In line with the AASL Strategic Plan, we are looking for ways to grow and strengthen the AASL community. A big part of this is increasing the communications and visibility of AASL within the membership (and school library profession in general), and strengthening the relationship between AASL and our affiliates.
NEW for the AASL 17th National Conference & Exhibition, the Opening General Session will focus as much on the association as the conference and will highlight the wonderful leaders, volunteers and affiliates that make up the community of AASL.
What does this mean? An AASL Board of Directors and Affiliate Assembly processional!
How will that happen? We will be announcing each AASL Affiliate and ask that you designate a representative from your association to "walk the aisle" during the Opening General Session.
The processional will require nothing more than you showing up 30 minutes prior to the Opening General Session (Thursday, November 5, 3:00 pm- Opening Ceremony starts at 3:30 pm) and walking down the aisle in the order we will place you. Reserved seating will be marked in the front of the room so there is no need to worry about getting a seat. You can even place any items (conference bag, computer bag, etc.) on your seat prior the event- no worries and staff will serve as 'security'.
We want this to be FUN! If your association has a flag or sign, carry it! If you want to 'dress' the part for your state (buckeye necklaces for Ohio, cowboy boots for Texas, etc.) do it! The more fun this can be, the better the start to a fabulous conference.
Each Affiliate organization will be announced regardless of a representative, but we would love to have a great Affiliate turnout to celebrate the AASL 'ground troops' that do so much for AASL and the school library field. We hope that this format will bring a great energy to the start of the conference and be a fun, festive way for registrants to have a better sense of 'who' AASL is.
Are you in? If so, please confirm here-http://www.ala.org/aasl/national/processional
Confirmation of attendance and details of timing and location will be sent to RSVPs approximately one week before conference.
See you soon in Columbus!