Be a conference programmer!

Not so very long ago, when it came to the big industry conferences, you simply waited until the programme was published and then decided (funding willing!) if you wished to attend.  Key themes were chosen by the conference organisers and their industry advisers.  It was difficult to influence the content of a programme unless you were a speaker or a well-known thought leader.How times have changed!  These days it's relatively easy to organise an 'un-conference' and other forms of 'self help/peer group' learning events.  And social networks enable all of us to participate in the debate and conversations that can influence the design of conference programmes.This has been the case for Internet Librarian International 2011.  The first call for speakers was announced last week but, on the Group's LinkedIn pages fascinating conversations about key themes and challenges have been taking place since December 2010.  The conference's theme 'Navigating the new normal' reflects the conversations members are having about new work environments and how information careers can be shaped and developed.  We need to 'Get real, stay relevant'!If you have an idea for a paper for the conference do get in touch via the Conference's website.  Or if you would like to help further shape the programme, or respond to the ideas of others, you can do so via the LinkedIn Group.