Tomorrow I leave for my first ALA midwinter. The build up has been lord of the rings style epic. It has definitely been long. Applications for the Emerging Leaders program were due way back in the summer and announcements weren’t made until well into the fall. My inbox has been inundated by vendor solicitations for almost two months. There are more receptions and lunches and breakfasts than there are hours in the day.
I’ve certainly been to busy conferences before–Computers in Libraries is pretty much non-stop madness (and other things). But the ALA meet-ups seem particularly daunting. I have to figure out the Boston public transportation while navigating a new city while trying to decide which meeting or reception or showcase might be more exciting/fun/informative while, oh yeah, reminding myself that I might need to sleep some and eat more than pub food and beer. Whew! I’ll need a vacay after all that.
But, I am looking forward to the madness. I’m especially excited about our Emerging Leaders group. We’ve been connecting through Facebook and Twitter for a month or two. I love seeing the personalities emerge virtually through the intertubes; from our event planners, Librarian JP and Darcel Jones, to my roomie, Tara, to Justin, the man on a tattooing mission, it seems like a fun and diverse bunch. I have a good feeling about this.
So, for now I sleep. Tomorrow it begins. See you all in Boston.
Your blog expressed it so well! I’m really looking forward to meeting you, and our EL class, soon
It has, in fact, begun! I am 2 hours into the 8ish hour trip from rural Arkansas to the Boston Sheraton (car + plane + shuttle). There is so much excitement afoot … I hope I don’t run out before arriving at the EL meeting Friday morning! Happy travels!