The Curtain is Rising on the 2011 WLA Conference, November 1 – 4, in Milwaukee

Question: The Wisconsin Library Association and Carnegie Hall.  What Do They Share in 2011?
Both the WLA and Carnegie Hall have set the standards by which others are measured; both bring people of all ages and backgrounds together; both represent professionalism at the highest level; both are steeped in tradition; both can claim an Andrew Carnegie connection; and both celebrate their 120th Anniversary in 2011!

Make Beautiful Music Together
Join your peers at the 2011 WLA Conference in celebrating WLA’s 120th Anniversary.  Begin your celebration by attending any of the excellent pre-conference sessions.  Sessions include Leading Through Communication; Lightning Fast Succession Planning; or Tell Me What Democracy Looks Like.  Then continue your celebration Tuesday evening with your friends and colleagues at the opening night Vendor Reception at the Hilton, featuring hors d’ oeuvres and a cash bar.


Carnegie Hall…Frontier Airlines Center & Exhibition Hall…Both Strike a Chord
Don’t get me wrong, both are beautiful halls.  But let’s be real here…Can Yo-Yo Ma give you a great deal on RFID technology?  Has Placido Domingo ever offered you advice on an architectural upgrade to your library?  And don’t even get me started on Itzhack Perlman…
The reality is, with over 70 vendors taking part in this year’s WLA Conference Exhibits, you can open your ears to the tune of great savings, exclusively for conference attendees!  You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the latest products and services your library users need.  And while you’re in the exhibition area, you can bid on Silent Auction items, also located in the exhibit hall.  You’ll also be happy to note that the breaks in the exhibit hall do not conflict with the many excellent programs!


Conduct Some Business…Create Some Harmony
After a day of orchestrating your schedule to take in top tier programming and business meetings, relax and unwind with old friends at the alumni receptions hosted by UW-Milwaukee SOIS at the Pabst Mansion or the UW Madison SLIS at the Hilton. And if you’re into “tweeting” may we direct you to the Tweet-up and
Meet-up at the Miller Time Pub?


Say Bravo to the WLAF’s SPiNGALACTIC Extravaganza
Attend an exciting and fun-filled evening of entertainment at SPiN Milwaukee in the trendy yet Historic Third Ward for the WLAF Fundraiser: SPiNGALACTIC!  Enjoy friends and friendly competition at this unique 16,500 square foot table tennis social club, which sports 12 top quality table tennis courts.  Your $35 ticket covers table tennis, one drink, light snacks and a $20 charitable contribution to WLAF to benefit the campaign for Wisconsin Libraries.  Cash bar available and shuttle service provided.


If it ain’t Baroque, don’t fix it!
We know we’ve got a good thing going here.  With the experience and expertise of 120 years to draw from, the WLA has learned how to put together a conference that meets and exceeds all expectations.   It’s our forte!  We promise you great sessions, great exhibits, dynamic tours and a wonderful opportunity to connect with peers from other Wisconsin libraries. We’ve got excellent keynote speakers that will make you think; you’ll create, laugh and learn; and the host of receptions, parties, tours and awards we offer will help you gain new energy and insights.  BTW, our host hotel, the Hilton Milwaukee City Center Hotel, is recognized as the city’s finest hotel…why shouldn’t it host the state’s finest library professionals?
For those of you already registered, I know I’m just singing to the choir, but for any who’ve had any reservations about attending; take note… whether a fan of Carnegie Hall or a Carnegie Library, the curtain goes up on the 2011 WLA Conference next week for the performance of the year!  I hope to see you in Milwaukee.  (Tux optional)
Best,
--Michael Kenney, Maestro
2011 WLA Conference Publicity Chair