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MLA Event Calendar
October 4 - 6, 2023
Holiday Inn Executive Center
2200 I-70 Drive SW, Columbia, MO 65203
The 2023 MLA Conference Planning Committee proudly presents a slate of exciting and highly engaging pre-conference sessions and special events!
You can look, but you won’t find a better venue offering high-quality, cost-effective networking, training, and professional development opportunities for library professionals and staff throughout the state of Missouri!
Registration Information
Early Bird Registration Rate -- ends August 18, 2023
Regular Registration Rates -- August 19, 2023 - September 19, 2023
* Single Session Guest Presenters must supply a code. Please contact your Conference Coordinators at conference@molib.org to request one. Thank you!
Registration may be paid by check or credit card via an online link. Checks are to be made payable to Missouri Library Association and mailed to 1190 Meramec Station Road, Suite 207, Ballwin, MO 63021.
Pre-Conferences
MLA is offering six pre-conferences! All pre-conferences will take place on Wednesday, October 4th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. These pre-conferences are free to attend but registration is required.
Engaging with the News Media
This presentation is designed especially with leaders of non-profit organizations in mind and includes Brent Ghan’s 10 Commandments for Media Relations along with strategies for communicating your messages through the news media.
Presented by: Brent Ghan, former Deputy Director of the Missouri School Board Association
Creating Community Connections Through Local History & Genealogy
During this pre-conference session, attendees will discover methods, resources, and practical skills that support local history and genealogy initiatives.
Presented by: The Local History and Genealogy Community of Interest, Konrad Stump (GLHCI Chair, Organizer), Seth Smith of Daniel Boone Regional Library, Haley Frizzle-Green of SHSMO-Springfield Research Center, Patsy Luebbert of the Center for Missouri Studies, Kathleen Seale of the Rolla and Springfield Research Centers, and Christina Matekel-Gibson of the Joplin Public Library
Intellectual Freedom Workshop
Libraries need staff in all departments and on all levels who are conversant in intellectual freedom. This three-hour workshop is designed to give attendees a broad overview of Intellectual Freedom as the basis of library services and increase their comfort level when interacting with their community.
Presented by MLA IFC: Colleen Norman, Mid-Continent Public Library & Joe Kohlburn, Jefferson College Library
Renovating for the Missing Patron
How can you renovate library space to meet the hidden needs of your community? The most important patron of your library may be one who is not a current patron. How do you identify these patrons, assess their needs, and design space for them? Join NYU professor and author of "Library Space Planning: A PLA Guide"(ALA, 2019) for a rich discussion of planning for a renovation or new construction.
Presented by: David Vinjamuri, Associate Professor (adj.) of New York University
Moments of Zen
As service providers, we are exposed to a variety of daily stressors. What do you do when you are stressed out at work? You can’t get a spa treatment or do yoga between the stacks. In this session, we will explore simple and quick self-care strategies to help get you through the workday.
Presented by: Ricqui Brooks, Adult Literacy Coordinator of St. Louis County Library
Performer's Showcase
Looking for a great storyteller, musician or magician to work magic at one of your programs? Look no further than the Youth Services' Community of Interest organized "Performer's Showcase" featuring live 10 minute demos from performers who cater to a library audience with quality programming appropriate for children, teens, and/or families at a reasonable cost to the host libraries!
Special Events
Beyond our exciting opening and closing keynote events and the all-conference awards gala, MLA is offering four additional special events. Tickets are available for purchase via the conference registration form.
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
PEER Bohley Trivia Night
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Ticketed event $20
Thursday, October 5, 2023
Thusnelda Schmidt Luncheon
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Ticketed event $30
MACRL Luncheon
Friday, October 6, 2023
"Programming Over Pancakes" Breakfast
9:00 - 10:30 AM
Enjoy a pancake breakfast while hearing from librarians from across the state, and share some of your favorite adult programming ideas, during this special event.
Hotel Information
MLA has reserved a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn Executive Center-Columbia, 2200 Interstate 70 Dr SW, Columbia, MO 65203.
