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 MLA 2022 ANNUAL CONFERENCE HOME  |  REGISTRATION  |  VENUE AND HOTEL  |  SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE  |  FEATURED SPEAKERS  |  BREAKOUT SESSIONS  |  SPECIAL EVENTS  |  EXHIBITORS  |  MAKE THE CASE TO ATTEND  |  TIPS FOR FIRST TIME ATTENDEES  |  VENDOR AND SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES  |  LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT  |  MLA ANNUAL CONFERENCE HISTORY


MLA 2022 Tips for First Time Attendees

The MLA 2022 Annual Conference Workgroup has put together this list of tips and tricks for first time in-person conference attendees to help you get the most out of your experience.

Welcome! Pat yourself on the back for choosing to attend this in-person conference. We hope you learn lots, meet new people, and have fun! Here are a few tips to help make your participation successful:

  1. Make a Plan
    1. Review the conference schedule. Reflect on what you are hoping to learn.
    2. Choose sessions you are interested in attending, but always make a plan B. Sometimes sessions are full, or after a few minutes you realize it wasn’t what you thought it would be about. It is okay to leave and go to another session, especially early in the session.
    3. Download any handouts to sessions that spark your interest (whether or not you plan to attend). Print copies may not be available.
    4. Download the conference app before you arrive to start networking early.
    5. Check out the facility map in the conference app and make a note of where events/sessions are located.
    6. Test your internet connections; while turning off the sound on your smart phone is appreciated you can still use your phone to take notes or even send tweets about what you are learning. Tweet @mlaoffice and use Hashtag #mlaac22
    7. Ask questions. Speakers are usually happy to speak with participants after a session.
    8. Take notes. Write down any questions you may have or ideas that come to you during a session.
  2. What to Bring
    1. A small notebook and pens/pencils; even if you are taking notes using a device, a notebook is always handy. And sometimes technology doesn’t work ☺
    2. A tote or bag to carry all the handouts, posters, and giveaways you’ll receive.
    3. A water bottle. Filling stations will be available at the conference center.
    4. Wear comfortable shoes!
    5. Layer your clothing. Room temperatures can differ.
  3. The Exhibit Hall
    1. Plan time during your day(s) to visit vendors. They want to talk with you and don’t expect every conversation to end in a sale.
    2. Make sure you stop by booths of vendors you already use. They love to be able to put a face with a voice!
    3. If you come to the conference with a list of possible purchases, you will be able to use your time to seek out vendors who can help you.
    4. Take the candy – always take the candy!
  4. Final Thoughts
    1. Introduce yourself to the person sitting next to you.
    2. Bring business cards with you.
    3. Make new friends – networking is one of the best benefits of conference attendance. MLA is hosting bar trivia Thursday night for an informal and fun way to connect.