Toronto, ON: The largest association focused exclusively on English language teaching to speakers of other languages is back in Toronto for the first time in more than 30 years. Educators, researchers, administrators, and students will gather at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) for the annual convention from March 25-28. The MTCC will host more than 6,000 members for the four-day conference, and the event is expected to generate an estimated $17 million in economic impact.

“Toronto was the most appealing location for us because of its accessibility and inherent diversity,” said Lisa Dyson, Director of Conference Services at TESOL. “It was a natural fit as our members want to experience Toronto.” The MTCC was selected for the city-wide convention for its ability to host an event of TESOL’s magnitude, as well as its centrality within the city.

The passionate community of educators looks to the International Convention and English Language Expo as an opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and further individual professional development. Members of TESOL hail from around the globe, representing 156 countries, and Canada’s contribution to the association has been no short of significant.

“Canada has been very much at the forefront of issues related to research and policies,” said Dr. Jim Cummins, a professor emeritus in the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, who is speaking as a keynote for the event.

Policies that enable school systems and educators to successfully teach students learning English as a second or additional language are closely tied to research, much of which has happened in Canada since the 1970s, which has had a “significant influence globally,” said Dr. Cummins.

“We are always excited to show off this beautiful world-class city to the thousands of international visitors here for an event,” said Barry Smith, President and CEO of MTCC.

“Our facility is conveniently located in the core of Toronto, and we are confident TESOL will enjoy exploring all the city has to offer.”

About TESOL International Association
Founded in 1966, TESOL International Association is a professional community of educators, researchers, administrators, and students committed to advancing excellence in English language teaching for speakers of other languages worldwide.
 
About the Metro Toronto Convention Centre
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada's number one convention and trade show facility. Over the past 30 years, the Centre has hosted over 18,000 events, entertained more than 55 million guests and has added $5.1 billion in direct spending to the community. For further information, please visit mtccc.com.

Media enquiries:
Neal Southam                                                 
Metro Toronto Convention Centre             
T: (416) 585-8106                                
C: 647-992-9676 
E: nsoutham@mtccc.com