Library professionals from the smallest to the largest libraries will learn how to promote the great things happening at their locations.  Whether you have no resources, limited resources or a wealth of resources this event will help you find your voice and communicate your value to your community.

Schedule

9:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Registration and Coffee

10:00 - 10:15 a.m.
Welcome and Introductions

10:15 - 11:15 a.m.
Marketing that Communicates Your Library’s Value

Libraries understand that effective marketing is essential to communicating their vital role and continuing relevance. Learn why much library marketing is not as effective as it could be, what to focus on to have the greatest impact, and how to use the resources you have — no matter how limited — to communicate your library’s value to different segments of your community. Polly Koenigsknecht from the Library Marketing Group will use real life examples of strategic marketing communication from public libraries in Michigan, Indiana and Illinois that went to voters with ballot requests. The examples illustrate how any library can use marketing to convey messages about why it’s worthy of support.
Polly Koenigsknecht, The Library Marketing Group

11:15 - 11:25 a.m.
Break

11:25 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Marketing to Millennials Panel Discussion

They’re college students, entrepreneurs, job seekers, moms and dads.  They are tech savvy, skeptical and passionate.  And they are 86 million strong, approximately 7% larger than the Baby Boomer generation.  They are the Millennials, and they are a challenging demographic to reach and influence.  How can libraries best market to them? How can your message encourage your community Millennials to use the library?  How are Millennials reshaping and redefining the roles of your library?  Here is a unique opportunity for you to hear from those Millennials who work, play and experience your community around you.  Learn what new paradigms are ahead and how your library can better serve the millennial population.
Brittany Hill, Wayne State University; Steven Remenapp, Wayne State University

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Lunch

1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Marketing with a Smile

“Marketing with a Smile” masterfully shows libraries how to employ an “outward” marketing strategy that builds loyalty, retention and long-term relationships with their targeted audiences. The presentation will share ways to build a network of business and media alliances that provide libraries with the opportunity to extend their marketing reach and generate more exposure. These concepts will be communicated in a way that is adaptable to any budget or library size. Join Trenton Smiley as he uses 15 plus years of experience to share how to successfully link library programs and services to the lifestyle of the target audience.
Trenton M. Smiley, Capital Area District Libraries

2:00 - 2:15 p.m.
Break

2:15 - 3:15 p.m.
Marketing – What Works at Your Library?

This is your chance to discuss your effective and amazing marketing campaigns, catchy slogans and much more that help bring patrons in, let them know about new offerings at your library or entice them to sign up for a card.  Find out what has worked, what has failed or how your colleagues have transformed their marketing strategies.  Come prepared with examples and stories to share with your peers, leave with ideas you can implement at your library!

3:15 - 3:30 p.m.
Wrap-up

Registration Rates

Early Bird Rates expire March 4, 2016

*subject to space limitations

In order to qualify for member rates, attendees must hold current individual MLA membership. Organizational membership does not apply. For more information about MLA individual and organizational membership, please visit Membership Value and Benefits.