By Eileen Stanley, 2009 National Program Committee (NPC) member
Ecolab Inc., St. Paul, MN
Expectations are mixed because of the economy and distance, but we hope you'll attend if you're able. Please check out the MLA Wiki and the Preliminary Program for details.
Here are some of the unique events and activities you will only be able to experience in Hawaii at MLA '09:
- Two of the speakers were selected because they are Hawaiians, giving us a unique opportunity to hear them in their native locale.
- A last-minute session is being planned to highlight new technologies or good ideas in short spontaneous vignettes.
- The Friends of the NLM and the Hospital Library Section will be networking and socializing at a joint reception for the first time.
- As part of the eco-friendly green features of this meeting, each attendee will receive a pedometer to help document savings on fuel use and reduced emissions.
- Our international colleagues will present a special poster session.
- An on-site resume writing clinic is planned for job hunters.
I hope you will be able to join us at this very special meeting, but if you aren't able to join us in Honolulu, you can still participate. The NPC and MLA are planning to webcast the Wednesday plenary sessions. And I know for a fact that bloggers and Twitterers will be hard at work keeping all of us aware of what's happening at the conference and why. Join us either in person or in spirit!