Overview
We’re excited to announce the 10th International Conference on Immersion & Dual Language Education—a signature gathering for educators and researchers committed to advancing multilingual learning.
Join educators, researchers, and advocates from across the globe to explore the future of immersion and dual language education. Engage in rich discussions, share research and classroom strategies, and build lasting connections in this milestone event.
Theme
Bridging Multilingual Worlds:
From Many Voices to a Shared Future
#Global27
The 2027 theme recognizes that multilingual education is shaped by many voices: students, families, educators, researchers, leaders, advocates, and communities. The conference strands focus on how those voices can work together to expand opportunity, strengthen teaching, sustain programs, and shape a shared future for multilingual learners.
Presented by
Hosted by
Southern Atlantic Language Collaborative (SALC)
and Virginia Dual Language Educators Network (VADLEN)
Sponsored by: DLM Alliance
Plan Your Trip to #Global27
JW Marriott Reston Station | Reston, Virginia | March 16–19, 2027
🏨 Conference Hotel
JW Marriott Reston Station 11900 Market Street, Reston, VA 20190 www.marriott.com/jwrestonstation
Rising 28 stories above Reston Station, JW Marriott Reston Station is Northern Virginia’s newest luxury destination — and the largest hotel event venue of its kind in the region, with more than 40,000 square feet of meeting and event space. This is where Global27 lives, meaning your conference and your hotel room are steps apart.
Guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, sumptuous textiles, and spa-inspired marble bathrooms with Le Labo amenities. The property’s Mindful Rooms are designed for deeper restoration, while the sunlit Fitness Center features premium cardio and strength-training equipment. Art is woven throughout the hotel, including Lorenzo Quinn’s monumental outdoor sculpture Building Bridges — six pairs of interlocking hands representing friendship, love, wisdom, help, faith and hope.
Dining on-site:
- The Simon — A refined French Mediterranean restaurant led by Executive Chef Anthony DiGregorio
- Schar Bar — A refined lounge featuring Italian amaro, rare bourbons, and an inventive chocolate-and-spirits pairing menu
- JW Market — Led by pastry chef Claus Olsen, featuring artisanal breads, pastries, sandwiches, and coffee
🏨 Conference Room Block
We have secured a discounted room block for Global27 attendees at the JW Marriott Reston Station.
>>Booking details and the group rate link will be available in August. <<
We recommend booking early — Reston fills quickly in March, especially with the Cherry Blossom season beginning in Washington, DC.
📌 Check back here for the room block booking link. Sign up below for conference updates to be notified when it goes live.
Getting Here
✈️ Airports
The hotel is served by two major airports, with a third option for international travelers with connections through Baltimore.
| Airport | Code | Distance to Hotel | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Dulles International | IAD | ~7.5 miles / ~10 min by car | International arrivals; direct Metro access |
| Ronald Reagan Washington National | DCA | ~22 miles / ~32 min by car | Domestic travelers from the East Coast |
| Baltimore/Washington International | BWI | ~45 miles | Secondary option |
Most international attendees will arrive at Dulles (IAD), which is the closest airport and the most convenient.
🚇 Metro (Silver Line) — Recommended
The hotel is directly connected to the Wiehle-Reston East station on WMATA’s Silver Line. The Metro is a clean, easy, and affordable way to get from either airport to the hotel.
From Dulles (IAD): Take the Silver Line directly from the Washington Dulles International Airport Metrorail Station to Wiehle-Reston East — approximately 12 minutes, departing every 15 minutes. Fares are $2–$4 depending on time of day. Exit the station and the JW Marriott is steps away.
From Reagan National (DCA): Take the Blue Line from Reagan National to Rosslyn, then transfer to the Silver Line toward Wiehle-Reston East. Total travel time is approximately 53 minutes. Fare is around $3.
Tips for Metro travelers:
- Purchase or load a SmarTrip card at any Metro station — it’s cheaper than paying cash and required for the best fares.
- Download the WMATA app for real-time schedules and trip planning.
- Metro runs from approximately 5 AM to midnight on weekdays and Sundays. Check wmata.com for current schedules and any service advisories.
