The New Jersey Library Association Conference is the single biggest professional development opportunity for New Jersey librarians, library staff and library supporters. This three day event is informative, energizing, and fun!
But regardless of whether you’re a first time or a long time attendee, it can also be overwhelming! So we’re here to help. We’ve put together a list of suggestions from the experts for hacking NJLA and making the most of your conference experience.
Carpool to Conference
Traveling to Long Branch with a friend or colleague isn’t just good for the environment, it’s also a great way to enhance your conference experience. Sometimes it’s these casual, informal conversations that lead to your next big idea! NJ librarians are a smart and savvy bunch. So make the most of the time you have by turning the Conference commute into a fun and engaging road trip!
Visit the Exhibitors 
One of the best ways to find out what’s hot in libraries right now is to visit the exhibitors! Library companies far and wide will be coming to Long Branch to demonstrate their new products and share information with Conference attendees. When you stop by the vendor booths to say hello, be sure to thank them. Without support from our sponsors and exhibitors, our NJLA Conference just wouldn’t be possible.
Find the Free Coffee
Whether you need the extra caffeine, or you’re just catching up with friends (old & new), you’ll want to be on the lookout for the #freecoffee opportunities at Conference including the Exhibits Grand Opening Tuesday morning, and the State Librarian’s Breakfast on Wednesday. If you find other #freecoffee events, be sure to Tweet them, tagging @njla_conf to help others!
Brown Bag Luncheons
We offer several great ticketed luncheons including the Presidential Inaugural, Garden State Book Awards, and College and University Section luncheons. But we also offer Lunch & Learn on sponsored by the Reference Section on Tuesday, and Lightning Tech Talks on Wednesday. Both programs are brown bag luncheons, which means all you have to do is grab your lunch to go and pop in to either program. Lunch & learn will be a free form event with conversation starters and the opportunity to discuss trends in libraries and reference services. The Lightning Tech Talks will feature of a variety of short presentations on emerging technology topics. If you want to find out what’s hot in library technology, do not miss this brown bag luncheon!
Always Stop for Selfies
Your schedule will likely be jam-packed with programs, luncheons, panels, poster sessions, social events, and more. But you should still take time for selfies in the hallway with friends and colleagues. There’s no better way to create memories of the Conference than posing for a quick photo. (And extra points for group elevators pics!) Share them with us on social media by using #njlaselfies.
Don’t Be Shy
Time and again, attendees tell us that their favorite part about the NJLA Conference is networking, meeting new people, and seeing old friends. New Jersey is home to some of the most bright, innovative and engaging librarians in the world (i.e. you). The Conference offers plenty of opportunities to talk, connect, and share ideas. So pack your business cards and don’t miss a single social event! Some of our favorite social events include the New Librarian, Library Student & Mentor Happy Hour, Bonfire on the Beach, Director's Meetup, and (new this year) Librarians on the Edge of Fashion!
Maker Play
The trend of hands-on learning experiences in libraries continues to evolve, and representatives from the Emerging Technologies section will be on-hand to show you what it’s all about. Staff from library makerspaces will be demonstrating some of their favorite gadgets and gizmos on Tuesday, 2:30-4:00 pm in the Exhibits Hall. One of the best ways to convince administrators and funders about the value of hands-on learning is to actually get some of these great tools into their hands. So grab your free ice cream in the Exhibits Hall at 2:30, then come by the Maker Play table. And bring your director!
Follow #NJLA15
There are great conversations happening in-person, but some of the best discussions are the back-channel conversations happening in real time. Follow the official #njla15 hashtag on Twitter to learn and discover which sessions resonate most with other attendees.