Tips for PLA 2012 Attendees

Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a record-holding registrant, it never hurts to review the basics of conference comfort—in fact, it can save you a lot of hurt!

  1. The weather in Philadelphia in March averages 50 degrees during the day and 33 degrees at night, so whether that news makes you shiver or sweat, be sure to pack accordingly.
  2. Convention centers are notoriously fickle in temperature. Plan to dress in layers and bring a light sweater/jacket that you can put on or take off as needed.
  3. Wear comfortable shoes. You'll likely cover a lot of ground walking to the program rooms, to the exhibits, to events… and back again.
  4. Oh, the temptations of the exhibits hall! Take care of your back and avoid overstuffing your bag. Consider bringing a backpack rather than an over-the-shoulder bag.
  5. Bring a stash of granola bars and nuts from home and pack some in your bag each day of conference. They’ll keep your energy going.
  6. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill up from fountains/bubblers at the Convention Center.
  7. If you begin watching a program that isn’t everything you thought it would be, don’t give up! There are numerous programs going on at one time, so check your program book and choose another.
  8. Turn off your cell phone or turn it to vibrate during programs—unless you like everyone’s eyes on you accusingly.

In case you didn’t see it, here is the PLA’s Top Ten Tips for Attending PLA 2012 (PDF, 12 pgs.).

Check out tips on these other sites:

What tips do you have? E-mail Amy at asargent@ala.org. We’ll include your idea!