Reserve your room online using this MLA Hotel Reservation Link
The black bar at the top of the hotel registration page defaults to all potential nights of the conference. Before you select your room, please click on the dates to select the exact check in and check out dates for your stay!
You may also book with the hotel directly at 573-445-8531 (press 1 for reservations). The group code is MLA
All rooms MUST be booked before Tuesday, September 5, 2023. After this date, the group room block is released to the general public, and you will no longer have access to the special group rate.
Policies and Notes
Conference event dates/times are subject to change. Please refer to the conference schedule for the most up-to-date information.
Cancellation policy: Refund requests must be submitted in writing before September 1. After that time, only hardship requests for refunds will be granted on a case-by-case basis. Submit cancellation requests to mla@amigos.org.
Conference Photography: Conference volunteers will be taking photos and/or videos during the conference that may be used in MLA social media postings or other MLA print or online publications. Your attendance at the conference grants permission for these images to be used. Those wishing not to be photographed or recorded should inform the photographer.
Code of Conduct: The Missouri Library Association (MLA) hosts professional events and communication outlets to enable its members to receive continuing education, build professional networks, and discover new products and services for professional use. To provide all participants the opportunity to benefit from MLA events, the Missouri Library Association is committed to providing a safe and harassment-free environment for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, physical appearance, ethnicity, religion, or other group identity.
The Missouri Library Association follows the American Library Association’s Statement of Appropriate Conduct regarding harassment or other inappropriate behaviors. If any MLA member ever feels uncomfortable or harassed, or if they witness any violations of these policies, they should reach out to an MLA event planner, an MLA Board member as designated by name badge, or to conference security, if applicable. Individuals may also email conference@molib.org. All reports will be directed to the MLA Board for further action. Anyone working in a college or university setting may also be required to contact their Title IX officer.
If you have questions, please contact: conference@molib.org
Missouri Library Association Annual Conference
October 4-6, 2023
2200 Interstate 70 Drive SW, Columbia, MO 65203
The Missouri Library Association is a diverse and growing organization. MLA serves librarians, support staff, and library supporters throughout the entire state and in every type of library. MLA members work in academic, public, special and K-12 libraries.
The Missouri Library Association Annual Conference provides vendors the opportunity to engage with potential and existing customers in the Missouri library community. More than 400 individuals from Missouri's academic, public, school and special interest libraries attend our annual conference.
This year's conference is focused on celebrating the ways libraries care for their communities! Consider this conference in the heart of Missouri a love letter to libraries and a celebration of all libraries do to serve their communities. From building relationships and partnerships, cultivating inclusive programs and library policies, to fighting for intellectual freedom and beyond!
This prospectus provides details on opportunities to rent booth space in the Exhibitor Hall, sponsor events, and advertise via conference social media. Please explore all the ways we can help put you directly in touch with Missouri libraries. We invite you to consider joining us as a vendor, sponsor, or both.
Exhibitor Services Order Form
Tradeshow Floor Plan
Please note: Vendors will only be able to select ONE item per form. If you would like to sign up for multiple booths, sponsorships, or a demo spot please fill out an additional form PER ITEM. If you have any questions, please send a message to MLA@amigos.org.
EXHIBITION BOOTH SPACE
$550 for businesses, $450 for non-profits
$650 for businesses, $550 for non-profits
Registration closes September 8, 2023.
Your booth space includes a 10' x 10' exhibit booth. A standard setup includes a 10' x 10' pipe and draped area. One 6-foot skirted display table, two chairs, one wastebasket and one professional ID sign, free conference registration for two representatives, vendor breakfast and lunch.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, including in the exhibit hall. Electrical outlets, power strips, and other amenities and services are available at an additional charge.
Ordering additional amenities, shipping and loading information, and Expo center rules and regulations can be found on the hotel's Exhibitor Order Form link in this document. The form must be completed and sent to the Holiday Inn Executive Center using the contact information on the form.
Vendors are guaranteed at least 4 hours of non-compete time during this conference. Table talks and poster sessions will also take place in the exhibit hall. Attendees will also be provided with an interactive game to encourage them to visit vendor booths throughout the conference.
