CLA 2009 Conference & Trade Show News Flash

With spring upon us, the CLA Annual Conference and Trade Show is just around the corner. The conference takes place in Montreal from Friday, May 29 to Monday, June 1, 2009 and we are excited about welcoming delegates to Montréal!

EXTENDED! The early bird deadline has been extended to April 6, 2009 at midnight (EDT) to ensure that organizations with a March 31 fiscal year end have the opportunity to register at the early bird rate.

THE NEW CLA Book Awards Reception will take place on Saturday, May 30 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

We are very excited to announce that...Library Services Centre is the new GOLD sponsor of the 2009 Book of the Year Award for Children and the 2009 Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Award. Tutor.com is also a first time SILVER sponsor of the 2009 Young Adult Book Award.

CLA is also pleased to announce that TD Bank Financial Group is sponsoring the Book Awards Reception. Join the award-winning authors for appetizers, dine at the pasta bar and smoked meats stations and enjoy wine/beer - all for only $30! Redeem your ticket for a complimentary copy of one of the award winning books! This premiere event is limited to 125 attendees. Don't miss out...register now at www.cla.ca/conference/2009.

CLA thanks each of the new sponsors for graciously contributing to the success of these prestigious awards and for making this year's event like no other before it!

HOT TOPIC! We are thrilled to announce the first of three Hot Topic sessions at the conference.

The Economic Downturn: what’s in it for libraries?

Across the country, we are all feeling the effects of the current economic climate: from manufacturing job losses and falling stock values to depreciating housing prices and pension plans, everyone is faced with concerns about the future.

Libraries now have an opportunity to demonstrate, clearly and forcefully, the vital impact they have on their communities and users. This message is often subdued or lost in better times – now is the chance for libraries to emphasise their value to society and the return on investment they generate. Libraries of all sorts provide the opportunity for anyone, regardless of circumstances, to gain access to the information and resources they need to equip themselves to face future challenges.

This is also a time to lobby those who fund libraries. And we approach them not looking for bail-outs or hand-outs, but for investment into stable institutions with growing client lists and increasing demands for services. Investment in libraries addresses needs that have positive outcomes: research and study, job skills development, entertainment, community building.

Hot Topic Session B8 will feature a panel of speakers who will provide expert advice, tips on advocacy, and insights into how to turn current challenges into opportunities for change. This session will take place Saturday, May 30 at 2:30 – 3:30.

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM! There have been a few changes and additions to the preliminary program. Check the PDF for added speakers and new or expanded session information. www.cla.ca/conference/2009

NINGing? Check the conference website for the new Ning link. Check into the JobLink, keep up to date on the weather and events or get travelling directions. It is all there!

REMINDER! We have an incredible selection of pre-conferences this year. The Pre-conference registration deadline is April 17, 2009 at midnight (EDT). We encourage anyone interested in attending a pre-conference session to register as soon as possible as there is limited space at each one and they are filling up fast.

HOTEL NEWS! We have added a new hotel to the website, Le Westin Montréal, located in the former home of the Montréal Gazette. An historical site, it has been become home to the newest downtown hotel. Only steps from the Palais des congrès, CLA has contracted a small block of rooms at this magnificent property at a rate of $224 per night. Booking instructions are on the website under hotels.

DISCOVER MONTRÉAL! There is a fabulous offering of pre and post tours. Do not miss this opportunity to experience the "joie de vivre" that is Montréal. Historical architecture, world class cuisine or exploring the apple region are just some of the offerings.