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The next Annual Conference and Exhibition will take place in Sheffield with the theme Passionate about Geography in April 2027. On this page you can find out more about how to propose a session and what to expect.
Proposals for conference sessions close on 31 August 2026.
Passionate about Geography
Passion is at the heart of geography. It drives us to explore, question and understand the world around us. Geography helps us make sense of our planet and our place within it, but more than that, it encourages us to care. Passion transforms geographical knowledge into something meaningful, prompting us to make connections and engage with real-world issues.
For many students, that passion begins in the classroom. Through powerful enquiries and meaningful experiences, we can spark curiosity and help shape how young people think about the world. In a time of complex global challenges, from climate change to inequality, geography provides essential understanding, but it is passion that motivates action.
By creating engaging, inclusive classrooms and supporting all learners, we can nurture students’ interests in weather, climate, landforms, processes, places and people.
Being passionate about geography will help us to inspire future geographers to understand and shape our world.
Fiona Sheriff – GA Vice President 25-26
Session guidance
Take a look at the video above for more detailed guidance on how to propose a session for the Annual Conference, or view a pdf version of the guidance here: Proposal guidance
Workshops are 50-minute sessions. They include interaction and discussion between participants and the facilitator, practical activities with a resource or stimulus and a clear sense of purpose and outcomes. Participants should leave with practical materials for classroom use, these can be physical or digital.
Lectures have clear objectives and are 50-minute sessions that will normally include a 40-minute presentation and 10 minutes of question time.
Lecture Plus sessions include a 25-minute lecture, followed by 25 minutes of discussion on classroom implications, applications and possibilities.
Field visits can range in length and take place on any day of the Conference giving delegates a chance to explore the geography of the local area. In your proposal please make sure to indicate clear start and end times, as well as any extra information a delegate may need to know to plan their attendance.
These innovative, 25-minute sessions offer you a unique opportunity for professional conversation about what you do best. These sessions are an informal exchange of teaching ideas and experiences and give everyone a chance to share and celebrate innovative and stimulating materials with other teachers.
The sessions focus on and reporting recent research into geographical education. The papers should be relevant to teachers of geography in primary or secondary schools or in FE colleges, as well as fellow researchers in the field of geography education. Research paper sessions are 20 minutes long with 5 minutes for questions.
If you are unsure about which format suits your session best, why not take a look at our previous conference materials for some guidance, or alternatively get in touch with us at the GA for support.
Our process
All sessions are carefully reviewed by the Conference Planning Board, which is composed of non-partisan volunteers and staff, using the following criteria:
- Relevance of the session to the Presidential theme – Passionate about Geography
- Suitability of the session to the proposed format
- Overall session content
- Relevance of the session to the geography teaching community
- Clarity of proposal
Sessions are reviewed both individually and in the context of other proposals. Your idea’s similarity to other sessions in the programme is also considered and you may be asked to make revisions to your session. We are not able to accept every proposal we receive due to the high volume and limited space available.
Important information
- Data collection: personal information supplied here will be stored confidentially and used only for conference communication purposes. Your photo and ‘About’ details will provide your speaker information on Sched should your session be accepted.
- Usage: session titles and descriptions provided will be used to construct the conference programme. Edits to your title or description may be suggested on acceptance of the proposal into the programme.
- Pathways: your choice of conference pathway will be used internally as an indicator to construct the conference programme. In the interests of programme balance this may not be the pathway in which your session finally rests.
- Presenters: please be aware that we will use the lead presenter details in all communications. If this is not you, please provide accurate contact information.
- Programme listing: you may only list yourself as lead presenter on one session. Any other sessions you submit must be led by another member of your project. If you list yourself as lead presenter on more than one session it may affect your acceptance into the programme.
- Equipment: all rooms at the venue are supplied with standard classroom AV equipment required for teaching sessions. If you require any other equipment please make sure we are aware one full month before the event.
- Committee sessions: GA Phase Committees and Special Interest Groups are invited to submit session proposals. Phase Committees can submit a maximum of two session proposals and Special Interest Groups can submit a maximum of one session proposal. All proposals will go through the Conference Planning Board to ensure a balanced programme and feedback will be offered if required.
- Expenses: Please note no presenter expenses will be available. The lead speaker for each session will be eligible for a discount on attendance at Conference on the day of their session.
