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Plan Ahead
With a full day of programming ahead of you, take some time to view the entire conference schedule at https://bit.ly/3w9EH8s to determine the programs you want to attend.
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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 https://bit.ly/3xBKTUL for driving directions. Parking is $15.
For those taking public transportation, the Convention Center is a quarter mile south of the CTA Rosemont Blue Line station. Visit http://www.transitchicago.com/ for full information.
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Grab Your Badge
Confirmation letters and badges for attendees, speakers, and committee members will be mailed via USPS on April 30. Be sure to bring your badge along so you can grab your registration materials and lanyard when you arrive and then enjoy some coffee or browse exhibits. If you forget your badge or did not receive it by midday Thursday, May 9 email ila@ila.org as soon as you know so that we can have a badge ready for you at the Help Desk. If you let us know on-site, you will have to wait while we print a new badge for you. Exhibitors will pick up their badge on-site at the Exhibitor Check-In.
- Review ILA's Statement of Appropriate Conduct
Make sure you have read over the Statement of Appropriate conduct.
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Know the Lanyard Colors Meanings
The use of colored lanyards to indicate social distance preferences is continuing to be a positive addition to the conference experience. Personal space is defined as approximately 1.5 to 4 feet from the body.
Blue: “I don't mind if people are in my personal space.”
Yellow: “Kindly observe and respect my personal space."
We will have lanyard recycling at the Help Desk for you to drop off your lanyard before you leave.
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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!
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Don’t Forget Your Appetite
Registration for Reaching Forward includes morning coffee and lunch.
We have worked with the conference center to do our best to accommodate everyone’s dietary needs. A buffet lunch will be served in the ballroom and has vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. We still ask that you indicate on your registration any dietary restrictions or email us at ila@ila.org if you need to add it to your registration. This helps us with our catering count which in turn helps ensure we have enough options without too much waste. You can view the menu here. If you have any questions, please email ila@ila.org.
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Post Away
Be social with #ILARF2024! Share photos and fun comments for your fellow attendees to view and be part of the conversation.
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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. Visit https://bit.ly/3QiNOKV to see a full list of exhibitors.
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Challenge Yourself & Meet Someone New
Step outside your comfort zone – sit with someone you don’t know at lunch. Seating is open, so take a chance and make a new connection!
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Discover Something New
Attend a program outside your experience.
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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!
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Take the Next Step
If you enjoy your experience at Reaching Forward, consider filling out the ILA committee interest form available on the ILA Committees webpage. We’re always looking for new ideas and fresh faces! Contact Kristin Pekoll at ILA – kpekoll@ila.org for more information.
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