NMRT (New Members Round Table)

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last person joined: 17 hours ago 

The mission of the New Members Round Table (NMRT) is to help those who have been association members less than ten years become actively involved in the association and the profession.

Learn more about NMRT on the ALA website.

  • 1.  Conference Planning: Tips, Tricks, and Lessons Learned

    Posted 25 days ago

    Registration for ALA 2026 Annual Conference & Exhibition will be opening soon! This massive conference is a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills, spark fresh ideas, and connect with fellow library folks so now is the perfect time to start thinking about how you want to approach your conference experience.

    Let's use this thread to share planning strategies, tips, and lessons learned from past conferences. I'll start us off:

    There are tons of sessions included with your registration, but many popular tours and events require an additional ticket. Be sure to pay close attention to scheduling so you don't accidentally double-book yourself. Speaking from experience! My first year, I bought tickets for a very cool ghost tour and the Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction ceremony-only to realize they were happening at the same time. Difficult choices were made.πŸ˜… Learn from my mistakes!

    To help kick off the discussion, feel free to share:

    • How do you decide which sessions or events are "must-attend" versus "nice-to-have"?

    • Favorite networking strategies (or ways to make it feel less awkward)?

    • For first-time attendees: What questions do you have about planning or navigating ALA that others might be able to answer?

    Looking forward to learning from everyone's experiences!



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    Emily McQuade
    Public Services Librarian
    Winter Park Library
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  • 2.  RE: Conference Planning: Tips, Tricks, and Lessons Learned

    Posted 14 days ago

    I just joined ALA yesterday, so I have no clue what the conference is like!  Any notable things from past years?

    It's been a long time since I attended a conference-type-thing, but if the pricing is decent for my part-time employed self it'd be nice to attend the ALA conference. In the past, I find myself having not a lot of stamina for long or multi-day events, and I always keep my kindle and my earbuds with me if I need an escape. Walking lots is great though, it's more the social thing that wears me out sadly. Listening to others in a discussion is still useful even if I don't have much to contribute. Even with all that and the potential difficulties, I always want to be proven wrong and have a great time.

    I work at a largish public library in Columbus, Ohio, and for the past few years we have a day each year where all staff attend, hear speakers, eat a mid boxed lunch, etc.



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    Kristin Bandy
    Columbus Metropolitan Library
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Conference Planning: Tips, Tricks, and Lessons Learned

    Posted 14 days ago

    Thanks for the topic, Emily! 

    My first ALA was in San Francisco in 2016 and I was the only librarian from my system, the conference was literally on the other side of the country from where I lived and I knew no one. It was intimidating! Thankfully, I was a member of the Quick Picks Reluctant Young Adult Readers Selection Committee and those meetings were truly great. I really recommend if it is your first conference that you go as a member of something- NMRT, another round table, etc. I do well with a purpose and those meetings and/or affiliations give that purpose. 



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    Morgan Brickey-Jones
    Director of Community Engagement
    University of Texas At Arlington
    She/Her/Hers
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Conference Planning: Tips, Tricks, and Lessons Learned

    Posted 7 days ago

    Thank you for the questions!

    I could only attend my first conference for one day, since it was in the middle of a vacation. I recommend trying not to overbook yourself. I had one day, and I was a bit ambitious in trying to see everything. I ended up exhausted by the afternoon πŸ˜….

    There are also a lot of opportunities to pick up free stuff. I've gotten reusable bags, pens, insulated bags, candy, and more. I recommend leaving some room in the suitcase for goodies if you like to pickup free stuff.



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    Kathleen Corcella
    She/Her/Hers
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    Original Message