Whether you’ve been chatting online, in person, via carrier pigeon, or through Morse code, now’s your chance to actually connect with friends old and new at the IRA 2014 Tweet Suite. Located in the Exhibit Hall in Booth #1056, the Tweet Suite is a space dedicated to social gatherings at this year’s conference. Over the weekend you can attend everything from Tweet & Greets to Meet & Eats.
Not on Twitter? Not a problem! Being on Twitter isn’t a prerequisite—everyone’s invited to join in on the fun. Experience ten different chances to expand your personal learning network (PLN) by linking up with fellow educators and forging professional friendships that will last long after the conference has ended.
First Timers’ Sessions (Sat./Sun., 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.)
If you’ve never attended the conference then you should definitely check out one of the “First Timers’ Sessions,” where you can score insider tips for how to make the most of your time at IRA 2014.
Primary and Mid-Level Tweet-Ups (Sat./Sun., 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.)
Chat and link up with fellow IRA attendees at the “Primary Teacher’s Tweet & Greet,” hosted by Lyssa Sahadevan (@lyssareads) and Heidi Butkus (@HeidiSongs).The “Mid-Level Educators Tweetup” will be hosted by Julie D. Ramsay (@JulieDRamsay), author of our popular “Plugged In” column.
Empowered Teacher Tweet-Up (Sat., 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.)
Rub elbows with Jennifer Scoggin (@MrsMimiTeaches), author of upcoming book Be Fabulous: The Reading Teacher’s Guide to Reclaiming Your Happiness in the Classroom (IRA, fall 2014), at “Mrs. Mimi’s Empowered Teacher Tweetup.” Join in on this informal gathering to meet and mingle with colleagues who are every bit as fabulous as you are.
Edcamp Literacy Follow-Up (Sun., 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.)
Still thinking about the people you met at Edcamp Literacy? Or maybe you missed out and want to learn more about this exciting format. Either way, make sure you attend the “Edcamp Literacy Tweetup” where you can meet the Edcamp Literacy organizers, hear a recap of from Edcamp Literacy “unconference” event on Friday, May 9,and follow-up brainstorm around IRA’s inaugural Edcamp event. Bring a friend, too! (There is still room to register for this event at www.iraconference.org/edcampliteracy.)
IRA to ILA Town Halls (Sat./Sun., 3:00 p.m. to 3: 45 p.m.)
Curious about the switch from IRA to ILA (International Literacy Association)? Join us at the “IRA Town Halls” for an informal Q & A to learn about the many exciting changes at IRA and see what we are up to and where we are headed as we move forward with our new strategic initiatives. IRA’s Executive Team will be on hand to answer your questions and solicit your feedback.
Meet & Eats (Sat./Sun., 4:00 to 5:00p.m.)
After the day’s excitement winds down head on over to the “Meet & Eat.” Whether you traveled alone or with friends, any and all are welcome to grab a bite, socialize, and discuss. Then, make plans to grab some grub with educators as hungry for children’s literature as you are! Already have dinner plans? Swing by and connect with future lunch companions. Perfect for solo travelers! Book lovers especially should check out Sunday’s YA Lit Lovers Meet & Eat, hosted by the Crazy Reading Ladies, Mary Cotillo (@allincotillo) and Erin O’Leary (@allinoleary).
The Tweet Suite is one of two places in the Exhibit Hall that boasts free Wi-Fi (the other is the Digital Classroom, Booth #1010), so it’s a convenient place to get a boost to your device’s Internet speed outside of the Wi-Fi-friendly meeting rooms and common areas. So come on and make the most out of IRA 2014 and check out the new Tweet Suite.
Chelsea Simens is a strategic communications intern at the International Reading Association.