2021 Annual Conference FAQs

2021 Annual Conference Frequently Asked Questions


Are you planning on (or interested in) attending the 2021 Annual Conference? Do you have questions? See below for a list of questions that may assist you in your conference planning. Click on the question for the expanded answer. Is there a question that you would like to see listed here?  Submit your questions by using this form. If you need further information, please contact David Scott, the 2021 Conference Planning Committee Chair, at conference@miala.org.

2021 Annual Conference Format Change FAQs

Why was the Annual Conference format changed from in-person to virtual?

The MiALA board, conference planning committee, and administrative staff have been continuously monitoring the Federal, state, and local guidelines for holding in-person gatherings as well as monitoring what other similar sized conferences are doing. A decision has been made that, out of an abundance of caution, the 2021 MiALA Annual Conference will need to be held using a virtual platform.

Will the annual conference be hosted online?

Yes, the 2021 Annual Conference will be held using a virtual event platform. The conference will still be held on May 19 - 21, 2021. More information will be announced in the next few months.

My 2020 breakout/poster session was approved. Does this mean that I have to provide this session online? If so, how?

Approved breakout/poster sessions will be presented online. Details regarding when/how you will be able to present virtually will be forthcoming. The conference planning committee will be reaching out to breakout/poster session presenters with more information shortly. If your proposal has been approved, you will NOT need to submit a proposal for the 2021 conference.

I plan on submitting a breakout (and/or poster) session proposal for the 2021 conference. Will there be an opportunity to do so?

The deadline to submit a breakout session proposal was Friday, January 22, 2021. The deadline to submit a poster session proposal was Friday, March 5, 2021. Those with approved presentations for 2020 do NOT need to resubmit.

I was awarded a scholarship to attend the annual conference in 2020. Will my scholarship transfer to 2021?

Yes, your scholarship will transfer to 2021. If you are no longer able to attend the conference, please contact the conference planning committee chair at conference@miala.org. You are not able to transfer your scholarship to another colleague. There is an alternate list that the committee is maintaining and will be used if necessary.

I am hoping to apply for a conference scholarship to attend the 2021 conference. Will there be an opportunity to do so?

The deadline to submit an application was Friday, March 12, 2021.

 

Prior to Registering

I am interested in submitting a breakout session proposal. Where can I get more information?

Information on submitting breakout session proposals is located on the Breakout Session Guidelines page.

I am interested in submitting a poster session proposal. Where can I get more information?

Information on submitting poster session proposals is located on the Poster Session Guidelines page.

When Does Registration Open?

Registration will open in late March 2021. 

What does my conference registration include?

Details are still being determined and will be updated shortly.

Can I register for only one day of the conference?

No. You will need to register for the full conference. Registration will include on-demand access to recordings of breakout and poster sessions for up to 60 days after the conference.

I am library support staff, is there special pricing for me?

For the 2021 virtual conference, we are offering special pricing for all MiALA members. Special pricing for support and/or part-time staff will be discussed for future in-person conferences.

Do I have to be a member of MiALA to attend the conference?

No. You do not need to be a member of MiALA to attend the conference but joining at registration will provide you with a discount on registration as well as cover your membership until June 30, 2022.

Is there a deadline to register for the conference?

The deadline to register for the conference will be available shortly.

Will there be a cap on number of attendees who can register for the annual conference?

TBD

Will the conference be live streamed?

Sessions will be a combination of live and pre-recorded sessions that will be available for on-demand access up to 60 days after the conference for registered attendees.

Questions for Registered Attendees

Will I be able to access handouts of breakout session presentations?

We will be reaching out to presenters after the conference.

I am registered. How do I login to attend the conference?

A link to access the conference registration portal is located in your confirmation email. This link (and password) are unique to you so please do not share with others. If you do not have your email confirmation available, contact heather@miala.org to have the message resent (note: be sure to check your spam folder if you have not not received the email). More information on accessing the portal is available in the portal guide here.

I am no longer able to attend. Is there a deadline that I can cancel and get a refund?

Because most breakout sessions presentation recordings will be available on-demand for a period of time after the conference, there will be no refunds to those who are unable to attend the conference live.