In my experience, a large conference hosts roughly 300 people and requires about 20 minutes to peruse the vendors. Needless to say: that is not the PLA experience!
Entering the exhibits hall was overwhelming. There was so much light, noise, crowds, and a sense that I needed to see all the right things in the right order. I clung to my carefully printed and highlighted six pages of author signings and events. Very quickly, I learned to loosen that grip. I chose the least crowded aisle and just strolled. If something caught my eye, I lingered. If it didn’t, I continued on. Before long, I was having a wonderfully fun time.
I was very fortunate to pass Capstone as attendees were lining up to meet Bao Phi and get a signed arc of Ride. It’s gorgeous. Plus, we enjoyed cookies and Vietnamese lemonade while we waited. You can take a sneak peek here, but you can’t enjoy the lemonade.
I was very fortunate to pass Capstone as attendees were lining up to meet Bao Phi and get a signed arc of Ride. It’s gorgeous. Plus, we enjoyed cookies and Vietnamese lemonade while we waited. You can take a sneak peek here, but you can’t enjoy the lemonade.
The back of the exhibits hall contains some quiet spaces with tables and chairs. I found a seat at one to enjoy some snacks and organize all the brochures I don’t remember picking up. Next to me on the table was a double stack of books as long as my arm. A table-mate called this a rookie mistake. You need to pack and carry all those swag books. I’m still excited to take some, but it seems wise to be selective about which ones you bring home.
The back of the exhibits hall also includes networking areas for mentoring, meeting up, or job hunting. Book Buzz has a stage area. This wasn’t in use during the opening reception, but I look forward to returning tomorrow. There is also a How-to stage. This is for shorter, informal presentations. Perhaps these are sessions the organizers wanted to include but couldn’t fit in the schedule. I listened to Clarice Ambler (MSW, Public Services Manager of Edgewater and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Jefferson County Public Library) talk about creating compassionate boundaries. She drew a large crowd so it was hard to hear, but what I caught was great. She spoke about the importance of clarity and consistency when setting boundaries with patrons. I can think of a number of patron interactions that will benefit from her scaffold “When you… I need….”
There were other presenters on the schedule, but given the size of the crowd it seemed fair to wander on and let someone else take my spot.
As the reception wound down, many attendees met up for dinner or drinks. That sounds fun, but after all today’s information and stimulation, I was eager for some hotel yoga and an early night. After all, there are still two more days of this!
Amelia Jenkins (she/her) is a member of the Youth Services staff at the Juneau Public Library. For over 20 years, she has been working with patrons ages 0 to 18 and the adults who care for them. At the Public Library Association Conference, she is most excited about experiencing the many informal connections that happen between all of the amazing sessions. She grew up on a fishing boat and always thought that any job on dry land was terribly glamorous!
Please note that, as a guest post, this content does not represent the official position of ALA or ALSC.
If you are interested in submitting a guest post, please read and fill out our Guest Blogging Interest Form. We would love to hear from you!