GA Conference 2026 - session proposal window now open

The GA Conference 2026 will be in Sheffield.

The theme is "Geography makes a difference".

Here's the explanation of the theme by Catherine Owen, who will start as President on the 1st of September.

Geography helps us understand the world around us and our place in it. It teaches us about places from the local to the global and opens our eyes to different perspectives on issues. Through this and in other ways it makes a difference to our lives.

Learning about the world makes a difference to our students. Some will be fascinated to learn about concepts and processes which enable them to make sense of the complex world around them. Others will be frustrated when they learn about issues and inequalities, developing a passion for tackling challenges which may shape the direction of their lives. Gaining knowledge of the world whilst developing geospatial, green and transferable skills can also make a positive difference to students by increasing their employability and career prospects.

A high quality geography education is particularly important for students who experience disadvantage in education. Students who haven’t had the opportunity to travel learn about different people and places and the geography curriculum can be designed to enhance cultural capital. Fieldwork takes students to contrasting locations where they can learn how to work in different contexts as well as developing their geographical skills. This learning can make a difference to our students life chances, giving them confidence to navigate their way through the world.

Issues facing us can seem scary and the future uncertain. Geography makes a difference by giving students a space to learn about and discuss issues, supporting their well being. This is particularly important in relation to the Climate Crisis – geography allows us to explore the causes of this crisis and its different impacts, but also empowers us to ask questions and make choices to work towards tackling it.

As educators, we have the opportunity to reflect on our practice and consider the difference geography makes to individual young people themselves and to our society, economy and environment. How can we maximise the benefits reaped by studying geography? How do we share ideas about how to make a difference through geography?

Catherine Owen, GA Vice President 2024–25 (and President to be)

In a change from the pattern that has been in place for well over 40 years now, the venue will not be a university. More on that shortly.

If you'd like to be part of the conference by offering a session, the deadline for submission is the 31st of August.

I’ve been putting together my proposal to offer a session at the GA Conference 2026 in Sheffield. The venue and date for this will be announced shortly. If you have never spoken at the GA Conference before, why not make 2026, your first? You will receive a free day if your session is accepted, which is a double bonus. Start thinking around the conference theme of ‘Geography makes a difference’.

The GA's Initiatives Fund (GAIF) is available to support you on your conference journey. If you are an ECT or teaching outside the UK and it's your first time presenting your research or project at the conference, you can apply for funding towards your costs to attend in Sheffield.

More on the Fund here.