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The 2023 ALAO Conference Planning Committee is excited to announce that registration is open for our 49th ALAO Annual Conference <https://www.alaoweb.org/conferences/2023/about>! The theme for this year's in-person conference is *Finding Balance: Hybrid Spaces, New Opportunities & Transformed Missions*. [image: findingbalance_2023conference_logo_bothdates_final.png] Conference events and offerings will include: - A Virtual ILS Forum & Mini-Conference - A Thursday, in-person pre-conference workshop hosted by Pamela Espinosa de los Monteros <https://sppo.osu.edu/people/espinosadelosmonteros.1> and Shannon Simpson - A Thursday evening social event at the nearby Olentangy River Brewing Company <https://www.olentangybrew.com/> - Hybrid simulcast of the conference keynote by Trevor Dawes <https://www.alaoweb.org/conferences/2023/speaker> - A Hybrid Track Room at the in-person conference venue where sessions will be simulcast live online throughout the day. This year’s Conference features a *Virtual ILS Forum & Mini-Conference* online event - *From Consortial to Local: Achieving ILS Migration Objectives at your Local Library* <https://www.alaoweb.org/conferences/2023/mini-conference> *-* on *Friday, October 27, 2023*. The morning forum will address local library ILS project planning efforts and best practices. The afternoon mini-conference will feature virtual lightning talks and thematic, audience-driven discussions presented by Support, Access and Technical Services professionals. The *in-person portion of the Conference* will be held on *November 2-3, 2023* at Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center, Lewis Center, Ohio. The Thursday, November 2nd in-person pre-conference workshop, *Diversity in Focus: New Lenses, New Frames, New Approach* <https://www.alaoweb.org/event-5335905>, will introduce participants to appreciative inquiry as a model for organizational development and change, as well as thoughtful approaches to active allyship practices through the tenets of design justice. Join your colleagues this year for the virtual mini-conference, pre-conference workshop, keynote address and engaging presentations, lightning talks and interactive poster sessions. Full program details and schedules are forthcoming! Registration Packages & Rates The 2023 ALAO Conference registration fee structure is designed to make attendance affordable and accessible for all library professionals. Registration packages for both in-person and online attendance are available. Please see the *conference website* <https://www.alaoweb.org/conferences/2023/about> for further details. *Register for the Conference by* *September 18th* *for early-bird pricing**. The Conference registration* *deadline is October 13th.* *Nationwide Hotel Room Reservations* <https://www.alaoweb.org/conferences/2023/lodging> *:* To receive the conference rate of $139-149, call (614) 880-4300 and use the Group Access Code in your conference registration confirmation email to reserve your room. Special room rates end *October 2nd*. Conference Grant Opportunities ALAO is committed to supporting professional development and encouraging participation in its annual conference. For the 2023 Conference we have expanded our grant program opportunities to include: - NEW - two award opportunities for Technical Services Staff (one for an attendee and one for a presenter) for our pilot TEDSIG/NOTSL Technical Services Conference Grant - Two award opportunities for our Support Staff Conference Grant - Two award opportunities for our Student Conference Grant The application deadline for these grants is *August 4, 2023*. Recipients will be notified about award decisions by August 11, 2023. *Please Note* - In keeping with ongoing COVID safety precautions, attendees will have the option to indicate on nametags their social distancing preferences. For more information about the 2023 Conference, visit: https://www.alaoweb.org/conferences/2023/about We look forward to seeing you in October/November!