Making the Most of Conference
Meet people, educate yourself, have fun! Here are some tips.
Conference Center Logistics
- The 2016 MLA Conference will be held at the Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis.
- Keep traffic in mind if you're not planning to stay overnight. Getting to the Cape can take extra time during commuting hours.
- Use maps and signs to find your way around the building, or ask at the registration desk.
Planning Your Conference
- Set goals for what you want to get out of the conference. Look for programs that apply to your library or job.
- Follow the conference on Twitter (hashtag #masslib16).
- Attend at least one session that gives you the opportunity to step outside your comfort zone.
- First-time attendees are eligible to participate in a program that provides them with conference Mentors. To sign up for a Mentor, complete the online form.
During Sessions
- Get to sessions early for prime seating. If you're late, feel free to come in and stand in the back.
- Be courteous to presenters and people around you. Set your phone to vibrate.
- Feel free to request that speakers use the microphone.
- Take notes to refer to later.
- Ask questions. It's likely that others have the same questions as well.
Between Sessions
- Visit the exhibit hall and speak with vendors. They make our conference possible.
- Enter the Basket Raffle to win cool prizes and support the MLA.
- Attend social events such as receptions, mixers, meals, and Trivia. Don't be afraid to be yourself and have fun.
- Engage with other librarians--they're a wealth of information. Many of the attendees have years of experience and have been conference presenters.
Networking
- Conference is a great opportunity to get acquainted with people who inspire you, make introductions for you, and possibly be future referrals or references.
- Bring business cards!
- Make sure your name badge is visible.
- Sit next to someone unfamiliar introduce yourself.
- Attend Guerrilla Storytime and YA Slam on Tuesday, especially if you're interested in children's services.
- Attend the Career Mixer and Cocktail Reception on Monday night.
- Participate in the One Book, One Conference by reading Two if By Sea by Jacquelyn Mitchard. A book discussion will be held on Monday.
Conference Career Center
- The Career Center will be open every day of the conference and offers resources for those looking to take the next step in their profession.
- Attendees can drop by to speak with a career counselor or they can book an appointment for more in-depth discussion or resume review.
- The center will be open 11:00am-3:00pm on Monday and from 10:00am-3:00pm on Tuesday and Wednesday.
- After registering for the conference, schedule an appointment by completing the online form.
- On Wednesday from 11:15am-12:30pm, the center will be holding a Mini-Career Fair where job-seekers can drop off resumes and ask questions of a selection of employers looking to fill positions.
Learning about MLA
- Visit our website.
- Visit the MLA table in the exhibit hall.
- Get involved!
After the Conference
- Complete session and conference evaluations. Feedback helps conference organizers plan future conferences.
- Bring your newfound energy and knowledge back to your library. Share and discuss with your co-workers and implement the new ideas you learned.
- Send follow-up emails or notes to people who especially interested you.
Adapted from the NELA Conference publication of the same name.