MidTESOL Matters Spring 2001

Since I have been planning sightseeing activities for the Saint Louis University intensive English students since the early ‘80s, thinking up tour possibilities for the 2001 convention was not much of a problem. In order to generate interest in these tours, I had a questionnaire for people who visited the St. Louis 2001 booth in Vancouver. People seemed very interested in many of the tour possibilities. Most of these are now on the list in the preliminary program. They will be conducted by Destination St. Louis, our chosen destination management company. Some of them are as follows: Gateway to St. Louis Highlights, African-American St. Louis, Literary Tour, Caves and Cellars (a cave and vineyard in one tour), and Dixieland Dinner Cruise.  

I spent some time at the Vancouver Hospitality table and found that a large pool of volunteers is necessary to staff the booth and answer many questions, including “Do you have my umbrella?” Volunteers will offer a few escorted dinners and some walking and MetroLink (light rail) tours. Near the Hospitality table will be a Restaurant table from the Convention and Visitors Bureau. The staff there will be able to assist with restaurant advice and reservations. Because of the fine materials already from the Convention and Visitors Bureau, we have decided that a City Guide would be an unnecessary effort and expense. There will be lists of services and walking-distance eating places available at the Hospitality table and other items in Convention announcements. 

I would say that the major way Hospitality is changing for the convention in St. Louis is that the job is being simplified and we are trying to use already available resources effectively. We also hope the attendees will enjoy the activities we offer. Finally, please volunteer!  

Phyllis Mithen is the Hospitality Team Leader for TESOL 2001. She teaches at Saint Louis University. She may be contacted at mithen@slu.edu.

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