Additional Exhibitor Passes are available for purchase for $85 each.
Wednesday, October 4
Exhibitor Set-up 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Exhibitor Hall open 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Exhibitor Reception 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Exhibitor Set-up 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Exhibitor Hall open 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Exhibitor Reception 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 5
Vendor Breakfast 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Exhibitor Hall open 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Exhibitor Breakdown 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Vendor Breakfast 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Exhibitor Hall open 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Exhibitor Breakdown 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
HOTEL RESERVATIONS
The Missouri Library Association has negotiated a special conference rate of $130 per night at the Holiday Inn Executive Center.
Book your reservation here.
This conference would not be possible without the support of our generous sponsors. We welcome all vendors to consider an additional sponsorship in recognition of the important and ongoing work of Missouri librarians.
Sponsors at various levels will receive:
● Acknowledgement at the sponsored event or service ● Logo on signage at event or service ● Sponsor will be featured across all MLA social media channels
● Acknowledgement at the sponsored event or service
● Logo on signage at event or service
● Sponsor will be featured across all MLA social media channels
Exclusive, highly visible opportunities to spotlight your business or organization.
ALL CONFERENCE SOCIAL EVENT The MLA Award Ceremony will feature live music and dancing, a fun night for all, complements of your company or organization.
The MLA Award Ceremony will feature live music and dancing, a fun night for all, complements of your company or organization.
Opening KEYNOTE SPEAKER Help us kick off this year's conference with a message of from the President-Elect of the American Library Association, Emily Drabinski.
Help us kick off this year's conference with a message of from the President-Elect of the American Library Association, Emily Drabinski.
VENDOR RECEPTION Attendees gather to socialize with vendors and see what is new and exciting in librarianship. Attendees at this event will enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres courtesy of your company.
Attendees gather to socialize with vendors and see what is new and exciting in librarianship. Attendees at this event will enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres courtesy of your company.
CONFERENCE BAGS Sapp Design ASSOCIATES Your logo on bags that will be carried throughout the conference and beyond.
Your logo on bags that will be carried throughout the conference and beyond.
Reach just the right audience with these exclusive sponsorship opportunities.
CLOSING KEYNOTE SPEAKER The very last event of the conference, the closing keynote leaves a lasting impression with attendees.
The very last event of the conference, the closing keynote leaves a lasting impression with attendees.
MACRL LUNCHEON FGM ARCHITECTS Support the gathering of Missouri higher education institutions and independent research libraries. YOUTH SERVICES MEAL EVENT This event is designed specifically for librarians with an interest in developing and promoting library service to children and teens.
MACRL LUNCHEON FGM ARCHITECTS
Support the gathering of Missouri higher education institutions and independent research libraries.
YOUTH SERVICES MEAL EVENT
This event is designed specifically for librarians with an interest in developing and promoting library service to children and teens.
REFRESHMENT STATIONS (4) These stations will offer attendees a chance to recharge and refuel between sessions courtesy of your company or organization.
REFRESHMENT STATIONS (4)
These stations will offer attendees a chance to recharge and refuel between sessions courtesy of your company or organization.
Get your business or organization in front of librarians with these fun sponsorship opportunities.
TABLE TALKS AND POSTER SESSIONS ELESEVIER High interest, interactive, timely information sessions held in the exhibit hall.
High interest, interactive, timely information sessions held in the exhibit hall.
MLA NEW MEMBER MEET & GREET AMIGOS LIBRARY SERVICES This event welcomes new members of MLA to dive in and discover what MLA can do for them and their professional growth.
This event welcomes new members of MLA to dive in and discover what MLA can do for them and their professional growth.
BOHLEY TRIVIA NIGHT This event brings librarians together for an energetic night of fun and friendly competition.
This event brings librarians together for an energetic night of fun and friendly competition.
FRIDAY MORNING YOGA This fun literary themed yoga session will energize librarians for the final day of the conference. LANYARDS STIFEL These ever-present items will be worn by every conference attendee and serve as a reminder of your support long after the conference is over.
This fun literary themed yoga session will energize librarians for the final day of the conference.
