The Iowa Library Association put on a fantastic conference! The key note speakers were engaging and informative both days. PC Sweeney, from EveryLibrary, spoke at length of how to advocate for your library and get the funding you need, as well as make sure you have connections in place to protect your staff during an economic downturn. Miguel Figueroa from the ALA Center for the Future of Libraries shared how libraries can look at trends, make predictions about the future, and best serve their patrons. He gave example after example of how libraries are transforming, or simply re-branding, services they provide. There were too many great breakout sessions to choose from, which was a good problem to have! I learned more from PC Sweeney of how to create an effective message to reach patrons and decision makers. I learned about some amazing, low-cost digitization projects. The presenter was from a small library that was able to achieve many large digitization projects, even without it being budgeted for. She gave us resources to start our own projects such as digitizing local yearbooks. I listened to presenters from the University of Iowa who had recently undergone a huge project and gave their tips and tricks on what it takes to get your library through projects big and small. I also attended Miguel Figueroa’s breakout session where he went through the steps a library director and staff would take to “forecast” the future, which then lets them see where they may need to change before change passes them by. My last breakout was an insightful one about unusual community partnerships. Our presenter took us through her own experiences and really shared the lesson that the library can find partners in places you wouldn’t think to look, and to make those partnerships strong you have to be flexible. But, all of the hard work allows the library to do even more for its community. There was also an Exhibits Hall with great vendors who were helpful and informative. The Girls Who Code booth was one that was especially fun to talk with and learn more about how their particular program works. I also attended a Speed Mentoring dinner and met some fantastic people and made connections in that fun evening event.