SLA Blog

On the Ground Report: Online Information London

Greetings all from London where I am attending the Online Information 2008 Conference. SLA is exhibiting at the conference and our booth (or "stand") had a very successful day with the wonderful help from our SLA Europe members. We are relaying the value of becoming a member of the association and attendees are listening, we already have a few new members to welcome! We are hopeful for more as the week goes on, and that this will be our best year at Online Information.

On Wednesay morning, SLA Europe hosted its annual breakfast, sponsored by Dialog. Members and non-members mingled over a proper English Breakfast while listening to Penny Leach, the SLA Europe president, discuss the exciting upcoming events of the chapter and Gloria Zamora discuss SLA's HQ initiatives and updates. The number of attendees surpassed expectations with over 100 attendees present. I took some photos of the event that would give you a better "picture" of the event...

Here is a great picture of the crowd...

Lots of familiar faces at breakfast...

Bill Noorlander and Ursula Clarke:

Everyone Knows It's Windy by the Association

Many attendees will be flying out today and tomorrow (after a great conference week!).  Check the weather and your flight status.  I've heard anecdotal reports that it's going to be quite windy...and that might affect your travel.

The Weather Channel

The Denver Post

Denver International Airport

Safe travels, and see you next year in Seattle!

Reflections on the Preparation

I can't believe I've actually made it in one piece.  Getting ready for a trip is always a crazy time.  Can my houseplants live for 5 days without me? ...how many pairs of shoes to take? ...umbrella? (remember how it rained last year in Baltimore?)... and the most important question of all: how to stay under the 25 lb per suitcase limit and still take all the books I want/need? (hint: take paperbacks where possible).

A quick trip to my office before the airport has me gathering reading material for the flight? - I usually take too much, especially considering I always end up reading those weird freebie magazines in the seat pocket.  The articles cover everything from pure fluff (gourmet cupcakes) to thought provoking pieces (I can't think of any right now, but I know they were there).

I have to admit, my favorite magazine is called "Sky Mall".  Where else can you buy an upside down tomato garden for a mere $69.95 (plus tax, shipping and handling that will probably double the price).  Where else does it seem logical and reasonable to actually think about doing it!

After a REALLY bumpy ride (those updrafts off the Rockies pack quite a punch) we're down on the ground, "down" being a relative term since I live in Southern California.  As one t-shirt I saw said, "Sea level is for sissies".

So here's this sissy signing off for now.  Knowing the SLA, there's more great stuff to come! 

Oh, one more thing....  the place is crawling with body builders.  'Nuff said.

Denver street level available on Google Maps

From the Rocky Mountain News, 30 May 2007:

"Think Google Maps are cool? Well, they just got a bit more cool.

Google launched a new feature on its mapping service Tuesday that allows users looking at maps in Denver, San Francisco, New York, Las Vegas and Miami to drill down to the street level.

Other cities are set to roll out later, John Hanke, director of Google Maps and Google Earth, said in a session at the Where 2.0 Conference here as reported by News.com.

Users will easily note those cities featuring the new technology by a button on the maps page. Clicking on it will bring up a window with the traditional directional arrows. The new rollout allows users to see bus stops, street signs and other major details."

Google Street Level Maps for Denver

Google Maps has just released Street Views for selected cities, and lucky for us, Denver is one of them! Click here to check out street-level photos of Denver (click the Street Views icon next to the map/satellite/hybrid view options, and then the little human icon to see the photos). For help with Street Views, visit this help page.

See you in Denver!

What to wear (and pack)?

Those who have not been to the annual conference before may wonder what the dress code is.  For me, it is business casual with an emphasis on being comfortable.  Others dress-up more and some dress down.  It really comes down to personal preference.  You'll hear many people say to wear comfortable shoes, and I agree.  If you can bring a pair of sneakers, do it.  We tend to do a lot of walking at the conference and your feet may appreciate walking in something other than a dress shoe.  (A common cry is "It's Monday and my feel hurt already.")

The conference wiki tells us that:

Medium to light weight clothing will be most appropriate, as long as you bring a sweater or jacket for meeting rooms and cool evening weather. You will see everything from Banker formal to Business casual to blue jeans and shorts around town. Very few restaurants require formal attire. Bring your sunscreen, sunglasses and don't forget an umbrella for afternoon showers.

If you plan on visiting the mountains, bring layered clothing including long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and a warm jacket. The days may be warm, but sudden afternoon showers cool down the temperature drastically. You might even need a winter jacket if you visit Rocky Mountain National Park or Mount Evans.

What else should you pack?

• Business cards!  If you don't have business cards, you do have time to create or order some.  Bring 25 - 50, and make sure you always have some on you.
• Something to take notes on or with.  (Okay this seems obvious, as does business cards, but we all know of people who forget to bring this stuff.)  If that means you're bringing your laptop, make sure you have everything you'll need to use it well. Info on Denver wifi is here.
  • If you are flying with a laptop, remember that you will need to take your laptop out of its bag when you go through security.
• Not a lot of reading materials.  Okay, you may disagree with this, but it is likely you'll pick up a lot of reading materials at the conference.  And likely you'll come back from the conference with more stuff that you came with.  So you may not want to bring the five hardcover books that you are currently reading. 
• A camera, if photos are your "thing."
  
  • If you are flying and are using a film camera, please do not have your film x-rayed.  It changes the quality of the photos and makes them grainer.  Please ask that your camera/film be hand-checked.
• And keep in mind what you can and cannot have in your carry-on luggage. 

---

Technorati tag: sla2007

What can you carry on a flight do Denver?

Flying is not what it used to be and the restrictions concerning carry-on luggage have changed since SLA was in Baltimore a year ago.  For information on what you can have in your carry-on luggage, go to the Transportation Security Administration web site and read about 3-1-1 (three ounce containers, one quart zip-lock bag, one zip-lock bag per passenger).  You can also view the list of prohibited items here.  Sorry -- you'll have to pack aerosol silly string -- for the after hours silly string battles -- in your packed luggage.

---

Technorati tag: sla2007