FLA Conference Recap

Some rambling thoughts after returning from the Florida Library Association conference last week.

Best of conference: Danny Hales receiving the FLA Lifetime Achievement Award. Woo hoo!

Worst: No wireless Internet in the hotel rooms or conference center (those who stayed at the conference hotel had free wireless but were huddled about in the lobby). A hotel within walking distance had rates as low as $29 per night with free wireless, and probably free breakfast too. ::sheesh::

Award Winner: St. Johns County Public Library won the "Best Website Award" See why.

Panel that kicked other panel's behinds: Leadership Institute alumni; Laura Brenkus, Harold George, Jason Martin and David Woolard, provided a great session at the FLA Conference on their experiences and research regarding the Leadership Institute. Check out their presentations.

Slide Show on Resilency

Technology Playground

Best Keynoter: Richard Madaus. Thought provoking, as usual.

Best Reception: The Leadership Institute had a reception for current and past participants. Good food, folks, and fun.

A positive mood was definitely a part of this conference. There was obvious relief over state funding for public libraries being restored at the 11th hour. Beyond that there was a good deal of optimism that I encountered in the sessions, exhibit hall, or anytime I spoke with other attendees.

Bottom Line: One of the best FLA conferences in recent memory.