Whether you will be attending the 2023 Convention and Expo for the first time or you attend every year, the OLC has some tips to help you get the most out of your Convention experience. Keep these ideas in mind as you plan your stay in Cincinnati this fall.

Early Bird Registration
Online registration will be available through September 15, 2023. After September 15, registration will only be available on-site at the Duke Energy Convention Center and there will be an additional $25 fee. You can register for the full Convention or pick which day(s) you would like to attend. Register now.

Hotel Accommodations

• The OLC has reserved a block of rooms at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Cincinnati across the street from the Duke Energy Convention Center for $179/night (plus fees and taxes).
• Reserve your hotel room online by Sept. 6, 2023.

Network and Meet New People

• Bring your business cards to share with others. You can also drop your business cards into vendors’ door prize drawings instead of having to fill out an entry form.
• When someone gives you a card, jot down what you discussed on the back (this helps to remember each person you talked to).
• Attend as many special events during the Convention and Expo as you can. These are perfect networking opportunities.

New Member Meet and Greet
The OLC Membership Committee invites all new OLC members and first-time attendees to a special gathering in Rooms 263-264 at the Duke Energy Convention Center. The New Member Meet and Greet will be held Wed., Sept. 27 from 4-4:30 p.m. Also, please visit the Membership Committee table inside the Exhibit Hall at OLC Connects!

If you see someone with a LIME-colored ribbon, please introduce yourself and welcome them to your professional organization. First-time ribbon is BRIGHT PINK.

Plan Your Conference

Daily schedules and session descriptions are on the Convention and Expo website — Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.

• If you are attending with co-workers, split up and attend different breakout sessions. There are more than 50 to choose from.
• Be sure to download the conference app. The mobile app lets you create a customized schedule and includes session descriptions, special events, and speaker presentations and handouts. The app is also where you can complete session evaluations.

Navigating the Exhibit Hall and Interacting with Vendors

The Exhibit Hall will be full of vendors sharing their products and services. This can be intimidating for new attendees because you may not have purchasing power at your library and not all products will align with your job.

• Take the brochures and pass them along to the person at your library who does order for that area. You might be the one to help bring something new and innovative into your system!
• Take the swag – tote bags, books, flashlights, pens, notepads, and more – and share it with your co-workers when you get home!
• Visit the OLC Connects area of the Exhibit Hall to learn more about the work of OLC Divisions and Committees.

Miscellaneous

• Dress is typically business casual, but make sure you wear comfortable shoes.
• Networking with your colleagues can happen anytime, from post-keynote chats to Trivia Night.
• A sensory-friendly space is located in Room 261 on the second floor of the Duke Energy Convention Center.
• Some of the authors who are speaking during the Convention and Expo will have their books available for sale through the Convention Store.
• Be sure to thank our sponsors for their commitment to the Ohio library community.