What's new at Netspeed for 2013?

Engaging session formats, new Calgary hotel, Gadget Zoo and tour … there’s a lot that’s new at Netspeed for 2013! Read on for a sneak preview of what to expect.

For the first time, Netspeed sessions will be organized into streams according to five themes—21st century fluencies, library spaces, community, emerging trends and technology instruction/learning. Although the sessions are streamed, delegates will be able to switch between streams at any time. In the coming weeks, we'll profile each of the streams to give you more information.

Changes to session formats have also been incorporated, providing alternatives to traditional one hour sessions. Look for 10 minute lightning talks and for sessions with a more participatory element. For example, the community stream will use facilitated small group discussion to engage participants in collectively choosing a project relevant to the Alberta library community and formulating a strategy for its completion.

Delegates also have the opportunity to get hands-on. The Gadget Zoo is a chance for people to show off their mobile devices and get real user opinions from their colleagues about the pros and cons of various gadgets. We're also excited about offering a tour of Protospace, Calgary’s Hacker and Maker Space.

In addition to all the programming changes, the Exhibitor Showcase is now one day only providing a more focused timeline to establish and renew connections with library vendors. Netspeed is also moving to a new venue that is larger and more conveniently located. This year, the conference will be held at the Clarion® by Choice Hotel & Conference Centre Calgary Airport, formerly the Radisson Hotel Calgary Airport.

Stay tuned for more exciting announcements about this year’s program. Registration opens early June. Join us and find out what’s new at Netspeed!

Netspeed deadline snuck up on you?

Even though the Netspeed proposal deadline is March 28, we won’t be reviewing proposals until Tues Apr 2 so you still have time to submit your 60 minute session or 10 minute lightning talk proposal.

We have 5 broad themes this year, and within those we are looking for speakers on a wide variety of topics, from Transliteracy to Information Visualization, and from Augmented Reality to Innovative uses of the Learning Commons.

For full details, please see the call for speakers (PDF)

We are also pleased to offer a unique opportunity for five of our speakers to work with a speaker coach before the conference! More information can be found in this post.

Speaker coach available if you’re nervous about presentations

If you’re thinking about presenting a session at Netspeed but are nervous about public speaking, have we got a deal for you!

The Alberta Library has secured the services of a speaker coach who is willing to do pro-bono coaching of five Netspeed presenters. Our coach can help you polish your presentation style, connect to your audience, communicate your message, harness your physical and vocal dynamics and use the presentation space effectively.

When you submit your proposal, indicate your interest in being matched with our speaker coach.

The deadline to submit your proposal to present at Netspeed 2013 is March 28, 2013. Presenters receive free conference registration and funding assistance may be available to cover travel costs. Netspeed will be held October 24 and 25, 2013 in Calgary, Alberta.

You can choose between 60 minute presentations and 10 minute lightning talks and we’re open to presentations on a variety of technology topics including transliteracy, digital citizenship, convergence of physical and virtual spaces, innovative uses of learning commons, RDA and linked data.

Take advantage of this opportunity to become a better speaker and submit your proposal for Netspeed now!

Be part of the evolution of Netspeed: Share your experience

Technology is embedded in virtually every aspect of the library experience and the Netspeed conference addresses this convergence of people and technology.

The Alberta Library invites proposals for this year’s Netspeed conference, to be held October 24-25, 2013, at the Radisson Hotel Calgary Airport in Calgary, Alberta.

We are seeking proposals for 60 minute sessions as well as 10 minute lightning talks. Netspeed is evolving by incorporating engaging session formats so we encourage submissions that include features such as demonstrations, hands-on workshops, panels, facilitated discussions and group strategy development.

Our broad themes for this year’s conference are:

• 21st century fluencies
• Community
• Emerging trends
• Instruction/learning
• Space

For full details please see the call for speakers.

Submission deadline is March 28, 2013.

We look forward to seeing you in Calgary!

New Netspeed logo: The evolution continues

Over the past few months TAL staff have been working with the Netspeed advisory team to ensure the conference evolves to meet the changing needs of library staff. One of the very visible signs of this evolution is the new Netspeed logo.

Gone is the green and gold of Netspeed’s past and in its place is a logo that symbolizes continual change, both in technology and in how people use technology.

“The resemblance to an infinity symbol reminds us about the ever-changing nature of technology,” says Clive Maishment, CEO of The Alberta Library. “It reflects our commitment to ensure the Netspeed experience is about helping library staff to become comfortable with change, to be outward-looking and future-oriented.”

TAL staff will continue to work with the Netspeed advisory team to provide a dynamic conference experience that matches the energy of the logo. Stay tuned for more exciting developments.

Thank you Netspeed Speakers

A big thank you to Dr. Phil McRae and Stephen Abram for their thought-provoking keynote addresses.

We also want to thank more than 30 session speakers for sharing their knowledge and expertise.

You all made Netspeed 2012 a huge success!

Thank you Sponsors

We want to extend a very special thank you to our sponsors for this year's conference - You help make the Netspeed experience a great one! Netspeed's organizers and delegates appreciate your generous support.

Thank you to: