The 26th annual IALC Workshop took place in Milan at the end of April 2009 and was attended by 313 delegates from 101 IALC schools, 127 agencies and 12 exhibiting companies.

For agents, the addition of 16 new IALC member schools since October 2008 meant a wider choice of potential partner schools and the best ever range of language programmes at the workshop, organised by IALC and Linguadue in Milan's ATA Executive Hotel. And for the first time, there was also a seminar programme for agents, with talks on internet marketing and the IALC partner scheme.

Hosts Linguaviva / Linguadue organised three unforgettable evening events. The Welcome Reception was held in the grand setting of the exclusive Palazzo Cusani and featured a live operatic performance of well known Italian arias and Neapolitan songs. The school party at Linguadue was a relaxed affair, with tours of the school and plenty of time to network in the classrooms, courtyard and garden of the city centre Italian language school.

The impressive Milan Borsa was the venue for the IALC Gala dinner, where every detail spoke of Italian style and glamour, from the menu cards carrying photos of iconic Italian stars such as Marcelo Mastroianni and Sophia Loren, to the dazzling "instant fashion" show - the perfect choice of entertainment for a destination synonymous with couture and design.

For companions, there were tours in Milan and its surroundings. Highlights included Leonardo's Last Supper, the Italian lakes and the stunning Duomo. Working delegates also enjoyed a sightseeing tour en route to the gala dinner, and some guests stayed on to see more after the workshop. Groups of agency delegates took part in one of the fam trips leaving on Sunday for Sicily, Florence and Malta.

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