(via the Illinois Library Association)
For the first time, ILA is offering a Buddy System for registered attendees* of the 2019 ILA Annual Conference.
It can be intimidating to attend a large conference alone. With this experience, you can attend the conference, experience all the events, and meet someone new!
This program is for individuals attending the conference alone, first-time conference attendees, or those who want to meet someone new and invite them into their group. Buddy system participants will be paired based on their interests.
What You Can Expect
- Receive buddy contact information by Friday, October 4.
- Schedule one or two phone calls (or emails) ahead of the conference to introduce yourselves, answer questions, and go over the conference schedule.
- Meet face-to-face at the President’s Reception on Monday, October 21, or before the Opening General Session on Tuesday, October 22.
- Walk the exhibit hall together.
- Meet for lunch, coffee, or during a networking event to check-in.
Please Note
- This program is for those wishing to make professional connections and network in a professional setting. It is not designed as a dating service.
- ILA is not responsible for fostering communication after attendees are paired up. You are responsible for contacting your buddy once ILA emails you their contact information.
- You are not required to hang out with the person you’re paired with if you don’t feel it’s a good match.
- You do not have to exchange any personal information if you are uncomfortable doing so. We will only provide an email address to contact your buddy.
- ILA will contact you to get feedback on your experience with the Buddy System, and if you have a positive experience, we encourage you to share it with the ILA community
We are excited to offer this program to our conference attendees and hope members of the ILA community attending this year’s conference consider participating.
The deadline to sign up is Friday, September 6. To request a buddy, please go here. If you have any questions about the Buddy System, please contact Tamara Jenkins at (312) 644-1896 or tjenkins@ila.org.
*This program is being offered to conference attendees only. Vendors and partners of ILA are not eligible to participate.
#ILAAC19