Post by Dave Fraser
TESL Ontario’s 49th annual conference, Forging Ahead: Building New Normals Together, will be here in no time! The conference, taking place November 3-5, will once again be held virtually this year.
Why should you make time in your calendar to attend? We’re glad you asked!
1. Three days of learning, knowledge exchange and professional development.
With two keynote addresses, three days of concurrent conference workshops, our annual panel discussion, enhanced supplier and exhibitor presentations, technology-themed TechKnow sessions and more, this is an excellent opportunity to elevate your knowledge intake and professional development. You will learn from the experts, hear about best practices from peers, and have a chance to share your ideas in breakout sessions throughout the conference. With programming specifically designed to address the needs of the TESL community, this is a “can’t miss” PD opportunity for those in all sectors of language education.
2. A chance to make valuable “Career Connections.”
Careers and employment are top of mind for all of us as we begin to emerge from a long, uncertain year and a half. Our “Career Connections” team is hard at work to ensure this important component is more valuable and accessible than ever to our conference attendees. You will have the chance to attend career-focused conference presentations by our expert team, as well as our “Career Booster Forum.” This year’s Forum theme will address recruitment and hiring in an age of “Shifting Expectations: Beyond the Screen.” A moderated panel will bring you information you need to know as the new normal of hybrid virtual and in-person recruitment becomes the norm. And finally, you won’t want to miss our virtual Career Fair and your chance to chat one on one with potential employers from across the sector.
3. Networking, networking, networking.
While networking may have been a little different over the past year and a half, it has been every bit as important. Building your personal and professional networks can help bring new insights and ideas into your life, help you develop and improve your skill set, keep abreast of the latest trends and best practices in our field, and serve a key tool in growing a successful career. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to connect with hundreds of other TESL professionals from across Ontario and beyond to share and exchange ideas for forging ahead in an age of constantly shifting priorities!
4. Giveaways and prizes.
What conference would be complete without the chance to go home with great prizes and fun swag! We may not be able to hand you a new stress ball this year – but at our annual AGM and Awards Night, there will be plenty of chances to walk away with gift cards, 2022 conference passes and even a free TESL Ontario membership. Join us for a bit of fun on the opening night of this year’s conference – celebrate our award winners, hear what your association has been up to this year. You may even end the evening with a great prize in your virtual pocket!
5. The convenience of going virtual.
We miss getting together in person with you, too – but until it’s completely safe to do so again, there’s no reason we can’t continue to connect virtually. A virtual conference means we’re able to offer you a lower registration fee for this year’s conference, along with larger capacities for our sessions. No more missing out on the workshop you really wanted to join because the room is full! Join us from wherever you are – at home, at the office, in the staffroom – without worrying about arranging travel or accommodations. With interactive chat features and lots of Q&A opportunities, you’ll be able to experience the conference almost as if we were all together in the same venue!
We look forward to welcoming you to TESL Ontario’s 49th annual conference this November! Registration and more information can be found on our CONFERENCE WEBSITE.