🚕 Taxi & Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Both Uber and Lyft operate at all three major airports. Taxi stands are available at the arrivals level of each terminal.
| From | Estimated Cost | Estimated Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dulles (IAD) | $22–$30 | 8–12 minutes |
| Reagan National (DCA) | $55–$75 | 30–45 minutes (traffic-dependent) |
Prices are estimates and vary by time of day and demand. Surge pricing during peak arrival times (conference opening day) is common — the Metro is a reliable alternative.
Pre-scheduling tip: Both Uber and Lyft allow you to schedule a ride in advance through their apps, which is useful for early-morning or late-night airport departures.
🚗 Driving & Parking
The hotel offers valet parking (fee applies). Self-parking is also available in the Reston Station garage. We have secured discounted parking rates for all attendees. Rates will be confirmed and posted here as we get closer to the event. If you are renting a car, the hotel is easily accessible from the Dulles Toll Road (Route 267).
Around the Hotel
Reston Station is a walkable, mixed-use district with a wide range of dining, conveniences, and entertainment right outside the hotel doors.
Dining within walking distance:
- Founding Farmers — A popular farm-to-table American restaurant steps from the hotel
- Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse — Homemade pastas, prime steaks, and a welcoming lounge, just 0.1 miles away
- Noku Sushi, Matchbox, Taco Zocalo, Pupatella, Big Buns, Sweet Leaf — A variety of casual options within a short walk
- Starbucks and Tous les Jours (a French-Asian bakery chain) for your morning coffee fix
Conveniences:
- CVS Pharmacy — Located at Reston Station for any travel essentials, over-the-counter items, and sundries
- VIDA Fitness & Spa — A 55,000 sq ft flagship wellness facility at Reston Station, available for day passes
- Capital Bikeshare stations are located throughout the area if you want to explore by bike
Explore the Region
Conference dates are March 16–19. The DC region in mid-March is one of the most exciting times of year to visit! Consider arriving early or staying a few extra days.
🌸 National Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs March 20 – April 11, 2027 — beginning just one day after the conference closes. The festival commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry blossom trees from Tokyo and features signature events including a parade, kite festival, live performances, and the Tidal Basin Welcome Area. Peak bloom typically falls in late March. If you can extend your stay, this is one of the most memorable spring events in the United States. → nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
🎭 Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
Just 15 miles from the hotel, Wolf Trap’s Filene Center is the nation’s only national park dedicated to the performing arts, set on 117 acres of protected parkland. March performances are typically indoors at the Barns at Wolf Trap — check their schedule for shows during conference week. → wolftrap.org
🛫 Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum — Udvar-Hazy Center
Located in Chantilly, Virginia, just minutes from Dulles Airport and about 15 minutes from the hotel, this Smithsonian companion facility houses hundreds of historically significant aircraft and spacecraft, including the Space Shuttle Discovery and the Enola Gay — plus an IMAX theater and observation tower. Admission is free; parking is $15. → airandspace.si.edu/visit/udvar-hazy-center
🏛️ Washington, DC — 30 Minutes by Metro
The Silver Line connects you directly to the heart of the nation’s capital — no car needed. Plan a visit to the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall (all free), the Lincoln Memorial, Georgetown, the Library of Congress, or the U.S. Capitol. → washington.org
🍷 Virginia Wine Country
Northern Virginia is home to a growing wine region. Loudoun County — just 30–45 minutes from Reston — is known for Viognier and Cabernet Franc, with dozens of tasting rooms open on weekends. Several tour operators offer guided wine country excursions with pickup from DC or Northern Virginia. → visitloudoun.org
🏙️ Reston Town Center
About 1.4 miles from the hotel, Reston Town Center offers walkable dining, shops, and community events — and is accessible via the Silver Line’s Reston Town Center Metro stop.
Practical Traveler Information
Time zone: Eastern Time (ET) — UTC-4 during March (Daylight Saving Time begins March 14, 2027, two days before the conference opens)
Currency: US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are accepted virtually everywhere. ATMs are available at the hotel and throughout Reston Station.
Weather in March: Expect cool temperatures ranging from the mid-30s°F (2°C) at night to the mid-50s°F (13°C) during the day. Rain is common in March — pack a light rain jacket. The region can occasionally see late-season snow, though it is rare.
