Conventions

Greetings!
Do you like to go to conferences and conventions? I happen to love it. I get to see some new ideas and come back energized to work. There’s something about getting around other educators that is revitalizing and inspiring even if you don’t make any major changes in your program. Sometimes it is nice to just get assurance that you are doing something worthwhile and productive in your classroom.

I have been asked what conferences would be worthwhile to attend. I have some ideas that may interest you.

ALA – The American Library Association holds two major conventions each year. The Midwinter one is usually held someplace warm. This conference is popular because the Newbery, Caldecott, and other medal winners are revealed. The larger one is held in the summer months and is popular because the medal winners give a speech at a banquet. The attendance at these conventions is usually around 18,000 for the summer convention and about 9,000 at the Midwinter one. This convention is geared toward the librarian and more particularly, the public librarian rather than the school librarian. Of course there is plenty for a school librarian, but I did notice that as I walked around the exhibit hall, there were many free books for adults. Did I say ‘Free Books’? Yes, I did. I attended an ALA a few years ago and was amazed at the amount of books that were piled on tables just for the taking. Nearly all of the books were advanced reading copies and nearly all of them were not at all appropriate for a Seventh-day Adventist school library. I get a little thrill reading an advanced reading copy knowing that I am one of the first to read that book. Many of the exhibitors giving books away also have authors signing books. I picked up a copy of Jeff Shaara’s Gods and Generals for my husband and had Jeff sign the copy. For Free!

IRA – The International Reading Association holds one major convention each year held in North America either in the United States or Canada in early May. I believe there are years that they have had a convention in a more exotic place as well such as Australia. Attendees come from all over the world to this convention totaling about 16,000. The sessions are geared toward teachers and literacy. This is the convention that I prefer to attend over ALA. The exhibitors also bring in authors who are signing books. In order not to miss your favorite author, there is a small booklet listing the days, times, and booths where authors will be signing. It is advisable to arrive early and stand in line for some of the authors. At this convention, most of the books are for purchase, however, I noticed that in the last few years there have been quite a few more free copies available. At IRA there are so many sessions to choose from, you need to be quite selective. One year I decided to focus on a particular subject and went to a number of Reader’s Theatre sessions. Another year I focused on listening to authors speak. This is a convention where US attendees may also earn clock hours for attendance at sessions.

BER – The Bureau of Education and Research has excellent one-day workshops. I have attended a number of these and have thoroughly enjoyed each one. The workshops are small enough to receive personal attention and get answers to your questions, the presenters are qualified and entertaining and each attendee leaves with a book filled with the information that was presented during the day. I keep these and use them for reference.

Tips for a good convention:
1. Make out a schedule for yourself. I usually make this on a small card that can fit into my pocket. I list the time slot, room and the session title. I also list other options in case my first choice is filled when I arrive. That way I don’t waste as much time hunting for a second or third choice.
2. Wear a fanny pack. This keeps your arms free. If you must carry a purse, get a travel sized one or one with a long strap that can cross your body.
3. Join the organization. It is usually well worth the yearly dues in order to get lower convention rates. Members also receive other perks that may or may not intrigue you.
4. Wear comfortable shoes! You will be walking a lot.
5. Wear layers as some rooms may be chilly. I usually wear clothing I would wear for school and a lightweight sweater. I used to take a rolling canvas bag that can fold up, but those are no longer allowed at large conventions.
6. Have fun. Learn as much as you can.

I hope you have a great week.
Audrey