Comments on: Five Tips For A Better ALA Conference Experience

By: Conference Attendance Advice. « Library Scenester

Conference Attendance Advice. « Library Scenester — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:31:07 +0000

[...] Five Tips For A Better ALA Conference Experience by Steven Bell at ACRLog (lots of good tips in the comments, too) [...]

By: Iquo Udosen

Iquo Udosen — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 03:32:14 +0000

Thanks a million for all the information. I hope ALA has a small, summarised conference program this year in addition to the big one, as many of us do not like the big, heavy program. Once again, Thank you. See you soon, God willing.

By: Headed to Chicago for ALA? « [ArLiSNAP]

Headed to Chicago for ALA? « [ArLiSNAP] — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 17:47:02 +0000

[...] you conference experience enjoyable and productive: “Five Tips for a Better Conference Experience,” courtesy of [...]

By: Preparing for the ALA Conference « Black Belt Librarian

Preparing for the ALA Conference « Black Belt Librarian — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:42:56 +0000

[...] has five tips that may help you prepare for the 2009 ALA conference in [...]

By: Shin Freedman

Shin Freedman — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 11:43:40 +0000

There is nothing more precious than practical and sensible information for conference goers. If I may add a few to the blog, I would apply my buffet dining rule: Scan the entire buffet area first before filling up your plate from the first table. Having a better conference experience has a direct relationship with the preparation and the environmental scanning of the conference venue. Let me elaborate:

1. First things first: Do some environmental scanning on the first day. Pay attention to these: Where is the bulletin board? How is the program change, location change notified? Where and how can you voice your concerns about the conference? This activity would be useful in conjunction with the detailed planning guide of a conference. For example, I plan out the program, time, and location information using the MS Calendar function. This list can be an extremely handy guide complementing the conference program book.

2. If the conference program youâ€™re attending is not up to your expectations for whatever reasons, you may have, get up and leave for the next session. It could be awkward and uncomfortable to leave in the midst of a presentation. Strategically, I tend to sit near the door for that reason. If the program is engaging, you can always move toward the center or even sit on the floor.

3. Lastly, all these activities would not be possible without having a sensible pair of conference shoes. Whether you are an experienced conference gore or a newbie, you will need sensible shoes because you will be walking a lot and standing on your feet for a long time and this is part of being prepared. Bring with you a bottle of water. Wear clothing with many pockets for pen, pads, business cards, etc.

By: Beth

Beth — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:26:33 +0000

Don’t overlook the discussion/interest group meetings. These can often be more timely than formal programs, and provide more interaction. Discussion topics are often posted on lists, or the conference wiki (http://wikis.ala.org/annual2009/index.php/Main_Page )

By: Christopher Walker

Christopher Walker — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:58:04 +0000

If possible, plan to arrive a bit early for the programs you are most interested in. Some rooms get crowded, some seats have poor sightlines. Spend the extra minutes schmoozing and networking with the other early arrivers – it’s one way to meet attending members who (obviously) share at least one interest with you.

By: Alison

Alison — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:03:34 +0000

Wear comfortable shoes! Dress for warm weather – natural fibers! A backpack is sometimes easier to carry than a tote bag. Don’t try to fill every minute of every day – take some breaks, see something of the city besides the convention center!

By: Rhonda

Rhonda — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:47:36 +0000

Beware the Tuesday no-shows at the Exhibits. Although there are supposed to be rules prohibiting exhibitors from packing up early, many of them begin to remove items from their tables, packing up the swag (give-aways), and even taking down their exhibits one or two — or several — hours before the exhibits end. And some just skip the last day.

By: Olivia

Olivia — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:05:54 +0000

Thanks for writing this! I’ll be attending ALA for the first time this summer & am very excited, but also a teeny worried I’ll ‘miss’ something. Glad to hear advice from the pros.