Last year I finally got to the BIALL Conference thanks to a generous bursary from the CLIG. Having heard of the delights of "the Conference" for many years from enthusiastic attendees I was excited to be seeing it for myself at last (and thankfully Bristol wasn't too far to go).
I was unprepared for the total immersion effect of being with 250 or so fellow law librarians from breakfast till late, packed into the Victorian lecture hall for seminars and meetings, clustered over coffee with publishers and suppliers.
Being a diligent first-timer, and with the CLIG to report to as well, I went to every session including the AGM and Members' Forum (fortunately there was a taxi rank outside my hotel to get me to the 9am start). This, combined with the unaccustomed late hours of John Evans' Quiz Night (Friday) and the Venetian Masked Ball (Saturday), meant that I missed the excursions on Sunday afternoon.
In all it was an excellent if exhausting weekend. As a "one man band" I particularly appreciated being with other legal information professionals.
I returned to work newly enthused, grateful to CLIG for the opportunity, and looking forward to Cork 2001.
- So if you're planning to go to your first conference this year here
are a few things to note:
- Book early to get the best choice of hotel, and to take advantage
of the cheaper rate.
- At the same time pick your parallel sessions - the most popular do
"sell out" fast.
- Choose your excursion - optional but good value and fun (especially
according to those who went to Harveys Wine Cellars in Bristol).
- On arrival you'll get a comprehensive guide to the proceedings, but
do go to the new delegates/overseas reception - it's a breakfast event
this year.
- Consider the mentoring scheme to help you get the most from a busy
3 days.
- Take your glad rags for the Saturday evening do.
Finally - don't forget an empty suitcase to bring back the booty from
the exhibition...and have a great time!
Francesca Meller