Just a few more days

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I’m really starting to think about getting ready to go to conference. There are lots of things I’m looking forward to – of course the Teens and Technology Institute and the gaming night – but also getting to see people that I’ve met through various projects with YALSA. One of the best things about working on YALSA Committees and special projects is the chance to meet other people, find out what’s going on in their library and work, and build networks.

I discovered that the people I’ve met in YALSA are people I get to connect with in other parts of my life and are people that I often refer others to. It’s great to find out what’s happening in other libraries and then when I’m back in the real world – after conference – I can tell others who might want to do something similar.

I also discovered that I never remember why I took someone’s business card. So, now I know for me it’s a good idea to write a note on each of the cards that I take so when I get back to regular old work I’ll know why I wanted to contact that person.

It would be interesting to know the techniques that others use to network during conference. Of course there are meetings, dinners, and receptions. Those are all good venues for finding out what’s going on in other people’s library worlds.

Posted in: Conferences and Symposia ⋅ Tagged:

About Linda W Braun

Linda W Braun is a YALSA Past President, the YALSA CE Consultant, and a learning consultant/project management coordinator at LEO: Librarians & Educators Online.

2 Thoughts on “Just a few more days”

  1. Linda Braun [Member] on January 16, 2006 at 9:16 am said:

    The best thing that someone can do at conference is not be shy about introducing themselves. If you’re a first time attendee, don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to the person you’re standing beside at a reception or awards program. And if you’ve been attending conferences for a long time, don’t just stick with your old friends but try to say hello to at least three new people at every event. Pam Spencer Holley

  2. tlesesne [Member] on January 16, 2006 at 11:51 am said:

    My first couple of conferences, I worked up the nerve to walk up to people and introduce myself to them. I made sure I talked to everyone at the table at the luncheon/dinner/meeting. I filled out the volunteer forms as well.

    What has been so rewarding for me is becoming involved. I was happy to take any committee position and to learn about the organization from the inside.

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