Time is flying by to take advantage of the Early Bird Registration Deadline of October 3

The 2011 WLA Conference on November 1 – 4 in Milwaukee is rapidly approaching and the October 3^rd early bird deadline for special registration pricing will be here even sooner.  The time to act is now!

Before the October 3^rd deadline, think of the early bird as a beautiful Peacock, something attractive, wondrous and almost too good to be true.  By signing up early, you will receive a discounted price on registration to the state’s largest library conference and be instantly entered into the October 4^th drawing for one of two FREE conference registrations.

After the October 3^rd deadline?  Well, think of the early bird as a Dodo.  No longer in existence…bye, bye birdie…extinct!


Why sign up?

You must be new around here!  The WLA Conference is one of the premiere library conferences in the United States, and among the longest running, celebrating its 120^th anniversary this year.  This year’s theme is Libraries A Renewable Resource.

What’s in it for you?

How about a wonderful opportunity to connect with peers from other Wisconsin libraries in one exciting location to find solutions to common problems and celebrate successes?  There will be dozens of breakout sessions to refresh your perspective and plant new ideas; visit with exhibitors sharing the latest products and services your library users need; keynote speakers to make you think, create, laugh and learn; and receptions, parties, tours and awards to help you relax and renew your energy.

Consider kicking off your experience by attending one of the three pre-conference offerings on Tuesday, November 1^st, and winding down that evening at the Vendors' Reception.

Be sure you begin your day on Wednesday, November 2^nd with this year’s keynoter Stephen Abram as he presents FrankenLibraries or Librarytopia: Our Choice.  Then let the educational sessions begin.  (Don’t forget to visit the exhibit area and silent auction area, too!) Take part in either the RASS Luncheon with Mike Gousha, or the YSS Luncheon with New York Times bestselling picture book author/illustrator Tad Hills. Back to the sessions of your choice; take in one of several tours; perhaps take in one of the reunion receptions going on early evening and then consider attending an exciting and fun-filled evening of fun at SPiN Milwaukee in the trendy yet Historic Third Ward for the WLAF Fundraiser: SPiNGALACTIC!


Thursday, November 3^rd promises to be a day of great sessions, great exhibits, more tours, a presentation by this year’s WLA Literary Award Winner, the silent auction conclusion, and an evening recognizing the best in librarianship and support of libraries, the WLA Awards & Honors Banquet.

On Friday, November 4^th, be sure to enjoy a morning of excellent sessions that run the gamut of interesting topics on ethics, library environments, book festivals, specialized children’s programming, social networking, technology, customer service, and more.  And then, following the age old adage “Always leave ‘em laughing,” be sure to attend the President’s Luncheon and enjoy humorist (and original founder of The Onion) Scott Dikkers as he presents The Joy of Swearing.  (Yes, you read that right.)

So sign-up today by clicking here to take advantage of early bird pricing, and I’ll see you in Milwaukee, November 1 -4 at the beautiful Hilton Milwaukee City Center.  “Better to be a Peacock than a Dodo” I always say.  (Well, I’ve never actually said that, but you get the idea.)
--Michael Kenney, 2011 WLA Conference Publicity Chair