As I prepared for ALA Annual this year, I reflected on my three former Annuals that I was able to attend.
My first conference ever I was still in library school and had no idea what I was doing. Thankfully, it was in my home town, so I drove downtown spent 4 hours being overloaded with vendors in the exhibit hall and then I went home to take a long nap.
The next time I was on a committee. Navigating the shuttles from hotel to hotels took more time than I thought. Meetings were long and prepared us for the Midwinter . I was better prepared, and wasn’t as overwhelmed as the young library student a few years previously.
Last year, I was at Annual. It was in Vegas. It was 105 and chaotic. But I had a plan. I discovered the scheduler online and the program book. I made plans and had options if something did not work out. I thought I planned out everything- until a storm threatened to keep me in hot Vegas for another day.
This year I feel like after the last 3 Annuals I might be finally ready. I have not only a plan but researched Pride and how that IS going to be part of my visit. I know what shuttles to take and where my meetings are. I feel like I am ready to take on the exhibits without taking more than I need back home. I am excited to spend time in San Francisco. I want to eat, drink and see everything. I want to learn all I can from my ALA experience but also I want to enjoy this great city and everything it can offer ( including a once and a lifetime chance to be in San Francisco during the Pride parade!) I’m a librarian; I have researched my butt off. However, I am also ready for a great adventure.