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My First ALA National Conference

The promotional materials for the ALA’s 35th Annual Conference and Exposition in Montreal promised “education extraordinaire”.  It delivered.

As I placed my pink 1st Time Attendee ribbon on my name badge, I wasn’t sure what to expect.  Would the conference be worthwhile?  Would I find innovations to assist me in the management of my firm?  Would I feel welcomed by the ALA veterans attending the conference?  Would a magical fairy handle the piles of work that would surely be accumulating during my “rendez-vous” in Montreal?  The quick answers are yes, yes, yes and no, but allow me to elaborate.

After picking up my registration materials in Montreal, I dedicated a lot of time to reading the session descriptions and planning my days.  I chose sessions that related to current hot topics in my firm.  I was very impressed by the knowledge of the speakers, and I was surprised by the new information I was taking back with me to Boston.  The educational sessions served to boost not only my morale, but my interest in my job.  I’m excited about my job again and look forward to implementing many of the policies, processes and ideas obtained in Montreal. 

In between sessions I navigated the rows of vendors in the Exhibit Hall.  I made sure to visit each vendor to thank them and talk to them about the service or equipment they provide.  As a 1st time attendee, I have to admit that I was unprepared for the excitement of the Exhibit Hall.  I was given gifts at just about every booth.  Free gifts!  I was like a kid in a candy store.  But the plethora of stress balls, pens and Goo-Goo’s aside, I received valuable resources for making future planning decisions for my firm.  I found innovative technologies that could relieve the pressures of some of our busier departments.  I met an army of people eager to serve as a resource to my firm.

At the Grand Opening Breakfast, I nervously surveyed the tables, trying to decide where to sit.  I hadn’t yet met any of the other members who were attending from Boston.  I noticed a woman sitting by herself at one of the tables, and asked if I could join her for breakfast.  She was an administrator from Oakland, CA who had attended many conferences.  For the next hour, she answered just about all the questions I had about the conference and became a friendly face I continued to see throughout the week.  Just about everyone who noticed my 1st Time Attendee ribbon gave me smile and an encouraging word or two.  Not only did I enjoy “education extraordinaire”, but I discovered “camaraderie” in Montreal.

When I returned to my office, the piles of work were on my desk, but I felt much more equipped to handle the piles. I was refreshed and armed with new tools to solve old problems.  Turns out there is a magical fairy to handle the work… me (and YOU!)

See you in Las Vegas! 

Allison M. Hale
Firm Administrator
Barron & Stadfeld, P.C.