What to pack for Conference

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?

 

Conference all mapped out

So you’ve got your registration sussed, travel arrangements have been made, you’ve got somewhere to stay and you’ve run your eye over the programme so you’ve got an idea about what sessions you might like to go to.  But if you’re from out of town and aren’t familiar with Christchurch how are you going to find your way around?

We don’t want lost librarians wandering aimlessly about the inner city making it look all untidy so we humbly present for your perusal a one-stop shop of maps so you’ll be able to navigate your way around the place.

Our Google map features all sorts of handy info, like the locations of ATMs, hotels and coffee spots as well as SOL Square.  Full map available here.

Once you’re in the Convention Centre you might want to know what’s what in which case you’ll want to check out their floorplan so you’ll be able to negotiate the crowds and beeline it for the loos when you need to (click on the little red bubbles on the floorplan to see video of the interior).

If those walking times between your accommodation and the Convention Centre are a little longer than you’d like then you may wish to take advantage of the central city’s free shuttle bus.  They’re yellow and they come along every 15 minutes or so and are a godsend at the end of a long day.

More Christchurch maps are available here and if there’s anything you’d like added to the Google map (nearest place to buy a cardy, bun-crafting hairdressers, optometrists selling chains for your glasses etc.) then leave us a comment and we’ll pop it on the map for you.

 

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Pick a plane, any plane

How are you getting to conference this year?

Quickly?  Then you will be pleased to know there are still some cheap flights available for the week of conference – at the moment! Remember to check additional events before and after conference, prior to booking!

Maybe you have time to take in the beauty of the South Island on your way?  Then you might want to consider a leisurely train trip down to Christchurch stopping in Kaikoura enroute to see some whales. You just never know who you will bump into on the train.  The winter special of $39 (from Picton) or $79 (from Wellington) ends 11 October, which is just perfect!

Have a car and a spare night before conference?  Then check out Oamaru’s historic precinct on your way up, or Hanmer’s hot pools on your way over from The Coast.

Flying in? Our airport is 12 kms from the city centre, and currently under construction.  The front pick up area may look a bit different to when you were here last – if you are being picked up by a friend, walk towards the ground floor of the multi level carpark, this is where pickup/drop off is currently happening. Buses and taxis are operating from the International end of the airport at the moment, so follow the signs to International upon arrival.  The bus takes 20 min.

Coming in by rail? Our railway station is located 2 km from the city centre.  The #51 bus will take you into the city or a taxi.  I could promise it is only a 45 minute walk into the city through Hagley Park and the Botanical Gardens, but with luggage – I think the novelty would wear off quickly unless you have your backpack.

Do we have anyone sailing into Christchurch? If so, a) how lucky is that! and, b) Lyttleton Harbour isnt that far away, a short bus ride into town.

We will have a look at getting around Christchurch during conference in the next couple of weeks.