LANYARDS STIFEL
These ever-present items will be worn by every conference attendee and serve as a reminder of your support long after the conference is over.
A conference breakout room will be reserved for 15 minute demonstration sessions at $150 each. Limit one demo per vendor. We have the ability to sell up to 10 demo sessions. Available to booth holders or sponsors. Demo spots will be taken on a first-come first-served basis and vendors will be informed of the time and location for their demo spot in advance of the conference.
Vendor registration is open now and closes September 8, 2023.
Cancellations should be made in writing by email to MLA@amigos.org by September 1, 2023, and are subject to a 50% cancellation fee. No refunds shall be paid as a result of subsequent booth sales. No refunds will be made after September 1, 2023. All cancellations are final. MLA may resell cancelled booths as opportunities allow. No refunds shall be paid as a result of subsequent booth sales.
The Missouri Library Association (MLA) hosts professional events and communication outlets to enable its members to receive continuing education, build professional networks, and discover new products and services for professional use. To provide all participants the opportunity to benefit from MLA events, the Missouri Library Association is committed to providing a safe and harassment-free environment for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, physical appearance, ethnicity, religion, or other group identity.
The Missouri Library Association follows the American Library Association's Statement of Appropriate Conduct regarding harassment or other inappropriate behaviors. If any MLA member ever feels uncomfortable or harassed, or it they witness any violations of these policies, they should reach out to an MLA event planner, an MLA board member as designated by name badge, or to conference security, if applicable. Individuals may also email conference@molib.org. All reports will be directed to the MLA Board for further action. Anyone working in a college or university setting may also be required to contact their Title IX officer.
For more information or to discuss opportunities please contact:
conference@molib.org - 573-817-7044
Conference Coordinators: Abbey Rimel and Jennifer France Thompson
Trade Show Chairs: Jennifer Gravley and Beth McWilliams
On-Site Registration Information
Full Conference $290
One Day $235
Single Session Presenter $20
One-day trade show $85
Bohley Trivia Ticket $20
Missouri Library Association 2023 Performers Showcase
Attention performers and entertainers:
The Missouri Library Association will be hosting its Annual Conference October 4-6, 2023, in Columbia, MO. The Performer Showcase Selection Committee is looking for performers to share their offerings for quality programming appropriate for children, teens, and/or families at a reasonable cost to the host libraries.
All attendees of the MLA 2023 Conference will be invited to attend a Performer Showcase scheduled for Wednesday, October 4 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Selected performers will be scheduled for a 10 minute demonstration slot between 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. on October 4. Then from 11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m., attendees may visit performers’ tables to pick up information and ask questions. This is a great opportunity to present a short sneak preview of your program, distribute promotional materials and speak with librarians from around Missouri.
Registration Types
Please note the following details before applying:
● Due to time constraints and with the goal of providing a range of programming choices for our conference attendees, all applicants may not be scheduled to perform during the Showcase.
● Each performer chosen will be given ten minutes, including set up and take down time, to perform for the conference attendees.
● Performers will be provided with tables to display and distribute promotional materials.
● A print and online directory of performers will also be published; the print directory will be distributed to all conference attendees and the online directory will be available on the MLA website. The contents for both directories will be obtained from the information you provide in your Performer Showcase application; please be as complete and accurate as possible.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 17, 2023
ACCEPTANCE NOTIFICATION: July 24, 2023
FEE PAYMENT DEADLINE: July 31, 2023
Your completed application must be submitted by July 17, 2023 to be considered for inclusion. Please note the following information regarding the application, invoices, and payment.
We look forward to another great Performer Showcase this year!
If you have questions, please contact:
Youth Services Community of Interest- ysci@molib.org
Single Event Ticket
PEER BOHLEY TRIVIA NIGHT
Weds, October 4th 2023
Thurs, October 5th 2023
Programming Over Pancakes
Fri, October 6th 2023
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
TEST
Follow us on social media:
State Partner for Missouri
MLA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
1190 Meramec Station Rd. Ste 207
Ballwin, MO 63021
MLA@amigos.org
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