Electricity: Standard US outlets (Type A/B, 120V, 60Hz). International travelers will need an adapter.
Tipping: In the US, 18–20% is standard at restaurants and for taxi/rideshare services. Hotel housekeeping: $3–5/night is customary.
Mobile & Wi-Fi: The JW Marriott offers complimentary high-speed in-room Wi-Fi (50+ Mbps). Reston Station has good cellular coverage from all major US carriers.
International travelers — entry requirements: Visa requirements for the United States vary by country. Check the US Department of State website well in advance of travel. Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries can apply for ESTA authorization at esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
Questions?
For travel-related questions, contact us at info@dli-alliance.org. For hotel inquiries, contact the JW Marriott Reston Station directly at +1 (571) 250-5011 or visit marriott.com/jwrestonstation.
Be a Presenter
Submit a Proposal for the 10th International Conference on Immersion & Dual Language Education
Bring your work to the international stage
Submit a proposal that shares research, classroom practice, leadership strategy, policy insight, or community partnership work advancing immersion and dual language education.
Submissions are due by September 11th, 2026.
[Review Guidelines and Submit a Proposal] [Review Conference Strands]
Why Present
Presenters help define the field’s agenda.
Strong sessions will help participants understand a challenge, examine evidence, learn a strategy, question assumptions, or apply a model in their own context. Whether your work is classroom-based, research-driven, community-centered, or systems-focused, your session should give participants something they can think with and act on.
Fresh Take Session Proposal Types
The sessions at the International Conference on Immersion and Dual Language (ImDL) Education will be focused on sharing content to engage participants in discussing new ideas, brainstorming solutions, and solving problems. They’re called Fresh Take sessions because they move away from traditional “Sit & Get” presentations to opportunities where everyone in the room learns together.
Please choose the type of Fresh Take session that best fits your topic and timeframe. Your proposal will include a description of your content and a plan for how you will engage participants, such as sample discussion questions or interaction protocols, as well as outcomes.
50 minutes:
- Ignite Sessions
Sharing innovative practices, applied research, or transferable ideas and examples
- Deep Dives
Exploring a case study, research, or best practice via in-depth discussion or modeling
- Peer Connections
Facilitating conversations around shared challenges amongst job-alike peers
30 minutes:
- Brain Bursts
Troubleshooting a problem of practice through collaborative analysis
- Vision Sparks
Imagining a bold future with “What if…” scenarios that challenge current assumptions
What Makes a Proposal Stand Out
A strong proposal does not simply describe a program or project. It shows what others can learn from it.
As you prepare your submission, make sure your proposal answers:
- What challenge, question, or opportunity are you addressing?
- How does your session connect to the conference theme or strands?
- What will participants learn, examine, or be able to do?
- What evidence, experience, or examples will you share?
- Why does this topic matter now?
What matters most is that participants leave with insight they can use, and discussions are sparked!
Add your voice to the shared future of multilingual education.
Share with Your Network
Help us engage other Immersion and Dual Language educators in sharing best practices, research, and innovative work from around the world. Use #Global27 to join the conversation!
[Submit a Proposal] [Review Proposal Guidelines]
Topic Strands
To help you in crafting your session proposal, please review the four topic strand descriptions and guiding questions below.
Leveraging Language for Access & Equity
This strand explores how immersion and dual language (ImDL) programs create learning opportunities and equitable outcomes across the lifespan. It emphasizes research and evaluation, including program studies and data-informed inquiry, grounded in linguistic proficiency, intercultural competence, access, belonging, identity, and long-term success as learners move from early words to lifelong worlds. This strand is designed for students, families, educators, researchers, and community partners interested in outcomes, opportunity, and equity.
Guiding Questions
- What outcomes and opportunities do ImDL programs create across the lifespan, and how do those results vary by stakeholder, context, and setting?
- How are ImDL programs using data to monitor, evaluate, and improve outcomes and opportunities across stakeholder groups and contexts?
- How can stakeholders use evidence from ImDL outcomes to expand access, strengthen collaboration, and shape a shared future for all learners?
