Sunday, May 17, 2009	Photos
Monday, May 18, 2009	Photos
Tuesday, May 19, 2009	Photos
Wednesday, May 20, 2009	Photos
Thursday, May 21, 2009	Photos

Today at the Conference

Monday, May 18, 2009

Photo Gallery

The ALA Annual Conference kicked off on Monday with a live musical performance by The Storyville Stompers during the Opening Breakfast. When Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005, the city needed a strong leader to take charge, restore order, and pave the way for rebuilding. One leader emerged and ultimately changed the course of the disaster: Lieutenant General Russel Honoré, the commanding general of Joint Task Force Katrina. Dubbed the “Category 5 General,” Honoré swept into New Orleans, surveyed the destruction, and took charge, bringing the city back under control and starting the long process of putting it back together.At 7:56 a.m. they played their last song and revved up the crowd for Keynote Address speaker, retired Lieutenant General Russel Honoré. The General, whose session focused on preparedness and leadership, told attendees, "The concept of leadership is a shared responsibility." While the session was entertaining, he also reminded attendees that "To work is a blessing and people need to be reminded of that." Right at 9 a.m. attendees grabbed their first opportunity to take a look at the Exhibit Hall, Silent Auction, and ALA Bookstore before heading to their mid-morning sessions.

The halls soon filled with chatter about which sessions to attend. Top sessions today included “Substance Abuse,” “Spandex Is a Privilege, Not a Right: Law Office Dress Policies.” Also, Gavan O’Shea, Ph.D. (pictured) presented “Leading and Influencing Others: What Works and Why?” During lunch, attendees made their way to the Exhibit Hall, which featured nearly 200 vendors that support the legal profession. Idea Exchanges and Vendor Showcase Sessions filled the afternoon before the big departure for the Chapter Awards Reception.

Monday night concluded with the annual race to the Chapter Awards Reception, where about 75 Chapters and individual members were rewarded for their hard work and achievements for the 2008 year. The Awards Reception provides an opportunity for Chapters to be acknowledged, see what other Chapters have done, get ideas, and cheer on colleagues during a fun-filled reception.

The excitement for the Awards began before the doors even opened, when at 5:29 p.m. attendees were already gathered in the hall. "It’s the funniest thing, like watching grown adults racing after a rock star," said Kimberly Ess of the Minnesota Chapter. After the crowds made their way in, groups screamed and cheered when their Chapter names were called. "It’s exciting to see. The participation is so interesting to watch," said Angela Sparks, of the Knoxville Chapter. For a full listing of all the Chapter Awards winners, be sure to read the June/July issue of ALA News.