ALIA National 2024 is well and truly behind us, and early-stage planning has already started for ALIA National 2026. Part of that planning process involves listening deeply to and reflecting on our delegate feedback about what worked and what didn’t. Thank you to everyone who provided conference feedback. I’ve read all of your responses, and here’s what I’ve learned:
1. Find more ways for people to be seen, personally and professionally. We feel incredibly proud that so many of you felt seen and valued as individuals at the conference. We worked hard to ensure that inclusion as a value and a practice shone through the conference, and it will continue to do so into the future. But we also heard that many of you did not find your place from a professional perspective. There was a clear directive from survey feedback to make sector specific presentations clearer and more available. 60% of survey respondent indicated that they attended ALIA National to feel part of the broader industry. We’ll work towards a model that allows delegates to feel that they can bring their whole selves – personally and professionally – to ALIA National 2026.
2. Iron out the technical kinks. From organisations and titles missing from name badges, to difficulties registering for workshops and to entry at the dinner, there were a few ‘whoops-a-daisy’ moments during the conference. We thank you for your patience and promise to get these fixed for 2026.
3. Maintain commitment to increasing diverse participation, particularly from Aboriginal and Torres Straight Island. It was a pleasure to read such a positive response to the Aboriginal keynote speakers and appreciation for the opportunity to learn from Aboriginal colleagues. We will continue to work towards increasing historically minoritised voices, inclusive of disabilities, LGBTQIA+, refugees and international perspectives in order to strengthen our profession.
4. More opportunities for deeper learning. With 60% of respondents indicating that they attended the conference to learn new skills, it’s no surprise that our workshops were very well attended and received. But we know that many people weren’t able to attend, as those workshop seats filled quickly. Additionally, we heard that lightening talks and presentations often went too quickly, it was difficult to move between sessions, and many presenters had more information to share. To meet learning needs, we’re already thinking about how we can offer more workshops and longer sessions for attendees to make the most of their time with content experts and build new skills.
5. Networking, networking, networking. 67% of survey respondents reported that they attended ALIA National 2024 to meet new people and expand their network, and 50% attend to meet with existing professional networks. It’s no surprise that the value of attending a face-to-face event is the ability to spend face-to-face time with colleagues. We’ll think about how we can increase both the quality and availability of these opportunities so we can make the very most of our time together.
As a newcomer to Australia and the Australian library community, I want to thank you for your wholehearted engagement during our conference and the generosity of feedback to make the conference and our community stronger. Onward!