EdYOUFest History

A Journey of Collaboration and Growth

EdYOUFest was founded in 2015 with a simple yet ambitious mission: to become the most creative, collaborative, and inspiring community of English language teachers and trainers in the world.

Conceived by Giovanni Rottura and Chuck Sandy during the summer of 2015, EdYOUFest was born from a shared vision — to create a space where teachers could share experiences, learn from one another, and enjoy being part of a truly supportive community. After organizing numerous training and development events around the globe, it became clear that something different was needed: an educational festival that combined learning, collaboration, and friendship.
And so, EdYOUFest — short for educational festival — came to life.

2015 – Genoa, Italy: The Beginning

The very first EdYOUFest gathering took place in September 2015 in Genoa, Italy. It brought together some of the most well-known international trainers to lay the foundations of a project that would quickly prove both innovative and deeply human.
Over three days of presentations, group work, discussions, and social activities, a unique atmosphere of learning and connection emerged — and by the end, EdYOUFest had officially been born.

2016 – Palermo, Sicily: The First Public Event

In 2016, EdYOUFest held its first public edition at La Baia del Corallo in Palermo, Sicily. Teachers joined a variety of workshops and evening events filled with music, laughter, and excursions.
The success of this event set the tone for the future — joyful learning, genuine connections, and a community that continued to grow. It also marked EdYOUFest’s first real presence on social media.

2017 – Paris, France: Growing Beyond Borders

The following year, in 2017, EdYOUFest moved to the French countryside near Paris, continuing to attract educators from around the world and establishing itself as a truly international experience.

2018 – Millfield, UK: A New Level

In 2018, EdYOUFest reached a new milestone. Hosted at Millfield School, UK — thanks to the support of Millfield Enterprises — the event featured three plenary sessions, 12 workshops, 75 participants, five business sponsors, and nine new partners.
It was a turning point, setting new standards for professionalism and quality while maintaining the warm, collaborative spirit that defines EdYOUFest.

Later that same year, EdYOUFest launched a new website and formed a committee of six members, joined by 12 Fellows and many volunteers. The project’s organizational foundation was now firmly in place.

2019 – Millfield Returns and the First Event Fund

In 2019, EdYOUFest returned to Millfield and introduced the first event fund, designed to help teachers attend who might not otherwise have been able to. This initiative highlighted EdYOUFest’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and opportunity within the ELT community.

2020–2021 – The Online Transition

When the global pandemic hit, EdYOUFest adapted.
In 2020 and 2021, the event transitioned online, delivering a two-week digital festival that kept teachers connected and inspired through challenging times.
Despite the distance, the community spirit remained strong — perhaps even stronger than before.

2022 – Trapani, Sicily: Back Together Again

In 2022, EdYOUFest returned to in-person events in Trapani, Sicily, introducing a hybrid format that blended face-to-face and online participation. This edition marked the joyful reunion of a global community eager to learn, reconnect, and celebrate education once again.

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2023 – Athens, Greece: A Global Celebration

The 2023 edition took place in Athens, Greece, welcoming over 200 teachers and multiple sponsors. The event was a tremendous success — a true celebration of diversity, creativity, and professional growth that reaffirmed EdYOUFest’s reputation as a thriving international community.

2024 – Bucharest, Romania: A New Chapter

In 2024, EdYOUFest reached Bucharest, opening a new chapter in its journey.
Building on the successes of previous years, the event showcased an increasingly global network of educators and marked another step in EdYOUFest’s evolution from a single annual festival to a series of interconnected experiences.

2025 – Tokyo and Malta: A Historic Year

The year 2025 marked a historic milestone: EdYOUFest hosted two international conferences in the same year for the very first time.
Our journey began in Tokyo, Japan, where EdYOUFest made its Asian debut with an inspiring and truly global gathering of educators from across continents. Later that year, we celebrated another successful edition in Malta, expanding our reach across the Mediterranean.
Together, these two events made 2025 one of the most memorable and impactful years in the EdYOUFest story.

2026 and Beyond – Expanding Horizons

Looking ahead, 2026 represents a new era for EdYOUFest — one defined by flexibility, diversity, and continuous growth.
With a mix of full three-day conferences and dynamic one-day events, EdYOUFest will continue to connect, inspire, and empower English language teachers worldwide.
Upcoming destinations already confirmed include Derry, Etna/Pedara, Istanbul, and Tokyo, with more to be announced.
No matter the location or format, every EdYOUFest event carries the same spirit: collaboration, creativity, and the joy of shared learning.

Georgiana-Octavia Cosneanu