The 2026 KOTESOL International Conference is chaired by Dr. Meerbek Kudaibergenov and co-chaired by Gabriela Villafradez.
The conference program is overseen by Gabriela Villafradez working closely with Michael Free, Associate Program Director, to develop a diverse, high-quality program that reflects current research and practice in English language education.
The Invited Speakers component of the conference is directed by Dr. Dave Shaffer, who is responsible for coordinating plenary and featured speakers. Dr. Shaffer also serves as Director of Financial Affairs, ensuring careful financial planning and accountability across the conference.
Conference registration is managed by Dr. Lindsay Herron, Director of Registration, who oversees participant registration and related communications. Operational planning and on-site coordination are led by Sean O'Connor, Director of Logistics, supported by Jun Hyuk Shin, Logistics Manager, and Dr. Julie Ha, Communications Coordinator.
The Human Resources team is directed by Wesley Martin, who oversees staffing and volunteer coordination. Conference outreach and promotion are led by Maiah Hollander, Director of Publicity, who manages conference visibility and engagement.
Guest Services are coordinated by Mike Peacock, Director of Guest Services, who leads efforts to support presenters and attendees throughout the conference. Venue planning and coordination are overseen by Dr. Kang Nam Joon, Venue Director, with support from Alicia Kwon, Venue Coordinator, ensuring that the conference environment is accessible, well-organized, and welcoming.
Finally, exhibitor relations and the conference marketplace are managed by Lisa MacIntyre, Director of Conference Sales, who works with partners and vendors to enhance the conference experience.
This is a team of dedicated professionals and volunteers working collaboratively to deliver a well-organized, inclusive, and engaging international conference for the global ELT community.
Full List of Committee Members:
Chairs
Meerbek Kudaibergenov — Chair
Gabriela Villafradez — Co-chair
Rhea Metituk — Advisor
Program Committee
Invited Speakers
Dave Shaffer — Director
Program Team
Gabriela Villafradez — Director
Michael Free — Coordinator
J. Tom Wyatt — Programme Book Editorial Assistant
Operations & Logistics
Registration
Lindsay Herron — Director
Phillip Schrank — Manager
Courtney McLaren — Manager
Bill Mulligan — Manager
Sally Arkley — Manager
Logistics
Sean O'Connor — Director
Jun Hyuk Shin — Logistics Manager
Ingrid Zwaal — Stage Manager / Logistics Manager
John Phillips — Tech Coordinator
Ryan McCurdy — Tech Manager
Ethan Elliot Peterson — Tech Manager
Prabesh Paudel — Tech Manager
Julie Ha — Communications Coordinator
Mike Peack — Chapter Liaison
Gabriela Villafradez — SIG Liaison
Human Resources
Wesley Martin — Director
Christina Tsoi — Associates Manager
James Rush — Manager
Natalie Thibault — Signs Manager
Greg Lewis — Hall Manager
James Turnbull — Hall Manager
Efrida Sartika — Manager
Finance & Publicity
Financial Affairs
Dave Shaffer — Director
Publicity
Maiah Hollander — Director
Martin Sketchley — Coordinator
Guest Services & Hospitality
Guest Services
Mike Peacock — Director
Christopher Miller — GS Manager: Presenters
Melvin Dixon — GS Manager: Presenters
Rosemary Sorg — GS Manager: Info Desk
Tory Thorkelson — GS Manager: Info Desk
Food & Beverage
Kathy Moon — Coordinator
안형민 (Malik) — Manager
강주희 (Sandy) — Manager
성태현 (Mattew) — Manager
김윤경 (Irene) — Manager
남형우 (Steve) — Manager
Venue & Conference Sales
Venue
Kang Nam Joon — Director
Alicia Kwon — Venue Coordinator
Conference Sales (Marketplace)
Lisa MacIntyre-Park — Director
Rhett Burton — Marketplace Liaison
Natalie Thibault — Marketplace Liaison
Kristina Kauss — Marketplace Liaison
