1. Plan Ahead
With a full day of programming ahead of you, take some time to view the entire conference schedule to determine the programs you want to attend.
2. Know Where You’re Going
The conference will be held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, at 5555 N. River Road in Rosemont. Visit the website for driving directions.
For those taking public transportation, the Convention Center is a quarter mile south of the CTA Rosemont Blue Line station. Visit the CTA website for full information.
Parking is available at the Rosemont parking garage across the street from the Convention Center, directly behind the Embassy Suites and DoubleTree Hotels, for a cost of $15 per day. When inside the parking garage, take the elevator to the SB (SkyBridge) level and follow the sky bridge to the convention center. You may want to consider paying for your parking when you arrive to avoid long lines at the end of the day. Click here for a map of the route between the parking deck and conference center.
3. Bring Your Badge
Badges and conference information have been mailed to all attendees. To speed up the morning check-in process, please be sure to bring your badge along so you can grab your registration materials when you arrive.
4. Don’t Forget Your Appetite
Registration for Reaching Forward includes morning coffee and a plated luncheon. Please Note: To avoid an increase in the registration price, continental breakfast will not be served this year. Coffee, decaf, and hot tea will be available, along with a granola bar in each attendee’s bag.
This year’s luncheon features a garden salad and freshly baked rolls. The entrée will be Seared Chicken Breast with Garlic & Herb Yukon Gold Potatoes and Baby Vegetables with Tarragon Crème.
The vegan/gluten-free option is Rice Flour Tempura Cauliflower Steak with Oven-Roasted Potatoes, Sautéed Kale & Spinach with Sweet Chile Sauce.
If you need a special meal, such as vegan or gluten free, and have not yet requested it, please email Tina Koleva at tina@ila.org as soon as possible. A ticket will be required for special meals and requests cannot be accommodated onsite. Tickets can be picked up onsite at the Help Desk.
5. Dress for the Day
As much as we try, it’s difficult to control the climate in a large building. Consider dressing in layers so you can adjust to changing temperatures. Remember to wear comfortable shoes – you may be covering a lot of ground!
6. Visit the Exhibits
Exhibits will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Take some time to check out what our exhibitors have to offer – library materials, continuing education opportunities, and something special for yourself. Exhibits help to underwrite the cost of the conference and keep registration fees down – so please help us make our exhibitors feel welcome. Click here for a full list of exhibitors.
7. Challenge Yourself
Step outside your comfort zone – sit with someone you don’t know at breakfast or lunch. Seating is open, so take a chance and make a new connection!
8. Discover Something New
Attend a program outside your experience. Check out the Performers’ Showcase to find a new program for your library. Visit the Conversation Stations to share your ideas and pick up some new ones.
9. Tell Us What You Think
Your feedback will help us plan next year’s conference. Please take a moment to fill out the conference evaluation, which will be sent via email. We really do listen to our attendees!
10. Take the Next Step
If you enjoy your experience at Reaching Forward, consider taking the next step and joining the Reaching Forward planning committee. We’re always looking for new ideas and fresh faces! Contact Cyndi Robinson at ILA – robinson@ila.org or (312) 644-1896 – for more information.
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