Earlier this month, the Minnesota Library Association (MLA) held its annual conference in St. Cloud, Minnesota. The conference, which is fully managed by Management HQ, provides MLA members with continuing education opportunities that enable librarians to better serve their communities.
The theme for this year’s conference was “Programmed to Lead,” which is a nod to the unique role and responsibility of libraries to provide leadership in their communities. Topics discussed include how libraries are leading their communities and campuses by using digital technology to solve problems and address issues.
Attendees explored topics such as community engagement, data privacy, STEM programming, strengthening advocacy efforts, digital preservation, marketing, and discovering grant funding opportunities while also experiencing new technologies firsthand.
Dorothea Salo, faculty associate in the Information School at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, was the first keynote presentation entitled, “We, Surveilled and Afraid, in a World We Never Made,” exploring online privacy and the implications for libraries, including how to protect the privacy of patrons.
Gina Millsap, chief executive officer of the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, gave the second keynote presentation, “Librarian Evolution: Libraries Thrive When We Change,” which focused on the need for libraries to grow and adapt in order to further the missions of literacy, learning, and leading in their communities.
“This year’s conference theme was “Programmed to Lead,” because in a world full of challenges, I believe libraries are inherently equipped to lead us to solutions. Relying on our skills and guided by our principles, there is no one better suited for the job,” said Ryan McCormick, MLA president. “Leadership is a natural fit for libraries – it’s in our code.”
Management HQ, who provides full-service association management services, including an executive director to MLA, worked with MLA to provide onsite event management of the two-day event. More than 500 librarians from around Minnesota attended the annual conference.
If you would like to talk with MHQ about supporting your association with event management services, contact us at info@management-hq.com or call (877) 834-5550. You can also submit a 3-Minute Association Management RFP.
