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?
October 2, 2009 at 9:27 pm
In addition to a sunhat, I recommend taking your sunglasses in case it is very sunny in Christchurch (fingers crossed). It might also be a good idea to pack some earplugs in case the place you are staying has thin walls.
October 3, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Library t-shirts! Somebody took a fancy to mine last year and wanted to take a picture of it.
Get out there and “represent” for your organisation.
October 3, 2009 at 7:20 pm
Don’t forget your Library bag!
October 5, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Can I really bring my dog along?
October 6, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Two questions Libby : a) since when did you get a dog!? and b) in what capacity do you want Fido to attend the Conference? companion? guide dog? mascot?
October 6, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Yes, I have a little schnoodle called Englebert. He and I go everywhere together. That is, when I’m not headed overseas on conference trips. I could possibly sneak him into the Convention Centre in my handbag, but I couldn’t guarantee he would keep quiet all day long. It wouldn’t do to have him jump out and run down the aisle in the middle of a keynote speech…
October 6, 2009 at 7:07 pm
Hmm, I will have to check on this for you. Do you think that Englebert would be happy with a compromise to just coming along to SOL Square instead?
October 8, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Yes, perhaps I could train him to bark a song for donations in the Sol Square courtyard! I’ll just need enough for cocktails…
October 7, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Arghh! How could I have forgotten a laptop for the free wifi and for blogging during sessions.
October 8, 2009 at 9:15 am
Unless you are lucky person with an iPhone (or other such groovy PDA gadget things) that lets you blog and tweet on the fly. That way it’s one less big thing to bring to conference.
Can you ‘read’ my envy of those with groovy gadgets?!
October 7, 2009 at 10:31 pm
The perfect new accompaniment for the professional librarian – the new International Kindle. Amazon has announced that their Kindle e-book reader is going global. See http://www.amazon.com/ and http://tinyurl.com/ybfnwdh for more information. A snip at US$279.00.
October 9, 2009 at 9:43 pm
With the way the weather is tonight, thermals might be the one essential item in everyone’s bag.
October 9, 2009 at 10:17 pm
I checked the long-range weather forecast for Christchurch today (link below). Mercifully, the weather seems to be on the mend, but it doesn’t look as if we are in for a heat-wave. Although rain is not forecast I would recommend bringing a folding umbrella and/or a showerproof jacket in case it changes its mind. If we do get a heatwave, the umbrella could double as a sunshade 🙂
http://home.nzcity.co.nz/weather/weatherdetail.aspx?wla=5
I used to be a Girl Guide, so I like to be prepared.