Speakers: Taylor Worley, Eugene Public Library; Patrick Bodily, Independence Public Library; Shirley Roberts, Oregon Library Association; Anne Campbell, North Douglas School District
Description
Join 2024 conference committee members for a casual conversation and brainstorm about what we’d like to see from future OLA Conferences. Provide feedback and help shape this collaborative, professional learning experience. This time is also a great opportunity to learn more about what it’s like to serve on the conference committee or even volunteer for future conference roles.
Questions to be discussed:
- Why do you attend conferences and what do you hope to get out of your conference experience(s)?
- How does the annual OLA conference fit into your wider professional development plan/schedule/etc.?
- What factors play into your personal decision to attend and/or your employer’s decision to send you to a conference?
- What are some perennial hurdles or disappointments with conferences?
- What type of reporting, sharing, or training is expected of you on behalf of your employer as part of your attending a conference?
- What types of opportunities, activities, learning experiences, etc. would you like to see at a future conference?
- What topics and/or themes would you love to see covered at a future conference?
- What format(s) do you find most engaging and informative? Do you prefer straight-up presentations, facilitated conversations, interactive workshops and activities, or something completely different?
- Whose voice feels loudest at a conference? Who do you see represented by the committee, the programs and sessions, the activities? Who and what is missing?
- If you could add anything to the conference, even if you’ve never thought of it as part of a conference experience before, what would it be?
- Have you ever considered presenting or facilitating a conversation at a conference previously, or even volunteering as an organizer? Why or why not? What has encouraged you to or hindered you from doing so?
If unable to attend this session and are interested in being on the 2025 OLA Conference Committee, email Taylor Worley, OLA Conference Chair 2025, [email protected]
Material provided
Building a Conference – Building a Conference – Discussion Outline – Worley, Taylor