We've got plenty of knowledge and resources to provide you with over the next few days, but on Sunday night, ALA was your connection to networking. The ALA Annual Conference & Exposition kicked off in the afternoon with a Newcomers/VIP Reception to acquaint new attendees. "The focus of this Conference is building relationships," said Conference Chair Julie Brandsness in her welcome speech – and members did just that with a networking game. The event ended on a high note when event sponsor Thomson Reuters gave away a flip video camera to winner Brian Matter, CLM, and several other attendees won Regional Conference registrations.

Immediately following, attendees flocked to the ballroom for the annual Chapter Awards Program, sponsored by Quill. It was an energetic start with members proudly cheering for their regions. The first award presented was the ALA Quest Award, going to Matthew Katz of the Wisconsin Chapter. Chapters won awards for everything from Newsletter Excellence to Achievements in Diversity. Cheers could be heard all the way down the hall, and attendees were glowing when they left for the Welcome Reception.

Sponsored by ABA Retirement Funds, the poolside Welcome Reception was the perfect site for capping the night. Hugs were aplenty, connections were made and laughter filled the air. Attendees danced to a three-piece band and soaked up the sunset in this relaxing outdoor space.

By kicking off the ALA Annual Conference with not one, but three networking opportunities, members had a chance to truly connect and prepare for the upcoming busy days of education and opportunities to learn about resources from business partners in the Exhibit Hall.

Did we mention that you can connect with us, as well? The staff here at ALA headquarters are easy to spot with logo pins, and you can find us at the ALA Booth, the new Welcome Desk and the Registration Desk should you need any assistance during the week. As Julie Brandness said in the Newcomers/VIP Reception, "If in doubt, ask. We're always willing to help."

And whether you're attending the Conference or not, be sure to visit the online photo gallery and join in the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #ALAconf.

Keynote speaker Dan Heath opened the ALA Conference Monday morning to present his session, "SWITCH: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard." ALA Conference Chair Julie Brandsness, President Rita Alli and session sponsor Thomson Reuters provided the opening remarks, and the group Amerikids warmed the audience with their adorable choir performance. In his session, Heath advised attendees, "Focus on what's working and how to clone it – not on what's broken and how to fix it."

After the Keynote, it was opening day for business partners, and the booths had plenty of traffic. Regional teams promoted their fall conference in the ALA booth, and attendees perused the ALA Bookstore and made bids on Silent Auction items. The speed-dating style "Coffee and Connections" event and new Business Matters! sessions allowed attendees to connect with and learn from business partners.

The day concluded with "Connections – A Networking Reception" held in the Exhibit Hall. There were giveaways, live music, a photo booth and even basket weaving. While, Monday was a great start with all the knowledge, resource and networking, Brandsness had a good message for attendees, "The best ideas are those you act on after the conference."
 

This morning started with the David W. Brezina Memorial General Session, "It's Okay to be the Boss" presented by Bruce Tulgan. President-Elect Karen Griggs, CLM, made opening remarks and handed it over to former ALA President, Dick Nigon, CLM, who is on the FALA Board of Trustees. FALA – the Foundation of the Association of Legal Administrators – was the sponsor of Tulgan's session. His speech included the seven myths that prevent managers from real empowerment.

In the Exhibit Hall, more Business Matters! sessions took place and attendees rushed to place bids on the Silent Auction as it ended at 2:00. While the onsite auction has concluded, the online Silent Auction will remain open until May 31. Business partners held giveaways all afternoon for everything from iPads to conference registrations, and regional teams continued their engaging promotions in the ALA booth.

Idea Exchanges filled the afternoon, including one on diversity and another on technology, presented by Adriana Linares. Sessions took place like Kill Bill(able), It's Chemistry Not Character: Substance Abuse in the Workplace. Former ALA Executive Director John Michalik presented Creating and Maintaining an Extraordinary Managing Partner/Administrator Team. His book The Extraordinary Managing Partner debuted at the ALA Conference this year, and the title is now available in the ALA Bookstore online.

With an open evening, many business partners planned outings for members, and others met onsite for the very first ALA Conference tweetup. Overall, Tuesday proved to be another great day for knowledge, resources and networking.
 
 

On Wednesday, the final day of the Conference, attendees were up bright and early for prize drawings in the Exhibit Hall and for Silent Auction winner announcements. Whether you attended the Conference or not, remember that you can still bid on the online Silent Auction items until May 31.

Midday, the ballroom filled for the annual Association Luncheon, which recognizes the many members who comprise ALA's leadership corps, honors outstanding volunteers and serves as an inauguration of the new ALA President.

Conference Chair Julie Brandsness welcomed attendees and Rita Alli made introductions of the Past Presidents, Board of Directors and Regional Management Teams. ALA Executive Director Larry C. Smith talked about future ALA initiatives, including increased online education. "We're here to serve you, and we are listening," Smith said. Alli then presented the Spirit of ALA Award to member John Kirk, CLM. She ended the speech by sharing her own experiences of growing from a new ALA member in 1995 to becoming the ALA President. "Take things one step at a time," she advised. "It's amazing where it can lead." Officially ending her term as President at the Association Luncheon, Alli then passed the gavel to 2011-2012 President Karen Griggs, CLM.

Attendees spent their last afternoon in educational sessions such as Contagious Confidence and Contagious Culture along with Is the Medium the Message? Social Media and Marketing. These afternoon sessions concluded the education portion of the Conference, and attendees relaxed in the evening and said their farewells to others at the Grand Finale Event: An Evening on Broadway.