20 Reasons You Should Make the 2015 Conference the Best Yet!
Plus other good stuff that you need to know to really make the most of it.
#NJLA15
2015 NJLA Conference registration is officially open! Find everything you need here: http://njlaconference.info/content/registration-now-open
Making the case for time off and support for travel and expenses to attend a conference requires a solid understanding of the potential benefits to your institution, supervisor, and colleagues. And you need to be able to communicate those benefits clearly -- especially in times of libraries being “on the edge,” complete with tight budgets and reduced staff. In the blog posts ahead, you’ll find lots of great information for both WHY this Conference is worth attending, as well as HOW to sell it being an essential experience.
Here are 20 reasons why you should most definitely make sure that you register right now for the 2015 NJLA Conference!
- Jason Griffey (creator of TheLibraryBox) and Rich Harwood (currently working with ALA on a project called Libraries Transforming Communities)
- The President’s Program featuring Joe Connolly
- Luncheons: honoring books and authors, technology, research and more
- An updated & newly renovated Ocean Place Resort & Spa
- Getting signed books!
- Exciting & In-depth preconference programs
- Ride- and room-sharing
- Awards ceremonies
- NETWORKING
- Meeting authors!
- Relaxing breaks at the Jersey Shore
- Poster sessions
- Visiting the Exhibits to meet vendors and see product demos
- Unique finds at the NJLA store
- Lightning Lunches & Tech Talks
- All. The. Programs!
- Elevator pictures :)
- Something for everyone, even our Friends and Trustees
- Adult beverages & resume tips
- Mixers (another word for networking)
And here are some tips for how to show your supervisor why you should register right now for the 2015 NJLA Conference!
- Get the costs together.
Show how much you can save if you register and book travel and accommodations early. Consider factoring in the savings for traveling together with a colleague or co-worker. Or use our ride-share / room-share service to find a fellow librarian to drive down and/or split a room with. - Look at the njlaconference.info website. Identify practical sessions, events, speakers, exhibitors, and programs that can help you do your job better. Talk to co-workers unable or unlikely to attend and identify what information you could bring back to your library to help them.
- Share preconference and regular session information with your supervisor to see which programs they think would be the greatest benefit to your workplace.
- Put together a draft plan for when you get back! Discuss how you’ll share what you learned at the conference, including notes on sessions, discussion groups, vendors, and other useful conversations. Promise to focus on implementing at least one new idea that pays back many times the investment of time and money!
- Put your request in writing -- use this sample memo and this budget worksheet if they are helpful. (Thanks to ALA for sharing these great templates!)
Find more details at http://njlaconference.info.