| 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
Photo Gallery
 The ALA Educational Conference hasn’t officially begun, yet the New Orleans Morial Convention
Center was swarming with early registrants all day. The golf outing and Certified Legal Manger (CLM)SM exam
drew some early attendees, but what really pulled everyone together were the evening events.
 On a shuttle just before 5 p.m., I ran into first-time Conference attendee, Ana Helton, from St. Louis, Missouri.
She decided to join us for the ALA Newcomers Orientation, where new Conference attendees had the opportunity
to meet the Board of Directors, Regional Officers, and the ALA Conference Committee. Attendees here learned what
they could expect from the Annual Conference and Arthur Bernstein reminded the newcomers not to stay in their
rooms but to, "Do everything you can!" The event rounded out with giveaways from the Regional Teams and a
personal story from Annual Conference Committee Chair, Martha Bunn Youngblood, who reflected on her first
experience at the Newcomers Orientation. "It was a great group of people who welcomed me in."
 Just after 7 p.m. on the way to the Welcome Reception, I met up with first-time attendee Julia Strickland, CLM,
from Little Rock, Arkansas. On a scholarship as her Chapter’s President, Strickland said she was hopeful that, "After attending
the ALA Annual Conference, I will bring back the knowledge and resources that will create a reason for my firm to send me again."
She also noted the abundant networking opportunities, particularly with members from not only across the United States, but
internationally as well. "This opportunity has enlightened me to the strength of ALA, my career, and the profession itself."
 After chatting with Strickland, we made our way into the ALA Welcome Reception to celebrate the arrival ALA members for
their week of educational sessions and events. The reception was complete with hors d’oeuvres, dancing, live bands, and at
8 p.m. sharp, a bananas foster presentation that sure fired up the crowd.
By night’s end, members, vendors, the ALA Board, and staff alike were "jazzed" for the exciting week ahead.
Stay tuned; Annual Conference coverage and photos continue tomorrow morning!
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