This is the year! I'm headed to the Annual ALA Conference! It's scheduled to be in Chicago this summer, so it's perfect timing and as close as it's ever going to be. I can't wait! I'm completely overwhelmed with it all right now. I'm trying to plan out the best way for me to go without breaking the bank. This conference is going to be more than my allowed professional development budget from the school. But thats okay, I'm still going.
I've been Googling away since I decided I was going. I've found several blogs from veterans and first-timers. I'm just not sure what applies to me most. For instance, I've read several times that I should have business cards ready to pass out. I'm not sure that I'm going to the conference for networking. I'm a school librarian, not a public librarian...will there be THAT many school librarians to network with? Also, I'm not looking for a job...do I really need business cards? I'm still debating. Because while I think they are somewhat outdated and an expense I don't need to add to my conference list, I have had a LOT of fun playing around with VistaPrint. A lot of people have also talked about all the free books/stuff they go home with and needing to ship it home. I'm planning on driving from Iowa with friends. Between luggage and people I might end up needing to ship things home, but how much stuff can you really expect to have?! I'm hoping for the best but planning for the worst at this point.
I love that the conference is scheduled in the middle of the summer. As a school librarian I've got no professional conflicts. And Chicago is a fun city for a mini vacation! I'm hoping to have some time for site-seeing. I've been to Chicago a million times, but I really do enjoy it. The only thing about summer is the heat. I'm a little concerned about going inside/outside all day long in June/July weather. But I'll just have to hope for some nice breezes off the lake! I'm generally too hot rather than too cold so I'll plan for that and deal with what comes I guess.
It's months away and how knows what might pop up but I hope I actually get to do this!
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