2025 ILA Marketing Forum Mini-Conference
"Reviving Your Marketing, Creating New Traditions"
Schedule for Friday, May 16, 2025, 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Schaumburg Township District Library
10:00-10:30 a.m.
Check-in
10:30-10:35 a.m.
Welcome/Opening Remarks
ILA Marketing Forum
10:40-11:10 a.m.
Networking and Refreshments
11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Keynote
"From Stacks to Screens: Making Library Content Click"
Alexa Heinrich, Author and Social Media Manager
Social media is a powerful tool for libraries to connect with their communities, highlight services, and showcase everything they offer. But with so much content online, how can libraries stand out and truly engage their audiences?
In this session, we’ll explore creative content ideas and best practices for making library social media more engaging and accessible.
Whether you're promoting programs, celebrating staff, or spotlighting resources, you'll leave with fresh inspiration and practical tips to make your library’s social presence more engaging, inclusive, and fun!
12:15-12:45 p.m.
Lunch/Swag Table
Sessions
1:00-2:00 p.m.
Session I
"The Evolution of a Printed Newsletter: One Library’s Journey"
Corinne Vargas, PR & Outreach Manager at Fox River Valley Public Library
This presentation explores the evolution of the Fox River Valley Public Library District’s printed newsletter, from its origins and early design to the significant transformations made over the past year, including a new size. It covers the reasons behind these changes, the process of developing an RFP for a three-year print contract, and the key decisions that shaped the current design and format. Finally, it provides insights into our distribution strategy and how we ensure the newsletter effectively reaches our community. At the end of the presentation, there will be time for questions.
Corinne Vargas is the PR & Outreach Manager at Fox River Valley Public Library with 24+ years of experience in marketing and communications. She holds a bachelor’s from Bradley University and an MBA from Benedictine University. A classically trained artist, she began as a graphic designer before transitioning into a marketing professional role where she now mentors’ others in the field of public relations and communications.
Corinne’s work has earned national recognition, including the 2017 Visionary Award and the 2023 NAGC Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Awards. An active volunteer, she serves as a Girl Scout leader and enjoys family time with her husband and two children.
2:00-3:00 p.m.
Session II
"Reel Talk for Libraries: Next-Level Tips for Instagram Reels"
Emily Bradshaw, Marketing Content Coordinator at the Helen Plum Library
Quality content can help build communities, even in a turbulent social media environment. Re-energize your library’s Instagram account with artistic and technical tips for reels, from camera angles to algorithm hacks. Emily Bradshaw, Marketing Content Coordinator at Helen Plum Library, will share her insights into the platform and how she creates videos that resonate with millions of viewers.
Emily Bradshaw is the Marketing Content Coordinator at Helen Plum Library in Lombard, Illinois. In this role, Emily manages the library’s social media accounts and email communications and coordinates with the Marketing Department and other library staff on projects and promotions. Emily earned her MLIS and BA in English from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
3:00-3:15 p.m.
Closing Remarks/Networking/End of Event
ILA Marketing Forum
3:30-4:00 p.m.
Library Tour (Optional)
iREAD Summer Reading Programs
Latest Library JobLine Listings
