I can hardly believe that it’s already 2011 and that the 45th Annual TESOL Convention will begin in just a few short weeks. New Orleans will definitely be the place to be March 16-19—the first time the TESOL convention has been held in the Big Easy in 40 years!

All told, we have 34 SPLIS-related or -hosted offerings, ranging from poster sessions and teaching tips (a new 20-minute format) to demonstrations, workshops, and our Academic and InterSection sessions. Those wanting even more can register for Pre- or Post-Convention Institutes on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday. On each of these days, in-depth workshops on topics of interest to SPLIS members are being offered. In addition, TESOL is once again offering Breakfast With TESOL’s Best; a $40 ticket buys breakfast and a seat in a casual, intimate discussion group hosted by a well-known TESOL professional. Attendees can start planning now by visiting the TESOL 2011 convention webpage and clicking on the Online Convention Program & Itinerary Planner located on the menu on the left side of the screen.

While you are filling in your schedule, please make time to network with some of the friendliest people around―your fellow SPLIS members. Interest sections will not have their traditional booths as in past conventions. Instead, each IS will be given timeslots and tables at the TESOL Center, opposite the TESOL bookstore. Two interest sections will be represented during each timeslot; at press time, our slots are Thursday 9-11 a.m. and Saturday 11 a.m.-1 p.m., so please drop by and get information, pick up handouts, or just say hello. Also be sure to come to our open meeting on Thursday evening. (See your program book for specific time and location.) Not only can you meet new SPLIS friends and reconnect with old ones, you can say “howdy” to your new chair, Gary Carkin, and your new chair-elect, Michael Burri.

It has been an honor and a privilege to work with the SPLIS Steering Committee and a host of generous, hardworking volunteers to serve you, the SPLIS membership, this past year. Thank you for the opportunity.

Holly
hgray@gvenglish.com