TREMENDOUS, EXCITING, AMAZING
CLA Conference, 2010
by Randi Ashton-Pritting
If I was to type one word that would describe the 2010 conference it would be tremexcamazing. Not a word you say? Actually, one word would not describe the conference. Tremendous, exciting, amazing would describe it. But I said one word, so I cheated.
Over the past many months the Conference Committee: Debbie Herman, Jamie Hammond, and Mona Scully-Smith have put together one heck of a conference. As you read through the conference information in this issue of Connecticut Libraries, you can see the range and quality of programming and sessions. You see that the Committee has paid attention to the recommendations and suggestions from past years when they thought out this conference. With the help of Pam Najarian, the Committee is making sure this conference is the best of the best!
Not only have they worked extremely hard at getting the best of the best, but they have tied in the best theme – Our Common Ground. As much as we are different we are the same. We may work in very different libraries with very different missions but, we all have patrons. Some of our patrons are infants, some adults working on genealogy, some are students in the academic institutions around the state. But, we all have patrons! We are all working with people seeking everything from jobs, to scholarships, to story hours. As much as we are different we are the same. So, this year’s conference is well named – Our Common Ground.
The Committee worked hard with the Mohegan Sun to provide us with the best venue for the event. When you begin making your plans include the hotel in your plans. The rooms are beautiful; the conference center is perfect. Between the Committee and the Mohegan Sun, we got a great deal! And for that reason the Committee is able to keep our expenses down and provide us with the best of programs.
The Mohegan Sun is able to provide us with our own dining room – we can actually eat together for lunch. That hasn’t happened from many years. Now, they are working on very special arrangements for an evening social. And let’s not forget about FREE valet parking. The Mohegan Sun grounds are gorgeous for all you early morning joggers.
So, as you make plans to attend, think about joining us on Sunday evening and staying until Tuesday. This year has been a tough one on all levels – our budgets, staffing, book censoring, and don’t forget the State budget woes (as if we could). We have a lot to celebrate! There are libraries receiving the best of the best awards, students receiving scholarships, grass root programs, and authors, authors and more authors. Come learn new things, different ways of doing stuff, meet with the vendors, and enjoy each others company.
The vendors play an extremely important role in our conference as Rob Simon and his committee will tell you. So, meet with them, please tell them thank you for continuously supporting what we do. Without the vendors our conference expenses would be much higher.
The conference registration is open and ready and it has been streamlined to make things very easy for you. Come and join us for the fun.
So, HATS and HORNS to Debbie, Jamie, Mona, Rob, and Pam for one heck of an incredible conference!