We look forward to seeing you at the BOS Center in Springfield! This informational page is designated for registered attendees. Please review all the information and additional linked pages. If you cannot find an answer to your question after reviewing this page, please email ila@ila.org for assistance.
Please note that all ILA staff are preparing and attending the conference. The best way to reach us is via email. We will not be able to respond to phone calls and voicemails during this time. Thank you!
Registration
The conference will be held October 24-26 at the BOS Center in Springfield! Pre-registration is required for all attendees, including exhibits only and Awards Luncheon only attendees. Registration is now closed. No registrations will be accepted on site.
Registration Confirmation
All registered attendees should have received an email confirmation directly from our website at the time of registration.
Accessibility
ILA wants to make your conference experience enjoyable and accessible, so we are offering and providing the following:
- All conference hotels offer accessible sleeping rooms on request.
- Leader animals are welcome throughout the conference.
- *Complimentary ASL interpreters are available by request.
- *Complimentary mobility scooters are available by request.
- Gender-neutral restrooms will be available.
*Requests for ASL interpreters or mobility scooters needed to be sent to ILA by October 12.
Directions and Parking
The BOS Center is located in the heart of downtown Springfield. Public parking is available on the West side of the BOS Center with entrances on 7th St. and Washington St. Parking is cashless and rate are $1/hr. with a $7 max.
Conference Badges
Skip the line! Remember to bring your name badge that was mailed to you along with your confirmation letter. Should you happen to forget your badge, rest assured that you can acquire a replacement at the Help Desk. However, you will be required to present either a physical or electronic copy of your official ILA conference registration confirmation for verification purposes.
Note: If you are registered as an Exhibitor or Exhibits Only, you will pick up your badge on-site.
Conference badges must be worn at all times to gain admission to conference programs, events, and the exhibit hall. Those registered for ONLY the Awards Luncheon will pick up an entrance ticket at the event door (Wyndham Sprinfield City Centre: Capitol/Illinois Room) and will not have a badge.
Lanyards
This year the lanyard colors have meaning. Pay attention to the color lanyard your colleagues are wearing and respect their social interaction preferences.
- Blue: I’m okay with socializing. I welcome handshakes, hugs, and no social distancing.
- Yellow: Please ask what I’m okay with before getting close or going in for a handshake or hug.
Help Desk
The ILA Help Desk will be located on the main level across from the Exhibit Hall Entrance and stairs to the lower level. Please take a look at the linked map here that shows the location of the Help Desk. If you forgot or lost your name badge, we can print you a new one here.
ILA Help Desk Hours
| Tuesday, October 24 |
Wednesday, October 25 |
Thursday, October 26 |
| 8 am - 5 pm |
8 am - 5 pm |
8 am - 4:30 pm |
Meal Events
Conference registration includes a boxed lunch during the exhibits on Wednesday and Thursday. If you are registered for the Youth Services Forum Author Breakfast or the IACRL Luncheon, you will NOT need a ticket and can check in at the door. If you are registered for the Awards Luncheon, please pick up your entrance ticket on-site at the door to the event. Dietary restrictions will be indicated on your ticket. Tickets will not be mailed.
If you want to go off-site for a meal, there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance of the conference center. You can access a list via the conference mobile app as well as online here. Restaurant hours were taken from the websites so you may want to call to double-check.
Note: This year we only need to know dietary restrictions for those registered to attend the Awards Luncheon; however, our registration database is defaulted to ask for dietary restrictions regardless of your registration. If you are not registered for the Awards Lunch, please disregard the dietary accommodation. The catering menus can be viewed at www.ila.org/conference/menus.
Trustee Day Registration
If you are registered for Trustee Day, you can view the schedule here and the breakfast and lunch menu here. Trustee Day Registration designation will be listed on your name badge.
Professional Headshot Studio
Need a professional photo? Complimentary headshots are available at the conference. Photos will be shared with attendees 2-3 weeks after the conference. Sign up for a slot using the online form. The studio is in Room B3.
Conference Program Schedule
You can view the full conference program schedule here or download the program book here.
Note: The physical and pdf versions of the program book will not reflect changes made after it was sent to print. For the most up-to-date information, utilize the Mobile App.
Conference Mobile App
Thank you to Today's Business Solutions, Inc. for sponsoring the mobile app! You can have all the conference information and create a personalized schedule by downloading the Conference Mobile App. For more information and how to download, visit the Conference Mobile App page.
Note: After you attend a session, be sure to provide valuable feedback by viewing the session in the mobile app and then selecting "Feedback" at the bottom. See screenshot to the right.
Conference WiFi
Thank you to Outsorce IT Solutions Group for sponsoring and keeping everyone connected at the conference!
WiFi: ILAAC23CONNECT
Quiet Room, B8
The Quiet Room, located in room B8 on the lower floor of the BOS Center is available for attendees who need a break from the hustle and bustle of conference. There are coloring sheets, cards, puzzles and calming strips to ease your mind and body.
Exhibit Hall
Exhibits will be open on Wednesday and Thursday (view below for detailed schedule). You can view confirmed exhibitors here and via the conference mobile app.
| Wednesday, October 25, No-Conflict Hours |
Thursday, October 26, No-Conflict Hours |
Exhibits Opening Boxed Lunch
Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Exhibits Afternoon Snack Break
4:00 - 5:00 p.m. |
Exhibits Morning Coffee Break
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Exhibits Closing Boxed Lunch
Noon - 1:30 p.m.
|
Get Social!
Share your favorite sessions and fun photos on social media with the hashtag #ILAAC23.
Evening Activities
Join your ILA colleagues for fun social events after-hours! Check out the activities and be sure to pay special attention to Wednesday night's Illinois State Library Dessert Reception hosted Secretary of State, Alexi Giannoulias!
Note: Some activities require pre-registration. All activites are open to all ILA Conference attendees and be sure to wear your badge.
Community Project
In an effort to connect with local organizations and model collaboration for our attendees, the 2023 ILA Annual Conference has partnered with the Central Illinois Foodbank. Our support of this organization plants the seeds for future collaboration between ILA and other non-profits. This work keeps us firmly rooted in the local communities who are supporting us during this conference. If you're able, please consider donating any of the most needed items listed on the linked webpage or consider making a monetary donation directly to the Central Illinois Foodbank website.
ILA Conference Store
The 2023 Illinois Library Association Annual Conference Store is open! The store features items exclusively designed with this year's conference logo. The current items available for purchase include a conference bag, t-shirts, and more! Additional items may be added soon.
If you cannot find an answer to your question after reviewing this page, please email ila@ila.org for assistance.
The Illinois Library Association expresses its sincere appreciation to the following sponsors for their generous donations to the various programs and events we are offering at the 2023 ILA Annual Conference – Connect, Cultivate, Collaborate. Thanks to your support, ILA members will benefit from engaging discussion, thoughtful workshops and presentations, networking and professional development.
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