ALA Executive Director Keith Michael Fiels today announced big changes in Conference Services, including a new arrangement with conference management firm Hall-Erickson that will include replacing Conference Services Director Deidre Ross with Hall-Erickson Vice President Paul Graller, who will act as ALA’s conference services coordinator. The announcement from Fiels to staff:
Effective October 4, the American Library Association will be contracting with Hall-Erickson, a national conference management firm, for a number of conference management functions. Founded in 1952, Hall-Erickson employs 40 individuals and manages 20 exhibitions and conferences for a variety of organizations across the country. They have worked with ALA on the management of the ALA Annual Conference and Midwinter Meeting since 1980.
Under this arrangement, Hall-Erickson’s Vice President Paul Graller will now act as ALA’s Conference Services Coordinator. Overall responsibility for conference services will remain the responsibility of Mary Ghikas, ALA Senior Associate Executive Director for Member Programs and Services. Mary will also serve as staff liaison to the Conference Planning Committee, Exhibits Round Table, and other ALA groups involved in conference program planning.
Paul has worked with ALA for over 20 years. He has served as ALA Director of Conference Services and, as Vice-President at Hall-Erickson, has managed ALA exhibits sales for many years. He brings strong coordination skills, a broad knowledge of ALA, and strong relations with ALA exhibitors to this new position.
Paul will act in place of Deidre Ross, who has served as Director of ALA Conference Services since 1995. Other ALA staff will retain their current responsibilities.
For any questions, please contact Mary Ghikas at mghikas@ala.org (312-280-2518).
