Last year's article Getting the Most Out of SLA 2007 has lots of useful tips.

Tips to enjoy the conference more:

• bring a sweater, jacket or shawl, because temperatures vary drastically in conference rooms
• note at least two sessions you're interested in for each timeslot, in case the first is full or not relevant for you
• arrive early in case a session proves more popular than expected

FAQS

What are no-host dinners?

On the night before the conference begins, the host chapter often arranges "no-host dinners". This means that local chapter members choose favourite local restaurants and make reservations for a group. You usually sign up on the bulletin board near the registration desk, then meet at a specified time and place to find the other people who've signed up. Usually a local person attends. Each person pays their own way.

Can we observe division/board business meetings?

The SLA board meetings are usually open to members, and there's seating for non-board members somewhere in the room. These meetings generally take place before or after the conference. If they're discussing something confidential you won't be able to attend - that might be called an "in-camera" session. Just ask if you're not sure.

Division board meetings mostly take place on Saturday and Sunday before the conference. Usually it's just board members and committee chairs attending, but they're not private. If you'd like to attend, contact the Division Chair or someone you know on the board, so that they know to expect you. They're often in small rooms with limited seating.

Division annual business meetings are definitely public. They take place during the conference, often at lunchtime, and often with a speaker. Some are ticketed events, so buy a ticket as you would for any other event. If it's a ticketed business meeting with a lunch, and you want to just attend the meeting, there's usually seating in the back for people who didn't buy tickets (therefore aren't having lunch). You're encouraged to attend these, and it's a great way to meet the division boards and get involved if you're interested.

What are Open Houses like?

These are networking events and parties, also known as division suites or division parties. If they're held by a small division (e.g. solos) they're usually in a hotel room, and will have a small bar and a few appetizers. They vary depending on the division and the sponsorship with vendor partners. Large divisions like IT and B&F hold their events in the conference rooms at the hotels.

Mostly at these events people are mingling, drinking, and snacking on appetizers. It's a good way to get to know other members and the division leaders. The IT division has at least one "dance party" with a DJ each year, partnering with other divisions. If you're new to SLA conferences, it can help to attend with someone you know at first. Eventually you'll know so many people in SLA that you'll be happy to attend on your own and find people you know at each event.