Behind the scenes at an IUG meeting

Volume 16, Number 6 • June 1999

Behind the scenes at an IUG meeting — Lots of hard work goes into the planning of these annual conferences
by Terry Ballard

THE SYSTEMS LIBRARIAN column provides insight into the planning of the annual Innovative Users Group conferences. Describes the experiences of a newly-elected board member in coordinating the audiovisual needs for two conferences. Offers perspective on how small details such as a lack of floor microphones and a no-show bus company can create problems for hundreds of conference attendees. Discusses lessons learned regarding false economies associated with equipment rentals and offers suggestions to avoid having presenters use live Internet connections in their presentations. Summarizes the overall learning experience with tongue in cheek, noting that the highlights included what happens when 1,000 systems librarians get together in one place, how the relationship between an OPAC vendor and a dedicated group of its customers operates, and the best place to go for Chinese food in Oakland, CA.