Every blog article is great if it can start with a quote from an 80s rock banger..so let’s go:
🎶 It’s the Final Countdown…🎸🤘
In just one week, hundreds of language lovers around the world are going to settle in and click PLAY for the Opening Ceremony of Women in Language 2020.
What’s Women in Language?
Women in Language is an online conference featuring over 30 expert speakers who share their stories, careers, and lessons on the world of learning languages.
Do you love languages and want to hear from these amazing people?
Then it’s time to get your ticket now from www.womeninlanguage.com
Women in Language is live from 17-20 September. Tickets are $29 and the price includes all conference recordings too.
In this year’s Women in Language conference, you’ll discover new perspectives on learning languages. Here’s a sneak peek of our schedule:
Is Women in Language a Polyglot Event?
Kinda! We’re well aware that the word “polyglot” can strike fear into some language learner’s hearts, and we don’t mind which languages you’re learning or how good you are.
We are made by women, for EVERYONE including men, non-binary folks, and monolinguals. It doesn’t matter. All you need to do is bring an interest in hearing from very cool people.
Is Women in Language an Online Event?
Yes! We have been an online event from day 1, even before covid19 made it cool. This conference is fully live, meaning every single speaker will be talking to you right there and then.
There is a live chatroom and many speakers even join the Women in Language Facebook group so you can network with them.
Get The Most Out of Your Online Conference
Chances are you’ve already had a thousand Zoom meetings this year, so the technology probably won’t throw you too much. You need fast internet to watch the event, and if you want to join in our language exchanges you’ll also need a microphone and webcam.
Here are a few more tips for getting the most out of your Women in Language experience:
Plan Your Schedule
With an online event you won’t need to travel, so it can be easy to think you won’t need to plan ahead. If you can take some time off or cancel other obligations, do consider it! There’s a real buzz about attending the talks live, and our Women in Language chatroom has become a conference legend over the years.
This year, we are bringing you 25 speaker presentations, 2 expert panel discussions, and 2 opportunities to join a language exchange. Your first stop is the conference schedule, where you can get to know the speakers and find out more about what they are sharing.
Time it Right
Our schedule contains timings in London time, so if you live in a different timezone it’s important that you check your local timings with an online converter like www.timeanddate.com.
The “master times” at our event are in British Summer Time, so make sure that you have checked what the start and end times are in your own timezone.
Yes, with this 4-day event you’re guaranteed to find a few talks you do NOT want to miss and it’s a good idea to put them on your digital calendar and schedule a reminder on your phone.
Play People Bingo
This one’s a Women in Language special and it’s one of my favourite things! We have prepared a bingo game card for you with 9 types of attendee. Ask around in the chatroom, post in the Facebook group and bring your list of names to the closing ceremony on Sunday 20th to celebrate the many new connections you’ve made at Women in Language.
Can you win anything? EVERYONE can win something, because there’s a super valuable prize draw for all ticket holders too!
Get Ready to Take Notes
I'm one of those people who attend every training session and whip out a notebook before anyone even says “good morning”. If you’re like me, I strongly recommend you get your notebook and pens ready. Think about moving your computer away from its usual place as well so you can enjoy the talks without getting distracted by social media or the latest headlines.
We have created a fantastic PDF programme that you can print at home and use for all your planning and scheduling. There is also a full page for every single session, so you can jot down your questions and ideas. It’s instantly available after you buy your ticket.
Prepare the Snacks
Our Women in Language schedule features a new talk on the hour, every hour. Of course you can take as many breaks as you like because you’ll be joining us from the comfort of your own home. For the most enjoyable experience, make sure you’ve got a few of your favourite nibbles nearby just in case.
We’ve also heard from several attendees who are stocking up on coffee to catch the super late and early talks in their timezone. It’s going to be lots of fun to bond over Women in Language in the chatroom!
Join a Speak Easy Session
Do you want to take a break from learning about all these languages and join a fun networking session? Ready to practice that language you’re learning? Then join one of our Speak Easy Sessions on Friday and Sunday.
These sessions are open, friendly language exchanges with no pressure to perform. You show up and tell us which language you’d like to practice and we’ll split you into small groups where you can speak your language in a group of other learners.
The Speak Easy sessions are held on Zoom, so make sure you’re able to participate in a Zoom call and have a microphone that works. We’re not going to record these, so you are safe knowing you can practice and make as many mistakes as we do ;)
It’s a Language Learning Festival!
The Women in Language is a great experience and we’d love to have you join us. The tickets are just $29, and that price includes all conference recordings.
And just in case you’re wondering: YES men can come too! Of course!!
Tickets for Women In Language 2020 are available right here.
And, one final thing to share, 10% of profits go to a charity or non-profit organisation each year. This year, it’s Girl Up, a movement to advance girls’ skills, rights, and opportunities to be leaders.
There’s just no reason to miss this one. See you there!
