Is she just looking lost and friendly like you?
Thursday, October 29th, 2009Working through the paperwork covering my desk I happened upon an article I’d set aside to blog about:
“Conferences, I love them. The wonderful buzz as you approach the registration desk, find your name, check which sessions or speakers have been changed. Then the introductions as you wander coffee in hand catching an eye here, straining to read a name tag there. is that woman in green someone you should know, or is she just looking friendly and lost like you?” - that’s what Tricia Genat wrote about conferences in the Autumn edition of ALS Newsline.
It must be the conference season! IFLA, ALIA Library Technicians, ASLA, Top End Symposium, PLA/QPLA, LIANZA with Public Libraries NSW - Metropolitan coming up in a few weeks, yes siree we’re bang smack in the middle of the Conference Season (and they’re just the ones I’ve been to or been invited to!).
Tricia’s right; the buzz at the registration desk is palpable with the organising committee being able to witness the realisation of all of their hard work and delegates anticipating the professional and personal benefits of the days ahead - great keynote speakers, opportunities to sit back and expand your thinking and discussions to be had with vendors.
If you’re off to a conference I would encourage you to act on Tricia’s words and extend the hand of friendship, don’t be a wallflower and don’t let anyone else be either. I judge any conference by the clutch of business cards and promises of things to send and receive I have on my return home. Librarians can be stars at collaboration, make sure you’re firmly in the galaxy!
Cheers
Jan
Jan Richards
ALIA President
