The ILA Annual Conference Buddy System Returns!

September 22, 2023

The Buddy System is BACK! Having debuted with such success at the 2019 ILA Annual Conference, the 2023 ILA Conference Program Committee decided to bring it back. 

It can be intimidating or even a bit lonely attending a large conference alone or only knowing one or two other people there. With this experience, you can attend the conference, experience all of the sessions and events, and meet someone new!

This program is for individuals attending the conference alone, first-time conference attendees, or those who want to meet someone new and invite them into their group. Buddy system participants will be paired based on their interests. 

What You Can Expect

  • Receive buddy contact information before or by Friday, October 13.

  • Schedule one or two phone calls (or emails) ahead of the conference to introduce yourselves, answer questions, and go over the conference schedule.

  • Meet face-to-face at the President's Reception on Monday, October 23, or before the Opening General Session on Tuesday, October 24.

  • Walk the exhibit hall together.

  • Meet for lunch, coffee, or during a networking event to check-in.

Please Note

  • This program is for those wishing to make professional connections and network in a professional setting.
  • ILA is not responsible for fostering communication after attendees are paired up. You are responsible for contacting your buddy once ILA emails you their contact information.  

  • You are not required to hang out with the person you’re paired with if you don’t feel it’s a good match.

  • You do not have to exchange any personal information if you are uncomfortable doing so. We will only provide an email address to contact your buddy. 

  • ILA will contact you to get feedback on your experience with the Buddy System, and if you have a positive experience, we encourage you to share it with the ILA community

We are excited to offer this program to our conference attendees and hope members of the ILA community attending this year’s conference consider participating.

The deadline to sign up is Friday, October 6. If you have any questions about the Buddy System, please contact Tamara Jenkins at tjenkins@ila.org.
 

*This program is being offered to conference attendees only. Vendors and partners of ILA are not eligible to participate.

Sign-up for the Buddy System!

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