Don't forget the essentials

Don't forget the essentials

Not sure what essentials to pack for Conference?  Not to worry, we’ve got some tips.

Check out the long-range weather forecast the day before you leave – I always ring the useful Metphone 0900 number which I have found more accurate than other forecasts when I am going away. It is invariably useful in deciding how warmly to pack. The number for Canterbury is 0900-99903.     Layers of clothing will help you make the most of whatever the weather is like on the morning of the pōwhiri – whether it is hot or cold.  Style is up to you – whatever you feel comfortable in.

Remember there is no Conference satchel, so bring something in which to put all the things you need during the day.  You can bring a satchel from a previous LIANZA conference, a work satchel, or a favourite bag from home instead.      Previous LIANZA Conference bags back to 1991 have been collected by Brenda Chawner from Victoria University, you can check out her database and pictures here.    The only year that is missing is the 2003 Napier Conference – if you still have one Brenda would love to hear from you!   Check out also these examples of other library conference bags.

In terms of bringing note paper and pens – there will be some blank pages to make notes included in the handbook, but it’s still a good idea to bring your own note book.  There are no pens provided (other than those you might manage to score from vendors).

Other things to bring are camera, sunhat and walking shoes if you like walking in the morning, favourite pen, post-it notes, business cards, and your favourite clothes for the Conference dinner in Sol Square. Finally enthusiasm, an open mind and a dash of skepticism should enable you to get the most out of conference.

Any suggestions from veteran conference goers about what to bring?