Conference Contrasts

Abstract

Purpose – This editorial seeks to compare the German Bibliothekartag, the American Library Association Annual Meeting, and the International Federation of Library Associations meeting. Design/methodology/approach – The method relies mainly on anthropological observation. Findings – Conferences in cities with public transit, good restaurants, and decent technology, including wireless internet and projection in the meeting rooms, offer better opportunities for the social bonding that encourages repeat attendance. Practical implications – Conferences at locations without these features risk losing regulars as technology increasingly enables communication without travel. Originality/value – Interaction with the conference environment is not the only factor in making a conference experience successful but, without positive interactions, the option of doing business electronically becomes far more attractive.