NMRT Notes

Whether you are new to ALA, the Annual Conference or neither all are invited to the Conference Orientation hosted by NMRT. The session will be held Friday afternoon from 1-2:30 at Caesars Palace in the Florentine Room (II-IV). A panel of experts will answer questions about how to navigate the exhibits, decipher the conference program, things to do while you’re in Las Vegas, how ALA really works and ways to get involved. The panelists will be Kay Cassell from the ALA Membership Committee, ALA Membership Development Director Ron Jankowski, Alice Knapp of the Exhibits Round Table, NMRT President Emily Prather-Rodgers, Executive Director of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District Jeanne Goodrich and Jan Sanders from the ALA Conference Committee. Pick up tips from these pros on how best to spend your time at the Annual Conference, secrets to getting your share of free food, books, tote bags and other swag and how to make the most of your time in Vegas.

The Conference Orientation is also a great place to network with other new conference attendees and seasoned veterans alike, swap stories and share strategies. You may make a connection that leads to deeper involvement in ALA or influences the direction of your career, or perhaps you will just get to know some fun new people.The Conference Orientation is a great way to learn more about the Annual Conference, a prime opportunity for conference newcomers to network with each other and make connections with representatives from divisions and round tables, a good introduction to the city of Las Vegas, and an encouraging conference launch for first-time attendees and new members. So come hear from conference, ALA and library pros and get your questions answered. We hope you will join us! http://ala14.ala.org/node/14301

Once again, NMRT is sponsoring all types of programs and socials at Annual Conference. Take a look at what we are offering and if you see one of the board members around be sure to stop and say hi!

Coming out of the Shell: Becoming a Powerful Public Speaker (Preconference/Institute $)
Friday, June 27, 2014 – 9:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Caesars Palace, Anzio

Anyone, even the shyest among us, can give a presentation that everyone will listen to.. it just takes learning savvy presentation and public speaking skills. Three experienced librarians with years of instruction and public speaking experience will impart their wisdom at this pre-conference session, sharing their favorite tools, tricks, and tips. Attendees will learn how to put together an engaging, informative, and appropriate presentation that will command attention, how to overcome nervousness and stage fright. Join us on June 27th to gain new insight into coming out
of your shell and becoming a powerful public speaker.

Conference Orientation
Friday, June 27, 2014 – 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Location: Caesars Palace, Florentine II-IV
New to the Annual Conference or ALA? Get a fun and informative introduction to the Annual Conference and Las Vegas. Learn how to navigate the exhibits and decipher the conference program, how to make ALA and NMRT work for you, and where to spend your free time in the city. NMRT provides tips from the pros and an orientation that will prepare you to take full advantage of the conference experience.

NMRT Mentoring Social
Friday, June 27, 2014 – 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Location: Caesars Palace, Sorrento
The NMRT Mentoring Social gives participants in both the NMRT Conference Mentoring Program and NMRT Career Mentoring Program a chance to meet in person. For Conference Mentoring participants, this is a further chance to exchange conference survival tips and make a definite professional connection at Annual. For Career Mentoring participants, the social provides an opportunity to cement the mentoring relationships developed during the previous nine months of career mentoring. All participants in NMRT’s Mentoring programs are encouraged to attend even if their mentoring partner cannot attend the social.

NMRT 101
Saturday, June 28, 2014 – 8:30am to 10:00am
Location: Las Vegas Hotel, Ballroom E
New Members Round Table leaders and experienced members welcome current and prospective NMRT members to the NMRT 101 session. Learn about what NMRT does, NMRT events happening at ALA Annual Conference, benefits of membership, and how to get more involved. This will be a great place to make connections and network with other new members and experienced leaders alike.

Executive Board Meeting
Sunday, June 29, 2014 – 10:30am to 12:30pm
Location: Las Vegas Hotel, Conference Room 03
The Annual Conference meeting of the NMRT Executive Board. Everyone is welcome to observe this meeting.

Student Reception
Sunday, June 29, 2014 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Location: Las Vegas Hotel, Ballroom G
Library school students are invited to network in a relaxed environment and learn more about ALA from unit representatives, NMRT leadership, and experienced ALA members. The Student Chapter of the Year Award is presented and light refreshments will be served.

NMRT Awards Reception
Sunday, June 29, 2014 – 7:30pm to 8:30pm
Location: Las Vegas Hotel, Ballroom G
Join us for networking and light refreshments as NMRT recognizes our award recipients. All are welcome.

Emily Prather-Rodgers, President

Megan Hodge, Vice President

Kirby McCurtis, Secretary

Kate Kosturski, Leadership Development Director

Deadline: Wednesday, April 16, 2014

NMRT members are invited to submit an essay to win a ticket to attend a ticketed event of their choice at the ALA Annual Conference in Las Vegas. The essay contest is open to all NMRT members who are not currently serving on the Annual Conference Professional Development Award Committee or the NMRT Executive Board.

To apply for the award, fill out the application form at

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dC1iZHRXUUsxQW1UbUh3N3VIZ1huNlE6MA

The application requires an essay of approximately 250 words about why you would like to attend a ticketed event at Annual Conference and how it would benefit you professionally.

Applications are due April 16, 2014. Winners will be notified by May 7, 2014. The committee does not consider geographic location, age, sex, religion, race or national origin in the award selection process.

For more information, contact the committee chair, Easter DiGangi, at MLIS@easterdigangi.com.