Top 12 Tips for a Great 2025 Reaching Forward South
- Plan Ahead
With a full day of programming ahead of you, take some time to view the entire conference schedule to determine the programs you want to attend. If a speaker has made their handouts available, you can view them on the conference schedule. Scroll or search for the program you're interested in. The handouts will be available underneath the program description.
- Know When You're Going
The conference will be held at Thelma Keller Convention Center at 1202 N. Keller Dr., Effingham, IL 62401.
- Bring Your Badge
Confirmation letters will be mailed via USPS on March 25 & 26 and include your conference badge. To speed up the morning check-in process, please be sure to bring your badge along so you can grab your registration materials when you arrive and grab some coffee. We will have duplicate badges available at the ILA Help Desk if you need one.
- Review ILA's Statement of Appropriate Conduct
Make sure you have read over the Statement of Appropriate conduct.
- Visit the Exhibits
Exhibits will be open from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Take some time to check out what our exhibitors have to offer – library materials, continuing education opportunities, and something special for yourself. Exhibits help to underwrite the cost of the conference and keep registration fees down – so please help us make our exhibitors feel welcome.
- Dress for the Day
As much as we try, it’s difficult to control the climate in a large building. Consider dressing in layers so you can adjust to changing temperatures. Remember to wear comfortable shoes – you may be covering a lot of ground!
- Don’t Forget Your Appetite
Registration for Reaching Forward South includes morning coffee and a lunch. We have worked with the conference center to do our best to accommodate everyone’s dietary needs. If none of the choices will work for you, you are encouraged to bring your own lunch.
- Challenge Yourself & Meet Someone New
Step outside your comfort zone – sit with someone you don’t know at lunch. Seating is open, so take a chance and make a new connection!
- Discover Something New
Attend a program outside your experience.
- Post Away
Be social with #RFSouth2025! Share photos and fun comments for your fellow attendees to view and be part of the conversation.
- Tell Us What You Think
Your feedback will help us plan next year’s conference. Please take a moment to fill out the conference evaluation, which will be sent via email. We really do listen to our attendees!
- Take the Next Step
If you enjoy your experience at Reaching Forward South, consider taking the next step and joining the Reaching Forward South planning committee. We’re always looking for new ideas and fresh faces! Submit a Committee Interest Form before April 30th to be considered.
Questions? Contact the Illinois Library Association at ila@ila.org.
We look forward to seeing you on April 4!
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