Have you registered for the Midwest Chapter Annual Conference yet? Every year I look forward to attending the Chapter conference, and this year is no exception. I love that the conference is small enough that you can meet new people and make meaningful connections with them, but big enough (both in size and diversity of attendees) that you will always learn something new and meet someone who will be just the person to answer a question you have later on.
I’m really looking forward to the program – the featured speakers are high-profile and AWESOME (great job, meeting planners!). Sally Gore is always an engaging speaker, and I know she will have interesting and inspiring things to say about embracing change in our environments. Mark Graber, MD is a leading expert on patient safety, and I’m interested to hear his thoughts and research about how librarians can support the diagnostic process. Betsy Humphreys, deputy director of NLM, will add her perspective on how librarians can support their institutions as we charge into the future.
I’m also really looking forward to the panel on the healthcare effects of the oil boom in North Dakota. This is a very hot topic right now, and who knows what similar things will arise in the populations we serve directly. It’s a great opportunity to have a front-row seat to explore the challenges and strategies in one of our states.
And of course – networking! This is the best thing about the conference and the Chapter. We are spread out across a huge geographic area, and the personal connections you’re able to make at a conference like this are extremely helpful moving forward. As I mentioned before, the conference is small enough that you can really connect with people. You can see all the paper presentations, and have good conversations about the posters. This is incredibly valuable, and it isn’t possible at a larger conference.
And finally, North Dakota is a state like no other. Growing up on the east coast, North Dakota was seen as a mystical place that people had heard of, but no one had ever been to. Maybe it’s less mysterious for native Midwesterners, but in my mind it’s truly a place to experience. Now is your chance! Go west!!!
Remember, the early bird deadline is Friday, August 29th! Register now, and I’m looking forward to seeing you in October!
