SIVACRACY.NET: Brush with Greatness, Part 1

I just returned from the Annual American Library Association Conference, the first major conference/tourism event to be held in the post-Katrina New Orleans. I'm always excited to attend the conference -- I get to see good friends and great librarians, I learn many new and exciting things, and I always leave feeling re-energized and ready for battle. This year's event was even more special because it was held in New Orleans.

To be honest, I didn't know what to expect and, having been to the city many, many times in the past, I was more than a little concerned. I can say that based on my very limited exposure (primarily dowtown and the French Quarter), the city is definitely open for business! More importantly, the citizens are ready and waiting for you. From our pilots to the shuttle driver at the airport to the hotel and restaurant staff to the conference volunteers, all 20,000 of us were made to feel welcomed, appreciated, and very much needed. Personally, I was stopped by at least six locals who wanted to shake my hand and thank me for coming, especially in wake of last week's events involving the National Guard. By the way, the city still knows how to throw a party and prices are great, so get on down there, y'all.

Comments

I was there, too. I couldn't agree more with what you said. I had never been to New Orleans so I have nothing to compare it to, but New Orleans is open and ready for business. And having never been there, I wasn't familiar with To Go cups. When I discovered them, I came very close to taking one to a committee meeting... I stopped when I realized I needed to be a professional for a little while.

Everyone was amazingly nice and welcoming. I was also thanked for coming to NOLA. I tipped damn close to every person I saw.

As much as I enjoyed Chicago last year ('cause I was closer to home, family, and friends) this was my best Annual Conference yet.

Posted by: elizabeth | June 28, 2006 02:46 PM

Oh boy, there were more than a few meetings where I would have loved to have brought in a cup of "iced tea"/gin and tonic! Were there any conference events that you aprticularly enjoyed?

Posted by: Catherine | June 29, 2006 06:43 PM

I stuck with the BRASS-sponsored programs since I'm a business librarian. I always enjoy the discussion groups and BRASS Programs. I always discover a lot of useful resources. Then I come back to my library and wonder where I will find the time to do everything I want to do. I sat through the beginning of the opening session--when the ALA president was handing out the Big Checks to the MS and LA Library Associations. I'm in Mississippi so it was nice to see MLA getting the help for the gulf coast libraries. I didn't stay for much more than that. I decided food and drink were more important.

I enjoyed this one because of the people and the city. I met a lot of great people and made some good contact.

Posted by: elizabeth | June 30, 2006 12:04 PM

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