91´«Ã½

These guidelines provide an overview of the role of the PLA President during PLA Conference planning as well as onsite at the conference. The PLA President’s role is: to serve as conference host; to support the work of the conference committees: and to serve as media spokesperson for PLA leading up to, during, and after the conference. The PLA Executive Director works with the President, advising and supporting the President with these responsibilities. The Executive Director is the President’s first point of contact for planning and is always available to provide assistance.

Pre-Planning

1. The PLA President works with the Conference Committee Chair and the PLA Conference Manager (with consultation from the Conference Committee) to select speakers for these major conference events:
   • Opening and Closing Sessions
   • Big Ideas Sessions
   • Author Luncheons/Events
   • Other special events (varies conference to conference)

   The PLA President works with the committee to develop a conference speaker “wish list” approximately 12–18 months prior to the conference. Authors and keynoters should complement the conference program and offer attendees a variety of options. The PLA Conference Manager then works with publishers and speaker agents to determine availability and fees.

2. The PLA President works with PLA staff to arrange their conference schedule (see sample President’s Schedule) and confirm commitments. The PLA President has first preference on which events to serve as emcee at the conference. The PLA President-Elect, Conference Chair, Board, and other Conference Committee members fill in the rest of the available slots for major conference events.

3. The PLA President serves as the spokesperson for media/press leading up to the conference. PLA Marketing Manager and Press Officer work with the President to schedule interviews, provide background, etc. The PLA President may designate interview assignments to other PLA Board members of member leaders as appropriate.

Onsite

1. The PLA President acts as official “host” for the conference, including the following events:
   • Opening Session and other speaking events, as chosen.
   • PLA VIP Reception—Board, conference committees, sponsors and a variety of library partners.
   • PLA President’s Reception—smaller gathering with PLA Board, staff, and invited guests.

2. The PLA President serves as the spokesperson for media/press onsite. PLA Marketing Manager and Press Officer work with the President to schedule interviews, provide background, etc. The PLA President may designate interview assignments to other PLA Board members of member leaders as appropriate.

Generic PLA President’s Schedule Requirements at PLA Conference

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Notes: Plan on press interviews and related meetings, schedule TBD. Contact: Press Officer, 91´«Ã½ PAO and/or PLA Marketing Manager.