| Greetings!
In this issue of the Conference Communiqué you will find information about:
- Call for presenters
- What's new at TESL Ontario 2013
- How to get to the Allstream centre using public transit
- Exhibitor and sponsorship Information
The Conference Communiqué will keep you informed of new and exciting changes to the format of the 41st Annual Conference that will be happening as we make the move to our new conference venue, the Allstream Centre.
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Call for Presenters
TESL Ontario 41st Annual Conference
October 24 - 26, 2013
 The excitement is building as the conference team launches into the work of planning TESL Ontario's 41st Annual Conference, which will be held in Toronto on October 24-26, 2013. The theme "Merging and Emerging Pathways through Language" aptly reflects what's happening in our profession and also our move to the Allstream Centre-Exhibition Place. Integration is something we often hear about from both our federal and provincial funders, and often within our own organizations. If you've worked in the field of English as a Second Language for any length of time, you've witnessed changes in trends and philosophies, and will continue to do so. For some learners and clients, the pathway to achieving their goals is fairly direct, but for others it can involve many stops along the way. And of course, it's language that is what we are about and the common element found throughout the pathway.
Over 1500 ESL Professionals from across Canada are expected to attend TESL Ontario 2013. This event is widely anticipated as the place to learn about the latest research in the field, attend informative workshops, share ideas, debate current issues, view the latest products and services from exhibitors, and of course, network. Shouldn't you be there too?
 TESL Ontario is actively searching for concurrent session presenters, who can offer practical information and useful tools that will provide attendees with enhanced knowledge and improved value to the organizations they serve. Why not share your good ideas? There are amazing things happening in the classrooms and computer labs; but think beyond the classroom too. Can you share your best practices for work/life balance? How do you de-stress when you are juggling the demands of family and workload? We welcome your ideas. New presentations and repeats of successful past presentations (be sure to mention in the outline it's a repeat of a previous year in the session outline) are welcome too. Do you have interesting activities or classroom practices that you'd like to share with your colleagues but don't want to present to a large audience? Then consider presenting at a poster session. Poster sessions allow you to:
- Present your ideas on a display board
- Describe your presentation informally for 15 or 20 minutes
- Discuss your ideas with colleagues in small groups
As Conference Chair, I'm inviting you, to consider sharing your experience and expertise by presenting at our conference. I know we have some amazing people in our profession; I believe it is incumbent upon us to share our experience and knowledge with others in the field so that they and our learners will reap the benefits.
Detailed submission guidelines, selection process information and online submission for both Calls are available at http://www.teslontario.net/conference/presenters. Please submit your proposal by Friday, May 17, 2013 and become a part of the biggest and best conference serving ESL Professionals in Canada.
If you have any questions, please contact our Conference Manager at conference@teslontario.ca or by phone at 1-866-860-0666. Sincerely, Barbara Krukowski Conference Chair TESL Ontario 2013 |
ASK US!
We know that change isn't always easy to deal with, and we anticipate there will be some questions regarding our move to the new venue.
With that in mind we invite you to "Ask Us". Send your questions to info@teslontario.org. Your frequently asked questions will be posted anonymously and responded to on the website and in the Conference Communiqué.
Q: How to I get to the Allstream Centre from the GO Station at Union?
A: In addition to the shuttle buses that will be running between Sheraton Centre and the Allstream Centre free of charge there are different options for using public transit to get to the Allstream Centre.
Go Train:
East - Take the Lakeshore West line and exit at Exhibition.*
West - Take the Lakeshore East line and exit at Exhibition.*
*From Exhibition Station, turn left as you exit the station and head towards the Ricoh Centre. You will be at the back of the building; there is a path between the Rich Centre and the Horse Palace. Take the path until you come out near the Direct Energy Centre. Continue to walk towards the Direct Energy Centre until you see the Allstream Centre (you can also walk indoors through the Direct Energy Centre to the far end) and cross the street to the AllStream Centre.
TTC:
There are two stations on Exhibition Grounds
29 Dufferin Bus
Take the Bloor Subway to Dufferin Station, board the #29 bus south to Exhibition Place.
NEW This Summer - Dufferin 29D all day service and 29B enter the grounds.
511 Bathurst Streetcar
Take the Bloor subway to Bathurst Station, board the #511 streetcar south to Exhibition Place. There are two streetcar stops at Exhibition Place - exit at Strachan Avenue, which is on the East side of the Direct Energy Centre. Walk South until you see the AllStream Centre. 509 Harbourfront Streetcar [From Union Station]
Take the Yonge-University subway to Union Station and proceed to the Queens Quay platform. Board the #509 streetcar west to Exhibition Place. There are two streetcar stops at Exhibition Place - exit at Strachan Avenue, which is on the East side of the Direct Energy Centre. Walk South until you see the AllStream Centre.
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What's New at TESL Ontario 2013
Larger Room Capacity for all Sessions |
 One of the primary reasons that led to the venue change for TESL Ontario 2013 was the limited room capacity. The Allstream Centre offers large, bright, airy rooms with state-of-the-art technology that allows us to increase our session capacity. Overall, there are fewer breakout rooms available, but each meeting room in the new facility is larger and as a result we will be able to fit more people into every session!
We appreciate the feedback we've received over the last couple of years, and you'll notice several several of your suggestions will be addressed in our new venue.
Lunch Breaks
Another significant change to the conference format that we're positive you'll be thrilled with, is the creation of a standard lunch break that includes a complimentary hot buffet lunch every day. Depending on the sessions you're attending, there will be a 60- to 90-minute break across the board, that will allow attendees to eat lunch, browse the posters and exhibits, network, or find a quiet corner to rest and re-energize. In addition, there will also be morning and afternoon coffee breaks provided.
More conference changes and updates to come, in future issues of Conference Communiqué!
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Exhibitor Space Available |
TESL Ontario 2013 is the largest ESL conference in Canada. It provides the opportunity to showcase your latest products, publications, software, and teaching tools to over 1500 ESL professionals.
The TESL Ontario 2013 Conference will be held at the Allstream Centre-Exhibition Place in Toronto on October 24-26, 2013.
It's your once-a-year opportunity to:
- Showcase your products and services to the right audience
- Come face-to-face with decision makers and buyers in the ESL profession
- Develop new customers
- Reconnect with existing clients
- Increase your company visibility
- Extend your reach in the ESL sector by networking and building relationships
- Gather information for product/service development
- Position your brand and company at the most attended ESL event in Canada
- Gain added exposure and stand out from your competitors by combining exhibiting, advertising and sponsorship opportunities
We are working hard to increase the value of your investment and achieve your goals! Exhibitors are going to receive much more in their standard exhibit space package this year, and the rates have not been increased. Here's an overview of what's new:
- Centralized exhibit location with direct access to attendees
- Daily breakfast and lunch break for attendees with NO opposing sessions
- Meals for exhibit staff (lunch and breaks)
- Welcome Reception within the exhibit location
- Complimentary wireless internet access
- 8' x 6' exhibit space (50% larger than last year)
There are also a variety of sponsorship opportunities (starting with a minimum commitment of $500) available at TESL Ontario 2013. A sponsorship provides you with additional exposure and the opportunity to engage in a more productive way.
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#TESL2013
Join the Twitter conversation for the 2013 annual conference using the hashtag #TESL2013
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