With the early bird registration quickly closing (ends May 15), you might be debating whether to register for NJLA’s preconference. Here are 8 reasons why you definitely should go for it!

1. Pre-conference sessions dive deeper in topics that you care about. We have a schedule packed with excellent PD and training. The longer sessions during pre-conference allow us to offer programming that wouldn’t work as well condensed.

2. It’s all about networking! It seems like “personal branding” are buzz words these days. Learn how to turn your passion into prosperity with Karen Yankovich’s workshop, I want to know her! How to leverage your network and your personal brand. This exciting session will be from 10am - 1pm on Wednesday, May 29th.

3. No one wants to think about worst case scenarios, but in today’s world it’s critical to be prepared for everything and anything During pre-conference this year, we’re offering Active Shooter Training in a powerful session that will train you how to react and survive in an active shooter situation. The session will be from 10am - 1pm on May 29th.

4. Budgets are on everyone’s mind these days, and grants are an excellent revenue source to tap into. Feel like your grant proposals could use some work? Take your grant writing to the next level with the session What makes a proposal great? Beyond the basics of grant writing for your library, from 10am - 1pm on May 29th.

5. Are you health literate? Do you frequently get asked health related reference questions? Then you should definitely check out the session The all of us research program and public libraries: New opportunities for health literacy, happening from 2pm - 5pm on May 29th.

6. Hone your management skills with the session Guiding your library in year-round learning and training. Your staff will be customer service superstars in no time! This session is from 2pm-5pm on May 29th.

7. Hear from those outside of Libraryland. Outreach and inclusion are buzzwords these days. Presenters from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia will share their expertise on how to create programs accessible to children of various needs. The session Exclusively Inclusive: Tips and strategies from professionals outside Libraryland will take place from 2pm - 5pm on May 29th.

AND FINALLY

8. You get more conference! Attending pre-conference is a great way to kick off #NJLA2019 with more opportunities for inspiration, engagement, and networking.