The 46th ILA Convention (July 30–Aug 2, 2025): Where Listening Meets Action

The International Listening Association’s 46th Annual Convention, held from July 30 to August 2, 2025, at the University of Maryland, invites participants to engage deeply with the theme "Listening S.O.N.G." — exploring listening across Self, Other, Nature, and Greater Power. With inspiring keynotes, interactive workshops, a unique Listening Garden Tour, and advocacy efforts in Washington D.C., the event offers rich opportunities for personal growth, professional development, and community connection. Innovative features like the Swap Shop and 1:1 Listening Connector further foster collaboration and resource-sharing among listening practitioners worldwide. This convention is a meaningful call to advance listening as a vital practice for healing and transforming our communities. Read more in the blog post below.

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​The International Listening Association (ILA) is preparing to host its 46th Annual Convention from July 30 to August 2, 2025, at the University of Maryland in College Park, with activities extending into the Washington D.C. area. This year's gathering promises to be a transformative experience for dialogue and deliberation practitioners, educators, and anyone committed to advancing the art and science of listening in our communities.

Tuning Into the S.O.N.G. of Life: A Four-Part Harmony

The 2025 convention centers around the compelling theme "Listening S.O.N.G.," an acronym that represents listening to the whole of life across four essential contexts. This framework, originally developed by E. James Baesler, encourages participants to explore listening through multiple dimensions: Self (inner wisdom and personal growth), Other (empathy and deep communication), Nature (environmental connection and ecological awareness), and Greater Power (spiritual and contemplative listening practices from any tradition).

The convention will feature an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, including Jay Perman, Chancellor of the University System of Maryland; James Baesler, author of Listening S.O.N.G.; and John Igwebuike, founder of the Lead Listening Institute. These thought leaders will guide participants through innovative approaches to listening that bridge personal development with community engagement.
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Attendees can expect a rich program of exclusive speakers, engaging panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities designed to elevate knowledge and expand professional networks. The convention introduces several exciting new elements, including the first-ever exhibit hall featuring student poster presentations and vendor tables, creating space for showcasing innovative work and organizations committed to listening excellence.

Gardens, Galleries, and Government: Where Listening Meets Action

​The ILA convention offers a unique opportunity for collaboration, development, and inspiration within a global community of listening practitioners. Participants will connect with listening leaders and enthusiasts from around the world, all working to advance listening as both an art and science. The collaborative environment promises to broaden knowledge, enhance skills, and provide fresh perspectives for personal and professional advancement.

One of the convention's standout features is the Listening Garden Tour, scheduled for Thursday, July 31st. This experience begins with a listening S.O.N.G. session at the University of Maryland Chapel, followed by a tour of the specially designed half-acre Listening Garden. This landscape was created to help the university community come together for dialogue and greater understanding through discussion and conversation, recognizing the vital role that natural spaces play in human well-being and community healing.
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The convention also includes a powerful advocacy component, with ILA members traveling to Washington D.C. to advocate for listening with U.S. legislators and international diplomats. This initiative demonstrates the association's commitment to bringing listening practices into the highest levels of political and diplomatic discourse, where they are perhaps most needed.

From Swapping Stories to Changing Systems: Your Invitation to Join the Chorus

The ILA convention welcomes presentations, workshops, and activities that advance listening practices across all four S.O.N.G. contexts. The association particularly encourages submissions that explore innovative approaches to listening education, research findings that advance the field, and practical applications that can be implemented in various community settings.

A special highlight of the convention is the Swap Shop, where educators and trainers from around the globe are invited to share their educational listening activities. This collaborative resource-sharing initiative ensures that whether participants can attend in person or not, their activities can have a lasting impact on listening education worldwide. The Swap Shop exemplifies the convention's commitment to creating sustainable resources that extend far beyond the four-day gathering.

The convention also features a 1:1 Listening Connector program, facilitating meaningful one-on-one connections between participants who share common interests or complementary expertise. This personalized networking approach reflects the ILA's understanding that deep listening begins with authentic human connection.

For those interested in attending, the convention offers convenient on-campus housing options at the University of Maryland, with affordable rates that include meals and the opportunity to stay in the heart of the academic community. The planning team has also arranged various accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets, ensuring accessibility for a diverse range of participants.
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The International Listening Association's 46th Annual Convention represents more than just a professional gathering—it's a call to action for anyone committed to healing our divided world through the transformative power of listening. In an era where dialogue and deliberation are more crucial than ever, this convention offers both the theoretical foundation and practical tools necessary to create more listening-centered communities and institutions.