Welcome to the 2008 Joint Conference

In this year of national elections, political candidates, and the democratic process, we pause to think about leadership in every arena and what it means to us, as Americas and as school librarians in Oregon and Washington states. We elect to lead every day.

The Oregon Association of School Libraries (OASL), and The Washington Library Media Association (WLMA) Joint Conference 2008 will focus on themes that support leadership in our libraries, schools, and communities.

Important Information for Elect to Lead Registrants: The conference committee made the important commitment to be as green as possible. Your enjoyment and success at the joint conference will be enhanced by preparing ahead.

Just last night the concurrent session matrix was posted that includes the session number with times listed at the top of the document. Although you should be aware that some changes will likely occur by the time you arrive in Portland, this matrix should help you decide which sessions you will attend and print handouts if you want them at the conference. Handouts or links are posted at http://oemawlma2008.org/concurrent.htm#handouts. Hopefully more presenters will have them posted prior to the conference.

Wireless access will be available at the conference for a fee. The daily rate for wireless access (midnight to midnight) is $9.95. Logging onto the wireless access is similar to the procedure used in many hotels. In one of the lobby areas the convention center will open their network. One choice should be the OCC hotspot. Select it and follow the onscreen instructions for paying. You should charge your computer's battery before arriving at the convention center, as access to electrical outlets is limited.

I know you are looking forward to the conference, and taking advantage of the great line-up of authors and extended, as well as concurrent session presenters. The committee wants you to have the best possible experience and encourages you to plan ahead.

Drive safely and see you at the conference,

Sheryl Steinke, Program Chair OASL WLMA Joint Conference

Don't Forget: after October 3rd, 11:59 p.m., there will be a late fee of $50.00 added.

Driving Directions to the Oregon Convention Center: Print this map if you need assistance finding the conference.

When you register for the OASL & WLMA Conference, an automatic confirmation is sent to you.Some districts have strong protection in place that has prevented the confirmation from reaching some registrants. If you registered and did not receive a confirmation, please check with your technology department and ask them to allow messages from MemberClicks.com and my address registration08@comcast.net. Please communicate by email first, but if you need it, my phone number is 503.635.9107. Jo Ann

Presenters have been posting their handouts for conference. Print handouts for the extended sessions and concurrent sessions you will be attending. Conference is trying to "go green" this year.

A Conference Video by Connie Pappas is now on Animoto. Check it out.

A few Exhibitor Booths are still available. Sign up soon for the last 9 booths - they are selling quickly. We will have 100 exhibitors at OASL/WLMA 2008. 9/22/08

Silent Auction: Join the fun and bring something interesting to the silent auction at the back of the Exhibits Hall on Thursday evening, or before 8 a.m. on Friday morning. Silent Auction Times are Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you are the winner of a specific auction item, you can pick it up from 3 to 5 on Friday. Auction proceeds go to help both organizations' legislative activities. Vote with your auction bids! 9/20/08

Remember this date and time: October 4, 2008 - After 11:59 p.m. on October 3, these registration factors will change:

• Purchase Orders will no longer be accepted for registration.
• Credit-card-only registration begins.
• A late fee for registration begins. ($50)
• A cancellation fee begins. ($50)
• No meal refunds will be made.

Important Information: As of Monday night, September 15, the conference committee will release our conference hotel block rooms. This means you will compete for the rooms with the general public. Using the code below will still get you the group rate after the 15th, but the the hotel fills up fast and there probably will not be any rooms if you wait...... So, make your reservation NOW, at the DoubleTree "Conference Special" Web Page - use the Group Name: Oregon Washington Library Media Association and the Group Code: LMA. 9/13/08

Presenter Materials or Session Handouts: The Conference Committee encourages all Presenters to "go green" and provide handouts online a few days before conference begins, by October 3-6 please. No reimbursement for handouts is being made this year. The Conference will link to any web page or electronic documents sent directly to our conference webmaster. Link will be from Concurrent Sessions page (http://oemawlma2008.org/concurrent.htm). Extended Sessions Materials and handouts, will also be linked from this page. 9/13/08

Wireless Internet Access will be available at the Convention Center, for $9.95 per day per individual attendee. If you plan to bring a laptop and need internet access at the conference site, more information will be available soon. The hotel also has wireless available in rooms, for a small charge. 9/13/08

Businesses that support school library goals might like to advertise in the conference program. View our Current Sponsors. We encourage all our members to do business with those who help support school library programs for children & teens and our continuing education programs. 9/3/08

You can pre-order Conference Authors' Books through Powell's Books. Order on the special page, created just for OASL-WLMA 2008 Conference. Please read carefully the section on Placing An Order. 8/24/08

Credit or Clock Hour Information for continuing education is now available. 8/21/08

Meal Functions - Check on prices, speakers, and other information before you register - visit the Meal Functions page. Meals are one of the best places to meet other professionals and share ideas at conference. 5/29/08

Extended Sessions: Read details about the extended sessions on Thursday and Saturday at conference. 5/25/08

Featured Authors: Read more about the Conference Featured Authors. 5/25/08

Session Hosts: Could you assist one of our presenters by hosting a session? Volunteers are needed to welcome and introduce presenters. This is an easy way to get to meet a presenter at a session you want to attend! If you are interested in volunteering, view the concurrent sessions list, then contact Sue Kelsey at sue_kelsey@ddouglas.k12.or.us . 5/17/08

Hotel Reservations for OASL/WLMA Conference. Group Name:
Oregon Washington Library Media Association; Group Code: LMA; Check-in:
08-OCT-2008; Check-out: 11-OCT-2008. 5/15/08

Check the FAQ Page for additional information.