MCMLA2006….
It's Closer Than You Think

Every nine years it comes. For two years prior to it, we plan and we worry. The day it is over we pat ourselves on the back and rest for the next seven years. What am I describing? The MCMLA annual meeting and in 2006 it is SLML turn to host the event.

Initial planning has already begun. Kim Lipsey, Cheryle Cann and I have read the MCMLA Annual Planning Manual, visited one hotel and have exchanged several emails with Rebecca Graves, Annual Meeting Advisor. In the coming months SLML members will be asked to join the several committees that will be formed to make our turn of hosting the annual MCMLA meeting a success.

So you are probably asking yourself what can I do to help plan an exciting meeting here in St. Louis for my colleagues from the states of Missouri , Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska and South Dakota. First of all be ready to volunteer when the time comes…and it is coming soon. Second, who would you want to hear as a keynote speaker or a lunch speaker? Send any names to Kim, Cheryle or me. Remember these speakers do not necessary need to have a library connection though it would be nice if the speaker uses libraries. Third, what type of continuing education classes should be offered or put in another way, what type of continuing education do you want to attend and who do you want to see teaching the classes. Or maybe you know of someone who is a good teacher – send us the name and we can work with the person to see what they can offer the MCMLA membership in terms of classes.

Committees that we will need to have are

• Local Arrangements – the committee with the ultimate responsibility for the meeting and to which all the other committees report.
• Continuing Education – this committee's responsibility can be given to the MCMLA CE committee, however, we need someone from SLML to be a member of the MCMLA CE committee if we do this.
• Program and Publicity – this committee works with the local arrangements committee to determine the program and to advertise, advertise, advertise the meeting.
• Registration – this committee works on the many aspects of getting our colleagues to register for the meeting and being the hospitable person our colleagues first meet when they arrive in St. Louis.
• Exhibits and Vendors – this committee works on getting vendors to come to the meeting and helping to meet their needs when they are at meeting.
• Hospitality and Social Events – this committee makes sure we have “fun” events planned for the meeting and assists our colleagues in knowing how to get around our fair city.