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Top 13 Tips for a Great 2024 Reaching Forward South
- 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. If a speaker has made their handouts available, you can view them on the conference schedule. Scroll or search for the program you're interested in. The handouts will be available underneath the program description. - Know When You're Going
The conference will be held at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Collinsville - St. Louis at 1000 Eastport Plaza Drive Collinsville, Illinois 62234. - Bring Your Badge
Confirmation letters will be mailed via USPS on April 10 and include your conference badge. 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 and grab some coffee. If you forgot your badge or did not receive it in time 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.
- Review ILA's Statement of Appropriate Conduct
Make sure you have read over the Statement of Appropriate conduct. - 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 Lanyards: “I don't mind if people are in my personal space."Yellow Lanyards: “Kindly observe and respect my personal space."
- 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 to see a full list of exhibitors. - 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! - Don’t Forget Your Appetite
Registration for Reaching Forward South includes morning coffee, snack break, and a lunch. We have worked with the conference center to do our best to accommodate everyone’s dietary needs. If none of the choices will work for you, you are encouraged to bring your own lunch. - 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! - Discover Something New
Attend a program outside your experience. - Post Away
Be social with #RFSouth2024! Share photos and fun comments for your fellow attendees to view and be part of the conversation. - 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! - Take the Next Step
If you enjoy your experience at Reaching Forward South, consider taking the next step and joining the Reaching Forward South planning committee. We’re always looking for new ideas and fresh faces! Submit a Committee Interest Form before April 30th to be considered.
Questions? Contact the Illinois Library Association at ila@ila.org.
We look forward to seeing you on April 19!
Thank you Reaching Forward South Sponsors!
Would you like to increase your visibility to hundreds of library workers and show your support for Illinois Libraries? Contact Kristin Pekoll, kpekoll@ila.org to join this notable group.
Reaching Forward South Committee
Betsy Mahoney - Chair
Six Mile Regional Library
Michael Baumann, Director
Toulon Public Library
Loretta Broomfield, Director
Marion Carnegie Library
Devin Eyster, Development & Outreach Librarian
East Alton Public Library District
Ryan A. Franklin, Reference Department
Illinois State Library
Larisa Good, Director
Warren County Public Library
Erica Hanke-Young, Youth Services Manager
Six Mile Regional Library
Bobbi Perryman, Director
Vespasian Warner Public Library
Terry Pierson, Marketing Coordinator
Mississippi Valley Library District
Devin Scott, Programming Coordinator
Salem Township Public Library
Beth Smilack, Marketing & Communications Specialist
Jerseyville Public Library
Cassandra Thompson, SHARE Director
Illinois Heartland Library System