I’m at the Tennessee Library Assoc. annual conference. I always learn stuff at professional conferences, and it’s usually useful stuff. But I always feel inadequate, ignored, and blech. I’m a terrible networker. I realize that. But I also feel like everyone already knows someone and I look too young to be taken seriously. I don’t want to wear my work clothes to conferences, but I think I’m going to have to start. I’m tired of being smiled at, said hi to, and then largely dismissed. I am trying to figure out how to get involved so that I can know people when I go to conferences, but it’s not easy to figure out. I need to try to find out if there’s some way I can get better at networking…maybe if I start going to functions at work where I can meet people….I’m really too tired to think about it right now…stupid hotel pillow was too thin to let me sleep the whole night uninterrupted….plus, lunch! is calling.
Library Chic
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Library Chic 
think of this way, hon — most of those people have no idea how to talk to humans on a real level. just be yourself — they are being snotty because they are insecure about themselves. to quote the jets from West Side Story, “just be cool…” 🙂
I totally get your pain. I always feel awkward in those settings, and wind up talking to the people I already know. I know my state conference is always looking for volunteers, and I did volunteer last year, but I didn’t really meet anyone. I wasn’t too involved, though, so that was largely my fault.
I know exactly what you mean. I attended my first state conference last year and though I knew some people, I felt very alone. That conference though was the beginning of a 3 year tenure on a division board. Now, I know so many people! I highly recommend either getting involved in your local library association or your state one. It’s very worth it!
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