Speaker Information and Resources
Conference speakers are the stars of any event. They share their knowledge, insights, and stories with the audience, and often inspire them to take action. ILA’s Conference Planning Committee is committed to creating opportunities for speakers to grow as subject experts and leaders in our profession. To that end, the committee provides:
- Personal support with office hours and emails
- Deadlines
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Speaker Resources
- Promote Your Presence at #ILAAC24
- Conference Logo & Branded Slide Deck
- What to expect on the day of your presentation
ILA Office Hours
Register to meet with Kristin (the ILA Conference and Continuing Education Manager) to ask questions, brainstorm, and generally get conference speaker support. Not available during any of the times listed? Email Kristin at kpekoll@ila.org to schedule a 30 minute chat.
Email the Conference Speaker Subcommittee if you’re looking for an extra boost of encouragement and support before the conference or at your session: Kate Kite, Susan Conner, Lisa Hutson, and Rene Leyva.
Deadlines
Monday, July 1 — Upload headshot and add a brief bio to your Speaker Profile
July 1-15 — Designated conference speaker registration with 20% discount
Monday, July 22 — Registration opens to the general public
Thursday, August 15 — Deadline to edit program descriptions, change your title, or add speakers
Saturday, September 7 — Deadline to reserve a hotel room with the ILA rates.
Monday, September 16, 2024 — Early bird registration deadline
Thursday, September 26, 2024 — Last day to register
Monday, October 7 — Upload handouts, slides and resources in your Speaker Portal
October 8-10, 2024 — ILA Annual Conference Libraries are Lit: Sparking Innovation and Imagination in Peoria, IL.
Speaker FAQ
Are speakers required to register for the conference?
Yes. Annual conference speakers and poster session presenters are eligible for a conference registration discount of 20% off their appropriate fee. Discounts are available exclusively during the speaker registration window before general registration opens. Discounts are not eligible for the “Exhibits Only” registration type.
Will AV be available?
Each program room will include a projector, screen, and WiFi access. If you plan on using WiFi for your presentation, please consider a back up plan in case there are connectivity issues.
Do I have to bring my own computer and adaptor?
Yes. The conference does not supply computers. Speakers whose programs require computers/videos/slides must bring their own device. If your device does not have a HDMI port, please bring an appropriate adaptor.
Should I provide handouts?
All speakers are asked to make their handouts and/or slides available for attendees to download. Handouts can be submitted via the Speaker Portal on Pheedloop by Monday, October 7. Speakers may provide paper copies of their handouts at their own expense. Please use your best judgment in deciding if printed handouts are necessary for your program.
COMMITTEE TIP: Presenters can provide QR codes linking to documents on Pheedloop, helping to reduce the costs of printing multiple copies.
How do I find out when and where my session is scheduled?
The complete conference schedule is available on the conference platform website and app. Each session is marked with the Day, Date, and Time. The conference program sessions are all located in the Peoria Civic Center in the room listed on your session. You can locate your room on the floor plan or visit the Peoria Civic Center for a 3D walk through.
Is there a space for speakers to prepare for their presentations?
A Speaker Prep area will be available throughout the conference. Speakers may use the space to meet and prepare for their presentations.
COMMITTEE TIP: First time presenting? Keep a snack and water on hand to stay nourished and hydrated. Taking care of yourself ensures you perform at your best.
How is the room setup?
Program rooms will be set up in either a theater configuration or round tables, based on the request in your program submission. Each room will have a podium with a microphone and a speakers' table with two microphones.
Do I have to use the microphone?
Yes. Please use the microphones, even if you think you’re speaking loud enough. It is an accessibility issue for attendees who may not want to identify their hearing challenges.
Speaker Resources
The Conference Program Committee has compiled a list of resources that may be helpful in preparing for your presentation.
Captions
Using captioning tools embedded in your presentation can benefit all attendees regardless of hearing ability.
Promote Your Presence at #ILAAC24
In an effort to help you maximize your presence at this year’s conference, we have provided copy and customizable graphics for you to use in marketing pieces (social media, newsletters, emails, mailings, etc.) to promote your presence at #ILAAC24 as well as the conference.
Title: 2024 Illinois Library Association Annual Conference (or 2024 ILA Annual Conference)
Dates and Location: Oct. 8-10, Peoria Civic Center, Peoria, IL
Website: ila.org/conference
Hashtag (if posting on social media): #ILAAC24
Conference Logo & Branded Slide Deck
There are two variations of the conference logo available for you to use. One with the graphic and tagline and the other variation includes details about the conference. Feel free to download either version in the format of your choice.
Branded Slide
Speakers are welcome to copy this Google Slide that includes the conference logo "Libraries Are Lit" and hashtag #ILAAC24. Additionally we have six informational slides that we'd love for you to share at your session; either before you start or at the very end.
First Time Speaking? Need a Refresher?
Here are some things to do and what to expect on the day of your presentation.
- Locate your room with the Peoria Civic Center floor plan.
- Pick up and wear a speaker ribbon near the ILA Help Desk
- Arrive at your room 15 minutes before your presentation
- Connect with committee member. Upon arrival, check in with a committee member who has been assigned to welcome you and help you set up and troubleshoot if you have any AV problems. A committee member will not give a formal introduction before your presentation.
- Bring your adapters; HDMI cables will be provided by conference
- Bring the slides on a thumb drive as a back-up
- Use a microphone during your presentation and for Q&A. This helps ensure that individuals with hearing difficulties, including those who may not disclose their needs, can hear you clearly.
- Be mindful of time and exit the room at the end of your session for the next presenters to set up.
- Encourage everyone to complete the conference evaluation.
Recommendations for a Successful Session and Positive Feedback
First and foremost, the Conference Committee thanks you for being part of this year's conference. Each year, we aim to offer a diverse mix of presentations that will be informative and a valuable learning experience for all attendees. We understand that everyone has different levels of organization, so we hope this quick one-page guide helps ease your experience. We want you to have a wonderful time and be as prepared as you wish. Please reach out if you still have questions. We are here for you.
Sincerely, 2024 Conference Committee Members
- Connect with your co-speakers in advance. Make sure everyone who is speaking has adequate time to prepare and to speak. Go over the presentation as a group before the time of the presentation if possible.
- Avoid Video attachments. Previous feedback from audiences suggest they consume valuable time. Oftentimes the video doesn’t play smoothly with limited wifi bandwidth. If needed include a link to a video in your resources or slides.
- Include your bios and contact info in the presentation for attendees to find later. This approach is highly recommended for panel discussions. Alternatively, you can designate one person to introduce the entire group at the beginning briefly.
- Keep Slides Concise: Avoid overcrowding your slides with text. Use bullet points, short phrases, and visual aids to convey your message clearly and effectively. This helps maintain audience engagement and ensures your key points are easily digestible.
- Practice. Practice. Practice.
- Don’t sweat the small stuff. Things don’t have to be perfect. Your colleagues are interested in what you have to say! Focus on delivering your message with confidence and enthusiasm.
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