Convention Highlights

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE AATF CONVENTION IN
PHILADELPHIA, JULY 4-7, 2010

Mark July 4-7, 2010 on your calendars! The 83rd annual AATF convention will be held on those dates at the Sheraton Society Hill in Philadelphia. We are planning a number of exciting activities as well as the usual excellent professional program.

Registration

Pre-registration will be $250 until May 15, 2010 (pre-registration has been extended to May 15). Late registration will be $300 after May 15. Reduced registration is available for AATF Emeritus and Student members and Guests who wish to attend sessions. There are a number of optional activities and excursions listed below. Spouses and guests are welcome as indicated. Spouses and guests do not need to register for the convention itself to participate in these activities. Guests who wish to attend sessions must register for the convention itself. Click here for the Registration Form. It is also possible to register on-line.

Keynote Session, dimanche 4 juillet, 9-11h30

The keynote session, entitled "New Partners for New Challenges," will feature a round table discussion by representatives of the Peace Corps, Canadian Parents for French, and the Joint National Committee for Languages. Given the challenges facing French teachers today, it promises to be an exciting discussion. Click here for more information.

Academic Credit

We are again pleased to offer one graduate credit for attending the convention through Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. Click here for requirements and registration information. You may register using the Convention Registration Form, also found in the April 2010 National Bulletin.

Hotel Information

The convention will take place at the Sheraton Society Hill Hotel. Room rates are $159 plus tax. The deadline for reserving a room will be June 2, 2010. Click here to go to the AATF Hotel Registration page or paste this link in your browser http://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/aatf .

Roommate List

We will again provide a roommate list for those wishing to find someone with whom to share a room. We provide the names and contact information for other members requesting the list, and individuals can contact others on the list directly. Please check the appropriate box on the Convention Registration Form.

Travel

Philadelphia is very accessible. The Philadelphia Jose Airport is served by all major airlines including Southwest Airlines. We encourage you to explore multiple travel options to ensure you get the best deal. Please note that Southwest Airlines is now offering exceptional fares for cross-country travel and does not charge for up to two checked bags. Other airlines may also offer competitive fares. Train travel to Philadelphia is also very convenient for those on the East Coast.

Program Highlights

Dictée (July 5, 1-1:45 p.m.)

AATF member Marie-Simone Pavlovich, a finalist in Bernard Pivot’s Trophées de la langue française, will organize a dictée for AATF convention-goers. Come try your hand at this very French discipline. Prix à gagner.

Other Activities

Welcome Buffet Reception (July 4, 12-2 p.m.)

This Welcome Event has become a popular feature of our convention. Members can meet for lunch to discuss the keynote speech and to meet others attending from their region. (Included in registration for attendees, $45 for spouses and guests; preregistration required for spouses and guests).

Exhibit Opening (July 4, 4-7 p.m.)

Our exhibit hall will open with a wine and cheese reception sponsored jointly by the AATF and the Cultural Service of the French Embassy. Celebrate the ending of the first day of the convention, and see what our exhibitors and sponsors have to offer. Check out the Exhibitor Page on the AATF Web site.

Monday, July 5, Walking Tour of Historic Philadelphia (late afternoon)

Entitled “Franklin’s Footsteps,” the Walking Tour of historic Philadelphia lasts 90 min. It will be conducted in English. ($15, pre-registration required). For more information visit www.gophila.com or http://Philadelphia.about.com/od/historicsites/Historic_Sites_in_Philadelphia_PA.htm .

Monday, July 5, Dinner at Bistrot La Minette

Join groups of fellow AATF members for dinner at one of these two fine restaurants. ($45, pre-registration required, spouses and guests welcome)

Bistrot La Minette

Bistrot La Minette is the realization of Chef Peter Woolsey’s dream, to create a restaurant that would share his love of the authentic bistrot experience with Philadelphians. French speaking wait staff. Menu includes 3 courses + wine.

Note: The Palmes académiques dinner will also take place on Monday, July 5.

AATF Awards Banquet (July 6, 7-9 p.m.)

Join us as we honor the achievements of our members during 2010. Menu: Tomato or bean salad, prime rib, chicken or catfish, pastry selection. ($75, pre-registration required, spouses and guests welcome). Cash bar. Dinner and remise de prix followed by a concert by Claudia Beecham.

Excursions

Pre-Convention Activity: Saturday, July 3, Trolley Tour of Philadelphia (9:30-11 a.m.)

The Trolley Tour will focus on sights of the city featured in French Philadelphia: The French Cultural & Historical Presence in the Delaware Valley or Philadelphie à la française, published for the Alliance française de Philadelphie by Beach Lloyd Publishers LLC. All convention-goers will receive a copy of this book. ($25./$10 for children aged 4-10; pre-registration required; spouses and guests welcome). For more information on historic Philadelphia, visit www.beachlloyd.com/book12.html

Pre-Convention Excursion: Saturday, July 3, Excursion to Longwood Gardens (3 p.m.-10:45 p.m.)

This excursion includes transportation to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA (about 30 miles from Philadelphia) and a self-guided tour of the gardens and greenhouses, followed by dinner and a light show. ($75; pre-registration required; spouses and guests welcome). For more information, visit www.longwoodgardens.org

Pre-Convention Activity: Saturday, July 3, Dinner at City Tavern (6-10 p.m.) Cancelled

City Tavern, one of Philadelphia’s most authentic restaurants from pre-revolutionary times, is located a short block from the hotel. First course: Tavern Crab Cakes, Second Course: Vegetable Barley Soup, Third Course: Tavern Country Salad; Entrée Duo: Fillet of Salmon, White Wine, Garlic Sauce & Tavern Chicken Breast, Lightly Breaded, Béarnaise Sauce, accompanied by vegetables and mashed potatoes; Dessert: Chocolate Mousse Cake. Vegetarian option upon request. ($100, pre-registration required; spouses and guests welcome; 35 min. participants required). For more information on City Tavern, visit www.citytavern.com

Post-Convention Excursion: Wednesday, July 7, Excursion to Barnes Foundation (1-5 p.m.)

Take advantage of the rare opportunity to visit the Barnes Foundation collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art. Cost includes transportation, admission, and headphones. ($45, pre-registration required, spouses and guests welcome). For more information, visit www.barnesfoundation.org

Post-Convention Excursion: Wednesday, July 7, Excursion to Nemours Mansions and Gardens (1-6 p.m.)

The Nemours mansion and gardens is the estate of Alfred I. Dupont. Located on the grounds of the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware, Nemours was named after the duPont family’s ancestral home in France. Cost includes transportation but not dinner. ($65, pre-registration required, spouses and guests welcome). For more information, visit http://www.nemours.org/about/ourstory/mansion.html

Post-Convention Excursion: Thursday, July 8, Excursion to New York City (7:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.)

Day trip to New York City which will include a United Nation’s tour in French or English, visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, some free time to shop and sight see, and dinner at a local French restaurant (Le Rivage). ($175, pre-registration required, spouses and guests welcome). For more information, visit www.un.org/tours/pages/atg.htm , www.metmuseum.org , www.lerivagenyc.com

Created: March 25, 2002
Last update: June 16, 2010