I have been attending SLA's annual conference off and on for the last 10 and have enjoyed numerous opportunities to speak during numerous sessions as well as facilitate continuing education programs. Engaged networks, flexible formats and opportunities for growth were my three key takeaways from this year's conference:
- Engaged networks: It was wonderful to watch the growth in conference attendees as well as in our virtual communication channels like Twitter. I loved the ease of connecting face-2-face with friends, colleagues, and many KM division members and sharing how we are and/or could be making a difference in and outside our workplaces.
- Flexible formats: We have learned over and over again how one-size does not fit all. I thirst for ideas, information, and ultimately knowledge...i.e., ways to internalize what I learn to evolve who I am and what I can offer to others. I enjoyed the ability to attend, facilitate, and co-speak at a variety programs including continuing education programs, unconference sessions, KM-sponsored programs highlighting the research and best practices of KM professional, and more!
- Opportunities for growth: After listening to and learning from our KM division members, I would like to direct my energies to creating opportunities for involvement and engagement within our KM division. We are a young division and it's time to move forward on strengthening our ties and commitment to growing our KM resources and educating each other on KM techniques and best practices. Our board/advisory board will review survey responses and will post opportunities on our listserv and wiki, so members can play a more active role this upcoming year.
2009 SLA Annual Conference
(view as slideshow)
2009 SLA Annual Conference: Complexity of human nature...many faces, many roles DC-area locals (left to right): Karen, Michele, & Marie International connections (left to right): John, Neil, & Nerida 
Unconference session: Change Unconference session: Conversants Unconference session: Survivor stories 
Continuing education course: Getting to the Heart of the Story... Session: Embedded Librarianship Session: KM Cafe
Comments (2)
Jun 21
Dianna K Wiggins says:
I kept trying to get to one of the Unconference sessions, but there always seeme...I kept trying to get to one of the Unconference sessions, but there always seemed to be a conflict. Would there be a way perhaps for those of us interested to have a monthly phone call or huddle during which we openly engage on a topic? Perhaps we each take a turn moderating and presenting something we're working on and asking others for input and ideas? Sort of a virtual K-cafe?
Jun 21
Karen Huffman says:
Great idea\! Perhaps something like a poster session where we can illustrate and...Great idea! Perhaps something like a poster session where we can illustrate and share ideas. I am actually planning an unconference OR KM cafe like session in DC in the fall -- September or October -- with the KM, IT, and perhaps Government divisions. So, would be happy to share methods and learnings through a virtual K-cafe.