotel and travel accommodations are not included with conference registration.
We have a room block reserved for July 5, 2026 - July 12, 2026.
Click on the Book Now button below to access the special rate.
Visit our 2026 Conference Travel webpage for information on hotel booking, how to SAVE on airfare and car rental, and get access to special pricing on theme parks.
Whether you want to unwind after sessions, explore the parks with colleagues, or bring your family along to make lasting memories, this opportunity is designed to add a little adventure to your professional journey.
As you prepare to attend the 108th Annual AATSP Conference in Orlando, Florida, take advantage of the following information to help secure funds for your trip.
Conference Venue
Travel & Lodging
Find out how to book a room at the Double Tree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Studios, get access to discounts on airfare, theme park tickets, and more.
