For those of you already familiar with Convention, here is a brief summary of changes or additions in the works for our Tuesday, February 25 Convention:

• We’re looking into the possibility of the Breakout Room going digital.

• Campus Tours will depart every 30 minutes from the Registration Table outside the Ballroom. Comprised of 15 students, they will depart when full (first come, first served).

• We will begin the Closing Ceremony at 2:30 instead of 4:30. We’re aiming to end Convention at 3:00 pm instead of at 5:00 pm.

• The popular Conférence (presentation) will be shortened to 30 minutes, with slides in English while French is spoken. Please consider making attendance mandatory for your students.

• The Dictée will still be presented live at the opening ceremony, for all to participate in, if desired. Unlike last year, students will write out the entire passage, not just fill in some blanks. The passage will be read slowly by an experienced native speaker. Results will still be judged by level.

• The Group Skit will be moved out of the Ballroom into a smaller venue. Theme-related skits are encouraged, but not required. PLEASE SIGN UP FOR IT! A hallmark of the French Convention since its inception, we do not want to lose this event due to lack of participation. If you’re wavering about how to pull it off, please reach out for guidance or mentorship. Your students will thank you!

• An interactive Salle des jeux (Scattegories, Headbandz, Le Pendu, Jacques a dit, Speed-dating Conversations, …) will bring language to life for the students!

• Scholars Bowl will be offered in a theme-related Jeopardy! format.

• The Sponsors Lunch meeting will be catered and shortened to 30 minutes. The Anderson room will be accessible to you throughout the day for a place to relax, chat with others, and provide feedback to the AFFC.

• A Station photo will give participants a fun outlet for selfies and ussies.

• There will be Study Abroad information available for students.

• The Video Competition has been increased from one (1) to three (3) entries per school.

• The Written Test has been renamed to Theme Quiz.

Ouf! Stay tuned for more information on all of this. Please make plans to join us in February!