MLA/DLA 2023 Conference "Leveled Up" to Success

 

Over 600 staff members from Maryland and Delaware libraries gathered in Cambridge for the 2023 MLA/DLA Annual Conference.  Conference director Kelsey Hughes and co-director Anita Crawford, and the entire conference committee, brought together exciting guest speakers, authors, and an interesting group of vendors.  With over 60 breakout sessions, 3 Ignite sessions, MLA and DLA member meetings, a tech playground, a meetup with the new BCMLA, and a return visit from Pets on Wheels of Delmarva, attendees had plenty of opportunities for learning and networking.

There were also lots of fun activities, including s'mores by the campfire, karaoke, the silent auction, the Harriet Tubman Visitor Center Tour, and morning yoga on the lawn. The now infamous pub quiz was well attended, and the EPFL team of Julie Johnson, Heather Yost, Kinshasa Vargas-Pile, guest Heather Riley, and yours truly, held our own against much larger teams, even winning a round and coming in second in several others. 🏆 

Thanks to all staff who participated as committee members, program presenters, or attendees.

Lisa R. Kenyon

Staff Development and Training

MLA/DLA Annual Conference 2022 - Back together again

The MLA/DLA conference returned to Cambridge, MD this year to the delight of attendees.  There is something about meeting in person that just makes a conference a better experience, especially when you are with a group of fantastic librarians and staff from Maryland libraries.

Tuesday was a beautiful day to drive to the Eastern shore, and check in to the Hyatt in preparation for the pre-conferences on Wednesday.  An interesting array of pre-conferences were attended by EPFL staff, including the "Everyone Leads" follow-up workshop and the adult programming unconference.  Bright orange backpacks, colorful badges and committee ribbons were available for participants, and by Thursday morning we were ready for the breakout sessions, visiting vendors, and the MD author award luncheon.  Whenever we feature a poet they always bring a tear to your eye, and Afaa Michael Weaver's reminiscences about growing up in Baltimore was no exception.

As always, the social events including the pub quiz and scavenger hunt brought extra fun to the conference, and the De-Stress with Pets puppies brought smiles to many faces.  The drive back on Friday was a bit nasty with the rain and traffic, but overall a fantastic event.

Lisa R. Kenyon
Staff Development and Training Coordinator

It was great to meet the new ALA president Patty Wong

Remember this viral sensation?  It was in the vendor's room.

Lots of good donations for the silent auction!