Information for Program Speakers

Thank you for agreeing to speak at the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) Annual Meeting & Conference. On this page, you will find important information that will assist you in preparing and delivering a great program. Please do not hesitate to contact the AMPC chair, AALL staff, or your program coordinator with any issues or concerns.

MAIN CONTACTS

THE AMPC

The Annual Meeting Program Committee (AMPC) is responsible for selecting the programs at the AALL Annual Meeting & Conference. An AMPC member is assigned as a liaison to each education program to ensure that all deadlines are being met and that any questions are answered in a timely manner.

YOUR PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Your program coordinator will be your main contact who will be in regular communication with the AMPC program liaison and with AALL staff. If you have questions or concerns, please start by contacting your program coordinator. If the program coordinator does not have the answers to your questions or if you cannot reach your coordinator, please contact elearning@aall.org.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES

Several important details will need to be completed prior to your presentation to ensure a successful conference, including a virtual “run-through” of your program scheduled by your program coordinator prior to the presentation. Below are key dates to keep in mind.

SPEAKING COMMITMENT & COPYRIGHT AGREEMENT

All program speakers and moderators must submit this form. If you decline to allow the Association to audio-record your presentation and publish your handouts, there is an option to indicate this on the form. It is very important this form is completed by June 5.

MATERIALS

If you plan to have a PowerPoint presentation, please use the AALL presentation template and note that all presentation files (e.g., PowerPoint slides) must be provided to AALL by your program coordinator by June 19. These files will be preloaded onto the laptop in the meeting room where your program will be presented. If you have any questions, please contact elearning@aall.org.

Supplemental materials may be uploaded directly to the Conference app; attendees will be able to access those materials.

PRESENTATION EQUIPMENT & ROOM SETUP

Speakers are expected to use the AALL-provided laptops for smooth transitions between presentations. A standardized audio-visual equipment package will be provided in each room. You will be notified prior to the conference on what is included.

ABOUT AALL

AALL has approximately 3,400 members working in legal information and library communities. Because of this diverse membership, it is important to understand and identify the audience you will address. Here are some demographics you might find useful.

ORGANIZATIONAL DEMOGRAPHICS *
  • 46% of AALL members are law librarians and legal information professionals who work in academic (law school) settings; 34% work in private (law firm) settings, and 16% work in court or government libraries.
  • More than 40% of AALL members have job titles that indicate some management responsibilities (such as director, dean, associate, solo librarian, department head, etc.). Some other titles held by AALL members are chief knowledge officers, competitive intelligence analysts, legal information managers, heads of outreach services, marketing & business development research analysts, and business intelligence specialists.
PERSONAL DEMOGRAPHICS *
  • 37% have been in law librarianship and the legal information profession for 16+ years.
  • 44% are in the mid-career age range (41-56).
  • 72% are female.
  • 92% have an MLS/MLIS degree; 48% have a JD (or equivalent) degree.

* Statistics are based off the 2022 AALL Membership Survey Results

PREPARING FOR YOUR PROGRAM

All program coordinators are required to conduct a virtual dry run of the program with their panelists/presenters in advance of the conference. Members of the AMPC will provide support and feedback for these practice sessions.

DEFINING THE TOPIC

You have been asked to speak on a particular topic because you have demonstrated knowledge or expertise in that subject area. Discuss the program’s content with your coordinator and fellow speakers, and ask the following questions:

  • Who is the audience? In what types of environments do they work and how will this presentation help them in that environment?
  • What has been the audience’s previous exposure to this topic? Are they up to date on the latest issues? What does the audience hope to hear in the presentation?
  • Given the amount of time set aside for this program, how can you and your fellow panelists use it most effectively?
  • What written materials or audiovisuals will help present this information more effectively?

If you are uncertain of the answers to these questions, consult your program coordinator. They might be able to give you a better idea of who your audience will be for a particular topic.

TAKEAWAYS

Specific learner takeaways are part of your program’s description. Takeaways specify what program attendees will learn during your presentation.

WORKING WITH OTHER PANELISTS OR PRESENTERS

If you are working with other panelists or presenters, please connect with them early in the planning process to identify the various components of your presentation and to avoid duplication of material covered. Be sure to include your program coordinator in all discussions. Remember to frequently check in with each other as you prepare your program. Your program coordinator will share the names of the other speakers on the program.

HOUSING, TRAVEL & CONFERENCE REGISTRATIONS

AALL MEMBERS SPEAKING ON PROGRAMS

AALL members coordinating, moderating, or speaking on Annual Meeting programs must purchase either a full conference registration or a single-day registration valid for the day of their program. AALL does not pay honoraria to AALL members for presentations at programs during the Annual Meeting & Conference.

NON-AALL MEMBERS SPEAKING ON PROGRAMS

AALL does not provide honoraria to nonmember speakers, nor does it reimburse for travel, housing, meals, or other expenses. AALL may make limited exceptions to this policy in accordance with the Annual Meeting budget and the speaker’s ability to provide unique perspectives and contributions to the Annual Meeting program.

AALL will provide a complimentary single-day registration for nonmember speakers who work outside the legal information profession and would not otherwise be an AALL member or have previously been a member.

AT THE ANNUAL MEETING

Here are some things to keep in mind about the Annual Meeting:

  • Plan to arrive early to the meeting room where your program will be held
  • Nonmember speakers who meet the aforementioned criteria will automatically receive a complimentary single-day registration for the day of their program. They should check in on-site to pick up their name badge. AALL member speakers should pre-register and check in on-site to pick up their name badge.
  • AV technicians will be available in your program room before your program’s start time to answer any questions, provide equipment assistance, etc.

TIPS FOR DELIVERING AN EFFECTIVE CONFERENCE PRESENTATION

PRACTICE

  • Practice the entire presentation a few times
  • Record yourself and listen to the recording

PLAN AHEAD

  • Check out the room where your presentation will be held
  • Wear something comfortable; AALL 2023 dress code is business casual
  • Program rooms typically feature a platform riser with a podium and four chairs (set in a “talk show” style semicircle with a low table). Because of this setup, be conscientious about what you are wearing; choose longer skirts, dresses, or opt for dress pants.

ON THE DAY

  • Arrive to the room at least 20 minutes ahead of your presentation
  • Make sure you test the microphone
  • Stay within the time allocated for your presentation
  • Engage the audience by directly asking them questions or have them engage in small conversations with the people next to them
  • Don’t stay in one place, face the audience, make eye contact, and move around if you can
  • Speak clearly and with enthusiasm
  • Be ready for Q&As