When we think of “networking” at a conference, we tend to think of coffee breaks and catching up with colleagues in hotel lobbies and banquet centre hallways. Perhaps we think of late-night chats in a hospitality suite or conversations over lunch at a table for ten. For many, the idea of networking may not immediately translate to a virtual conference environment … but this year’s TESL Ontario Annual Conference will be putting networking front and centre.
The conference’s Supplier Showcase will run from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm each day of the conference, allowing attendees ample opportunity to chat virtually with exhibitors from all areas of the language learning sector. We encourage you to take advantage of Supplier Spotlight panel sessions to learn from and connect with exhibitors and have scheduled these opportunities so they do not conflict with any conference sessions.
Join us at 7:15 pm on Wednesday, November 3, for our Welcome and Awards evening. This interactive evening will give attendees the opportunity to learn more about TESL Ontario’s 2021 Distinguished Contribution and Sparks of Excellence award winners, to connect with TESL Ontario staff and the conference planning team, and to learn more about your fellow conferencegoers. And did we mention there will be prizes?
Throughout the conference, we have scheduled several Roundtable Sessions focusing on a variety of topics. These sessions are an excellent opportunity for you to connect with fellow attendees to discuss trends, challenges and issues within English language learning. Topics at the sessions will include lessons from pandemic teaching and learning, mindfulness in our work and life, and employment challenges and best practices.
The conference will be held on PheedLoop, an online platform that allows for a full conference experience from wherever you’re logging on. Not only does PheedLoop allow much larger audiences to attend each conference session than a physical location – but an integrated private chat feature allows you to carry on conversations with colleagues, speakers and exhibitors throughout the day and throughout the entire conference. And, of course, during each conference session you attend, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions of the presenters, say hello to your fellow attendees, and interact with our moderators and the conference team.
We can’t wait to be back in-person with all of our members and conference attendees! Until it’s safe to do so, however, we know you’ll find value in the networking opportunities created at this year’s virtual conference – and we’re excited to connect with you.
Registration for the 49th TESL Ontario Annual Conference is now open at https://pheedloop.com/TESL2021/site/register/.
