Convention, trade show, colloquium, conference: these are different types of gatherings for groups.
Do you know what they mean? Have you ever had to organize an activity for a large group?
Activity 1: Vocabulary
Activity 2: Grammar: Prepositions and gerunds
Activity 3: Capsule & comprehension questions
Activity 4: Reading & comprehension questions
Activity 5: Writing
Activity 6: Grammar & vocabulary review
Vocabulary
Grammar
Prepositions and gerunds: This might be a new grammatical element for you. If so, ask your teacher for more explanation.
A gerund is a noun that looks like a verb.
                 Travelling is becoming more and more expensive.
                 Helping out at the festival was a great way to meet people.
Sometimes, we use gerunds as the object of prepositions.
                 I am planning on taking a vacation in November.
                 She was interested in growing her market base.
Prepositions followed by gerunds are challenging to learn because of the variety of prepositions that follow verbs or adjectives. In general, you have to learn them.
Exercise: Try to choose the correct preposition or sentence completion.
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There are other examples:
After working all day, Marthe was tired.
Before going home, she stopped to buy herself some flowers.
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Watch the capsule
Answer the 6 comprehension questions that follow.
(What are some general requests that someone might make if they want to hold a convention?)
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Reading
Trade show sites in Canada
The best three cities in Canada to hold trade shows are Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Each offers unique advantages for business events but also presents some drawbacks. Visitors to these cities enjoy world-class culture, dining, and entertainment alongside professional networking opportunities.
Toronto: Business Hub
Toronto boasts Canada’s largest and most modern convention venues, like the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Its multicultural population makes it ideal for networking across industries, and the city is accessible from global destinations. Visitors enjoy vibrant neighborhoods, top museums, professional sports, and iconic sites such as the CN Tower. However, the high cost of hotels, transportation, and event services can be a drawback for budget-conscious exhibitors.
Vancouver: Scenic Gateway
Vancouver offers stunning scenery and leads in sustainability, with the Vancouver Convention Centre recognized for green initiatives. Its Pacific Rim location is excellent for international trade with Asian markets. Attendees enjoy outdoor activities, beaches, art galleries, and a flourishing food scene. Drawbacks include higher venue and travel costs plus unpredictable weather, which may affect logistics.
Montreal: Culture and Academia
Montreal combines European charm with modern facilities like the Palais des Congrès. It is known for tech, art, and design events, attracting a global audience with its bilingual culture. Visitors indulge in historic Old Montreal, vibrant festivals, gourmet cuisine, and an energetic night life. Possible drawbacks include language barriers for non-French speakers and colder winters that may deter some guests.
These cities offer organizers and visitors dynamic trade show experiences, complemented by rich cultural and leisure attractions.
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Writing
Grammar and vocabulary review