Convention and Expo News and Information

---

See you in Cincy!

We’re looking forward to seeing you at the 2023 OLC Convention and Expo on Sept. 27-29 at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati. This year’s event features inspiring keynote speakers, 50+ professional development sessions, the latest library products and services, and great networking opportunities.

• Keynotes: Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone, Justin A. Reynolds and Jennifer Pastiloff
• Wednesday Sessions
• Thursday Sessions
• Friday Sessions
• 50+ exhibitors
• Special events

Early Bird Registration

Online registration closes Sept. 15, 2023. After Sept. 15, registration will only be available on-site at the Duke Energy Convention Center. Learn more.

OLC Mobile App

Be sure to download the Convention and Expo app. The mobile app lets you create a customized schedule and includes session descriptions, special events, and speaker presentations and handouts. Each session description includes a primary core competency that will be addressed in the program, making it easier for you to identify programming that will improve your skills, enhance your knowledge, and further your career. Take a look now and start planning your schedule. The app is also where you can complete session evaluations.

Our Program Committee has selected an incredible line-up of speakers. They’ll cover a wide range of topics from early literacy to grant writing to career advice. We’ve found that Convention sessions are the perfect place to ask hard questions, exchange ideas, and learn. Two alternative sessions have been planned this year that take an in-depth look at library life in the real world (and the things they don’t tell you in library school!) You may want to add these sessions to your schedule:

• Alternative Session — Safe Space Q&A
• Alternative Session — Shop Talk

And don’t forget to check out all of the Poster Sessions in the Exhibit Hall. They offer an informal educational opportunity. Poster Sessions will be staffed during the Exclusive Exhibit Hall Viewing Time on Thurs., Sept. 28 from 2:45-3:45 p.m. You’ll be able to talk with the presenters and ask questions.

The OLC’s Professional Development Committee is hosting a Networking Luncheon on Thurs., Sept. 28 from 12 – 1:15 p.m. Enjoy lunch with Ohio’s Certified Public Librarians (CPL) and Certified Public Library Staff (CPLS) and discuss how this credential can lead to better visibility and career opportunities. This event is designed as a networking opportunity with table discussions by areas of public library service and job responsibilities. [Note: you must pre-register for the luncheon]

 

Yoga with our Keynote

For the first time one of our keynotes will host a free Yoga session for attendees. Our Friday keynote, Jennifer Pastiloff will lead Morning Yoga and Meditation on Friday, Sept. 29 from 7:30-8:15 a.m. Then, she’ll close out our event on Friday during her keynote address at 12:30 p.m. [Note: you must pre-register for the yoga class]

Events at the Cincinnati Library

Our Local Arrangements Committee can’t wait to welcome you to Cincinnati. Whether you want to venture out to explore the city or relax at the Main Library with your colleagues, they have plenty of options for you when the educational sessions end for the day.

Cincinnati’s Main Library is undergoing a $35 million renovation to the South Building. The committee will be offering hard hat tours, by registration, and non-hard hat tours on a first come, first served basis during the Evening Reception on Thurs., Sept. 28 from 6-8 p.m. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the construction progress. Transportation will be provided. Shuttles will run on a continuous rotation (from 6-10 p.m.) between the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati and the Main Library. The last shuttle will depart the Main Library at 10 p.m. after Library Feud (see details below).

A new after-hours event has also been planned, called Library Feud. Based on the popular TV game show Family Feud, this event will challenge you to guess the most popular answers to survey questions. More than 400 responses to the survey questions were received from OLC’s membership. The object of the game is to have the most points at the end of the game by guessing the top answers to each question. You’re awarded points based on how many people gave the answer you chose. Survey says…that it’s going to be a great time! If you love games, you’ll also enjoy the Trivia Night on Wednesday.

Author Book Signings

 

Exhibit Hall Activities

While you’re at the Convention, our Expo Committee wants you to recharge yourself (and even your phone battery) in the Exhibit Hall. Be sure to visit the vendors as well as the self-care stations while you network and relax between programs. There will be places to make bling for your badge, fidgets, calming bottles and Zentangle bookmarks. And spots to build with Legos and stations to play with cool tech like in the Gadget Gallery and makerspace. The Exhibit Hall will also be filled with fun photo ops and chances to win door prizes. Don’t miss the Exhibit Hall Grand Opening Reception on Wednesday, Sept. 27 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

 

There are a number of parking spaces conveniently located near the Duke Energy Convention Center. Parking rates will vary. Please take a moment to review the parking map before you go.

---

We’ll see you soon!