Developing Partnerships for Advocacy & Collaboration
This strand highlights the role of advocacy, collaboration, and partnerships in strengthening immersion and dual language (ImDL) programs. It explores how communities support ImDL programs through families, educators, organizations, and policymakers working together to amplify voices, enrich cultural connections, and advocate for multilingual learners. This strand is designed for families, educators, community partners, organizational leaders, and policymakers at all levels.
Guiding Questions
- What strategies build effective, lasting partnerships that strengthen ImDL programs and support multilingual learners?
- How can families, educators, and organizations work together to advocate for ImDL programs and multilingual learners with policymakers at the local, state, regional, national, and/or international level(s)?
- How can communities with ImDL programs combine families, educators, policymakers, and/or organizations to enrich their cultural connections?
Creating Strong Programs for Growth & Sustainability
This strand emphasizes that building strong immersion and dual language (ImDL) programs requires long-term investment, intentional design, and shared leadership. It focuses on coherent structures, articulated pathways, and innovative, research-based practices that support resilient programs and a range of post-secondary opportunities, including college, career, and military pathways. This strand is designed for district leaders, school leaders, program coordinators, and others responsible for planning, implementing, and sustaining ImDL programs.
Guiding Questions
- How can you design intentional structures, systems, and supports that build and sustain high-quality ImDL programs for all learners in your community over time?
- How can you provide student-centered leadership that advances innovative, research-based ImDL practices?
- What long-term investments, pathways, and coherent systems help ImDL programs remain strong, sustainable, and effective?
Building Pedagogical Practices for Teaching & Learning
This strand focuses on continuous professional growth, effective mentoring, and instructional practices that help educators address the most pressing issues in immersion and dual language (ImDL) education. It highlights biliteracy, content and language integrated learning (CLIL), curriculum development, and classroom observation as tools to strengthen teaching and support student learning. This strand is designed for preservice teachers, inservice teachers, teacher preparation leaders, instructional coaches, school leaders, and administrators.
Guiding Questions
- How do teachers design engaging classroom experiences that integrate language, literacy, content, and culture while honoring the diverse voices of learners and supporting student success?
- What practices and structures foster school-wide teacher collaboration and partner teaching?
- How can we build capacity, enhance instructional skill, and support the professional growth of ImDL educators?
Become a Sponsor
Reach the Leaders Shaping Multilingual Education
The 10th International Conference on Immersion & Dual Language Education (#Global27) brings together the educators, researchers, program directors, and district leaders who are actively building and sustaining immersion and dual language programs across the U.S. and around the world.
This isn’t a general education conference. This is the gathering for the field. This is where decisions get made, partnerships get formed, and the tools and resources that serve multilingual learners get discovered.
Why Sponsor Global27?
A focused, high-influence audience. Attendees are program coordinators, curriculum specialists, school and district administrators, and policy advocates. These are professionals with purchasing authority and implementation responsibility for the tools, materials, and services their programs depend on.
An international stage. #Global27 draws participants from dual language and immersion programs across the country and beyond, giving your brand visibility among a truly international community of practice.
A field on the move. Immersion and dual language education is growing. Program launches, curriculum adoptions, and technology investments are accelerating. Sponsors who show up here are positioned as partners, not vendors, in that growth.
Real engagement, not just a logo. Sponsorship packages include session opportunities, dedicated email sends, booth presence, in-app visibility, and more. You’ll be connecting with attendees across multiple touchpoints throughout the conference.
Sponsorship Levels
| Level | Investment |
|---|---|
| Presenting – Sold out | $10,000+ (limited to 1) |
| Diamond | $7,500 (limited to 2) |
| Platinum | $5,000 (limited to 3) |
| Gold | $3,000 (limited to 6) |
| Silver | $1,500 (limited to 8) |
| Non-Profit | $1,000 (limited to 6) |
| Supporting | $1,000 (limited to 4) |
À la carte options are also available, including Wi-Fi sponsorship, mobile app takeover, LED canvas wall ads, award sponsorships, coffee break sponsorships, lanyard branding, and more.
Ready to Make an Impact?
Contact Gregg Roberts-Aguirre to reserve your sponsorship or discuss a custom opportunity tailored to your goals.
gregg.roberts-aguirre@dli-alliance.org
Availability is limited at every tier. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of this milestone 10th anniversary conference!
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