By Maria-Nefeli Andredaki,
Sunday morning found me crossing the streets near the Evangelismos metro station, excitedly walking towards the Divani Caravel hotel, where the International Publishers Exhibition is usually held. This was my second time attending IPE and my first time being accompanied by friends who work in the field, so I was able to fully experience the organized chaos the exhibition is and enjoy what it had to offer.
The International Publishers Exhibition (IPE) was held for the first time in 1984 and was organized by a bunch of foreign publishing companies whose books were being used in Greek foreign language schools. The purpose of the event is to bridge the gap between teachers and publishing companies, creating a space where experts from both sides of the field can converse, learn about new techniques and technologies, understand the current needs of both teachers and students and equip them with the material and knowledge that best suits them.
The way the publisher stands are situated inside the hotel, following a snake-like route, and the way that everyone tries to get your attention in order to inform you about their latest products, truly reminds one of a marketplace. It can sometimes get a bit overwhelming, like having twenty internet tabs open while deciding what books would be best for your new classes. However, it is, in my opinion, the best way to get to know your material right from the source, compare and contrast on the spot and, at the end of the day, make an informed decision, knowing that you are supporting a company you have similar goals and approaches with.
Apart from the publisher booths, there are also seminars, workshops and presentations taking place throughout the day, where the attendees can really delve deep into the approach of each company. They have the opportunity to meet and understand first-hand the thought-process and research that is put into the material and interact with the speaker/representative by asking anything they would like to know. During this IPE, I attended a lecture on incorporating the SEL approach into language teaching and a presentation by Grivas regarding their new books that are centered around a detective story.
One of the huge benefits of going to IPE is the free books/samples that different companies provide you with, in order to entice you into choosing them for your students. I returned home carrying an insane amount of tote bags, filled with teacher’s books, catalogs and coupons, a couple of mock-tests and heavily discounted readers. It is important to mention that there are also colleges attending the exhibition, offering opportunities to network and guide you, regarding master’s programs in education.
As someone who is passionate about teaching and promoting reading, I have specific needs and goals, as far as my students are concerned. A typical grammar book just won’t do. This is why I believe that the international publishers exhibition is a great opportunity for both new and old teachers, giving them the means to take initiative in their teaching. Be sure to catch the next one in Thessaloniki!
Reference
- Our Organization. International Publishers Exhibitions. Available here
