What I’m Doing at ALA Annual Conference | Laurie D. Borman

The editor and publisher of American Libraries shares her conference itinerary

June 27, 2013

Thursday, June 27
After admiring all the Chicago Blackhawks flags, logos, and even helmets on the Art Institute’s lions (pictured) on my way to my hotel, I’ll check in and head over to the air-conditioned comfort of McCormick Place. This is a day to set up our onsite editorial office for blogging and reporting everything Annual. (Don’t forget to tag tweets #ala2013!) In the evening, I’ll join a gathering of former ALA presidents and Library Champions, which is always an inspiring event. Before I turn in, I’ll check out where the Stanley Cup is. I’d like to see it up close.

Friday, June 28
Today will be packed with meetings, reports to the Publishing Committee, and an Emerging Leaders poster session before the Opening General Session kicks off. But I hope to sneak out to see the Blackhawks Stanley Cup Parade, which is expected to start near my hotel. Come evening, I’ll be headed to one of my favorite Chicago landmarks, the Chicago Cultural Center, for the 40th anniversary celebration of the Intellectual Freedom Round Table, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. The huge Tiffany glass dome at the Cultural Center just sparkles. Afterward, I’ll drop in before midnight at the president-elect and treasurer-elect reception to toast them good luck.

Saturday, June 29
The next morning, from 8:30 to 10 a.m., I’ll attend and blog about The Promise of Libraries Transforming Communities: A Presidential Initiative Update, followed by lunch with the American Libraries Advisory Board committee at my son’s favorite Chinatown spot, Joy Yee’s. Our board meets in the afternoon. Afterward, I’ll be busy writing and posting my blog entries at the ALA Office. It’s nice to chat with the staff of Cognotes—the daily conference newspaper—and check out the photos and videos submitted.

Sunday, June 30
If the buses are too crowded, my secret weekend transportation to McCormick Place will be the South Shore electric train, which runs from Millennium Park right to the conference hall in less than 10 minutes. Council I meets in the morning, and my assignment is to cover each of the sessions. I’ll also be working with one of our editors on the ALA Awards Presentation coverage, so this is a day of reporting, writing, and editing. It’ll also be a good day to walk the exhibit hall, meet with advertisers, and check out new releases and library trends.

Monday and Tuesday, July 1 and 2
These days are filled with Council meetings, blogging, and photography. Tuesday features the Inaugural Brunch, which is a great time to catch up with friends and meet new ones.

LAURIE D. BORMAN is editor and publisher of American Libraries magazine.

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