I think you’ll see this as a common thread in the past few posts, and I’m sure I’m preaching to the choir when I say this, but conferences are all about networking (and hopefully having fun while you do it). I’ve acquired more business cards in the past 36 hours than I did at all of Computers in Libraries in March 2004. (Of course, at CiL, you swap blog names, and beam business cards from one PDA to another, but all the same.) Anyone I’ve spoken to for more than 3 minutes will inevitably say hi to people in passing, and make a point of introducing me. Big crowds and networking feeding frenzies are what ALA meetings are known for, and believe me, the reputation is well warranted.

I was supposed to attend the LITA Internet Resources Interest Group this morning, which I thought would be excellent for the PLA blog, but lost track of time talking to someone who liked what I said in a meeting this morning, and wanted to talk with me more about it after giving me her business card. Her colleague ran into us, also gave me his business card, and told me to drop him a line about possible job prospects.

So as you’re running from session to session at any conference you may attend, make sure you stop and talk to your colleagues. It’s equally rewarding.

Oh, hey, and come network with us tonight at 9pm in the Sheraton Lobby.