Welcome from Nikki Winslow, 2008 Conference Chair

The 2008 NLA Conference Committee is in full swing preparing for this year’sannual festivities, with the theme “Bridging the Gap @ Nevada Libraries”. The Conference is being held this year from August 14-16th at the Santa Fe Station Hotel and Casino in Northwest Las Vegas. The Santa Fe Casino promises to be a great site, with a movie theater, bowling alley, food court, and several restaurants and lounges. Rooms are available for $59 plus tax anight, so be sure to make your reservations early!

Make sure to take advantage of the discounts you receive towards Conference Registration by joining NLA and getting registered before the Early Bird discount ends. You will save $30 just for joining NLA, and another $20 for signing up before the Early Bird deadline. That savings practically pays for your membership!!

We are really excited about the some of the speakers we have lined up, including noted children’s literature consultant and speaker Judy Freeman, who will be presenting all day on Friday, August 15th. This year the Continuing Education credits will be earned during the regular conference session, enabling regular conference attendees to earn credits without attending a preconference. Update: We are happy to report that Judy Freeman will be able to attend the conference after all. 5/12/08 JV

We have some very exciting prospects for our Virtual Track, as well as a great program about how to offer video gaming tournaments in your branches. Wewill offer programs for everyone, from the latest technology to customerservice, throughout the conference.

Here’s an overview of this year’s conference:

Thursday, August 14, 2008
8-10 am Free Breakfast in the Exhibitor’s Hall
10 am Keynote Speaker
11-4 pm Breakout Programs
4-6 pm Exhibitor’s Reception, Complimentary
6-8 pm President’s Dinner, featuring Richard Lee and Killian’s Angels

Friday, August 15, 2008
8-10 am Free Breakfast in the Exhibitor’s Hall
10 am Keynote Speaker
11-5 pm Breakout Programs

Saturday, August 16, 2008
9-12 am NYRA Breakfast
12-4 pm Children’s Services Breakout Programs

We really hope everyone is able to attend and guarantee some great programs and fun for all! Any questions? Contact me at nlaconfchair@yahoo.com.

(as written in the March 2008 Nevada Libraries)