This is the PowerPoint that was used for the First-Timers' session at TESOL 2011. While some of the information was specific to New Orleans, much of it is the same for every TESOL convention.

1. WELCOME TESOL FIRST-TIMERSWhile you wait…Use your handout & your conference book.Try to fill in 3 definitions in the boxes on your handout.Introduce yourself to new people & compare answers.

2. FIRST-TIMERS ORIENTATION Leslie Barratt Indiana State University Diane Carter Indianapolis Public Schools & Indiana University/Purdue University Indianapolis

3. Getting HereTransportation & Parking The Hilton New Orleans Riverside is the headquarters hotel for the convention. It will be on shuttle route 1. The Doubletree Hotel, New Orleans Marriott (on Canal Street), and the Westin at Canal Place will be on Shuttle route 2. There is no on-site parking at the Convention Center.

4. Being HereMapspages 6-16 Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Level 1 Level 2 Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

5. The Convention Center INTERNET The Convention Center has i-coves near the meeting space for wired access and a hot spot near the food court. BUSINESS CENTER A business center is located at the UPS Store in Lobby F on the First Floor of the Convention Center.

6. TESOL Services in the NOCC Solutions The Solutions Desk is located at the far left side of the Registration Area. Interpretive services Please contact Convention Services at conventions@tesol.org about ASL interpreter services or other special needs. or please go to the Solutions Desk

7. Lost Items Lost Badges may be replaced at the right side of Registration. There is a $25 replacement fee. Other items should be taken to the Solutions Desk.

8. Message Board Written messages may be written and checked at the Message Board. The Message Board is located near the entrance to the Exhibition Hall.

9. Children Lactation Room is Convention Center Room B-201 (second floor). Children under the age of 12 should be accompanied by an adult during the convention. Parents are responsible for their children's behavior for the duration of the convention. As a courtesy to all attendees, presenters, and exhibitors, disruptive children, as well as adults, may be asked to leave the convention.

10. the ProgramBook

11. The week at a glancePage 7 Registration Exhibit hours Wednesday 7 pm-8:30 pm Thurs/Fri 8-5; Sat 9-2 Job MarketPlace Thurs/Fri 8-5; Sat 9-2 Sessions Thurs/Fri 7:30-5:45; Sat 7:30-4:45

12. How to use the book to find a session:Indices

13. Program Highlights

14. kinds of presentationspage 68 Presentations go from 7:30 am through 5:45 pm each day.

16. Presenter (pages 180-186)

17. Interest Section (pages )

18. Content Area (pages 188-204)

19. Interest Section Abbreviations (page 36)

21. Academic Credit & Attendance Certificates Please see the CEU Desk at Registration for academic credit forms. Attendance certificates should have been provided at registration. If you did not receive a certificate, please see Registration or Solutions.

22. Other Events at TESOL

23. Job MarketPlace – page 32Thurs/Fri 8-5; Sat 9-2 Recruiters Post Jobs and collect résumés Interview Host informational tables Jobseekers View job listings and Submit résumés Interview Network with other professionals

24. Electronic Village (pages 22) Webmasters’ Workshop EV Fair EV Fair Classics EV Hardware Fair CALL for Newcomers EV Miniworkshops Developers’ Showcase Technology Showcase Thursday: 7:30 am – 8:15 pm Friday: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm Saturday: 7:30 am – 4:30 pm

25. Networking Networking Mall in Exhibition Hall Tables for individuals and small gatherings Volunteers should be there to assist Poster sessions 12:30 – 1:45 pm each day Convention Center, Room Eating areas Both inside and outside the convention Take advantage!

26. Conference tips Volunteer! Attend the plenary and featured sessions. Schedule several visits to the exhibits; view one section at a time. Connect with an interest section. Visit their hospitality booths. Attend the academic session for the interest section and follow the strand. Introduce yourself.

27. Conference tips Start conversations. Ask for help. Make friends/colleagues at every session. Schedule some breaks. You can’t attend everything anyway. Watch out for changes, cancellations. Check the addendum for changes. Arrive early at sessions that might be popular. Have a Plan B.

28. Conference tips Visit the New Orleans hospitality booth. They will have a guides and maps to nearby restaurants, shops, and so forth. They know the territory. Food will be cheaper (and probably better) outside the hotel/convention center.

29. FIRST-TIMERS ORIENTATION Thanks for coming! Enjoy the conference.