by Caitlin Moen, Head Editor, INALJ Louisiana
ALA Conference Tips
Some websites to check out with tips for all you out there planning on attending the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago (or any other large professional conference!):
I am a total introvert and I find I have a better time at conferences if I do a couple things:
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Try to hook up with a more extroverted friend who is willing to take me along to meet some more people in a low pressure way.
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Get involved with groups, communities, etc. to have a reason to be somewhere and a shared interest to start a conversation.
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Talk to vendors – they’re paid to be there and most of them don’t mind chatting! Make sure you’re upfront about your lack of purchasing power though 😉
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Look for the socials, dine arounds, ,etc. where people are drinking and eating and having a good time – awesome opportunity to meet some people.
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Don’t be afraid to hook up with people in person that you’ve only met once or twice (or only met online!!). These can be great connections and seeing these people at conferences may be your only time to really connect in person.
I’ll be at Annual this summer – I’m doing a poster session for Emerging Leaders on Friday and I’m staying the whole weekend. If you want to connect, feel free to hook up with me at http://www.linkedin.com/in/librariancaitlin/. It’s my third ALA Annual and I don’t claim to be an expert, but I am getting a little better at the whole experience! Always happy to share experiences with others and have a push to get me over my introvert hump!
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