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Written by Gail Madziar, MLA Executive Director   

Executive Director's Desk - August 9, 2018

Gail Madziar headshot

As the final weeks of summer fly by, the MLA office is working on annual conference being held October 17-19 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.

This year the MLA Annual Conference Work Group is focusing on how to recharge your batteries. The opening keynote with Brenda Viola helps you Go the Extra Mile (When You're Running on Empty). Even superstars have battle scars and need to re-charge their batteries. Learn the six secrets to getting your mojo back in this inspirational keynote.

Prior to Thursday’s keynote we’ll be presenting the MLA 2018 Fashion Show: Style in the Stacks. We want you to be a part of it. Gather your creative ideas and construct your fashion from anything that can be reasonably expected to be in a library. More information, and a sign-up form will be available on our website next week. Take home bragging rights for the best dressed library staff. You can vote for your favorite fashion with a $10 ticket and all proceeds go to the MLA Scholarship Fund. If you don’t wish to vote be sure to show up for lunch just for fun and to cheer on your colleagues.

As an all-around teacher of style and wardrobe mastery, Thursday Keynote Lunch speaker Patty Buccellato’s specialty is bringing her clients out of the closet with a personal style that suits their body, psyche, and circumstances. She will offer advice on how to help your outward appearance communicate your intentions and help you learn how to Influence Without Words. Nonverbal cues speak volumes. Though we’re not all born gifted communicators, the traits of the masters can be acquired. Infuse new energy into your messages with the Three Secrets of Stellar Communicators. Learn how you and your staff can master the messages sent between your words for impactful outcomes in every interaction.

Plan to join our GCSI lobbyist Gary Owen on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at 2:15 for an update on the latest legislation impacting libraries. Find out what to expect with the November elections. Register here.

Your Professional Connection and Poster Reception is back this year on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at 5:45 - 6:45 p.m. The event is free but be sure to pre-register. This casual, inclusive reception is designed to bring emerging professionals, local MLIS program alumni and established library professionals from all backgrounds together to learn about innovative new projects, network and grow professionally. Whether your goal is to make new connections, explore collaboration opportunities, or simply put faces with names, this event will help you grow your network. Students are welcome and encouraged to attend. Appetizers are included, and a cash bar will be available.

Thursday night will be time to have some fun. Join your colleagues for dinner and afterhours fun at Paradise Park! Network with colleagues during a round of miniature golf or opt for a friendly game of laser tag. Ticket price includes a dinner buffet, one drink ticket and one activity ticket. Choose from Go Karts, Climbing Wall, Miniature Golf, Spaceship Simulator, Trampoline Center, Laser Tag, Miniature Bowling and Euro Bungy Dome.

The Michigan Author Award winner will be honored at the lunch on Friday and the State Librarian’s lunch has moved to Wednesday this year. Tickets are available for both luncheons. The winner of the Library of Michigan Foundation’s State Librarian’s excellence Awards will be honored Wednesday.

Following a full conference schedule, it would be good to kick back and relax, right? Not after you listen to Maxine Bleiweis spur us on to take what we’ve heard and experienced over the conference and put in into practice. Listen and be inspired to turn your notes and conversations into action as you hear how someone with seemingly little chance for success looked at the world with a different lens after being challenged by her circumstances.

There is so much more planned, both new and classic to enjoy and learn from, you won’t want to be left out of MLA2018. I hope to see you there. You can register here.

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