TESOL 2018: Chicago

Last week, I was in Chicago for TESOL's annual international convention. A year ago, I was there with a group of teachers from Pakistan, and we thought we might have a similar grant this time, but it didn't pan out. I submitted a couple proposals to present, neither of which was accepted, so that meant that I was just there to attend. In some ways, that was nice--I didn't have any obligations other than to go to sessions and make the most of the opportunity to connect with people (well, and also to keep on top of my work email...). By far, the personal connections were the highlight this year. Not only did several of my current colleagues attend, but a few former BGSU faculty who have since moved on were there. It felt like a mini-reunion! Not only that, but a handful of my current TESOL methods students came, so it was fun to run into them around the conference and see what their first time attendee experience was like. I didn't do too much exploring of the city, but there were some nice views of Lake Michigan from the convention center, and our hotel was in the theater district, so I experienced some of Michigan Avenue on the shuttle rides back and forth. Mark and I should definitely go back together sometime to tour the city. Here are some pics:

With current and past BG collagues after dinner
at a fancy food court near our hotel.

More catching up with friends in our hotel lobby.

The ceiling in the hotel lobby!

Another lobby view.

Just inside the main hotel entrance.

At the convention center.

We stopped for a photo on the riverfront on our way to dinner.

 

We had to get some deep dish pizza!

Back to the hotel.

Current BGSU colleagues.

I loved this succulent garden in the hotel adjacent to the convention center.

At the "Taste of Chicago" event with
the dinosaur mascot of the company sponsor.

And also with two of my current students. :-)

Took a quick walk past "the bean"
on our last morning.

Panoramic view from the convention center.

with Kimberly and some BGSU students