Can you believe we are just a few days away from the beginning of the 2025 AASL National Conference?! On behalf of the Social Media Collective, we would like to welcome you to St. Louis and answer your last-minute questions! Who better than to provide some info than our Gnome in the Gnow, Archie! He’s been exploring St. Louis for the past few months to give our attendees the knowledge needed to have a fantastic conference! Like Archie always says, “The more you gnome, the better the conference!”

Wenndy: Archie, I am so excited to see you later this week! Did you know that over half of the attendees this year are learning at #AASL25 with their national peers for the first time? It’s exceptional! What’s one tip for balancing our social and learning energy?  

Archie: Hangin’ with your gnomies is essential, but we all know that the more you gnome, the better your experience will be. Live in the moment and pace yourself. If you see someone you want to connect with, it’s OK to say hello. Stay and chat for a bit or just wave as you head to your next session. Partnering up to attend a session is also a great idea. You’ll have much to share about what you’re learning.

Melissa: That’s an excellent tip, Archie. There’s so much to do when attending a conference, it can be a little overwhelming! What’s your best tip for staying organized, Archie?

Archie: Gnome joke, the best way to stay organized is to download the AASL2025 App! It’s available for both iPhone and Android phones. You can select events, concurrent sessions, and author panels to keep your schedule in hand at all times! It’s a one-stop shop for all things conference! And … do you want to know a super-secret session hack? You can always get into the sessions you want by signing up to volunteer as a room monitor or moderator! Contact Jen Habley (jhabley@ala.org) for details!

Wenndy: I sure love that app (and Jen!). Great info, Archie, but what about exchanging info with attendees?  I recall seeing numerous people with business cards at my first AASL conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. I felt so unprepared! What can we do if we’ve just thought of business cards, but we don’t have time to order them?

Archie: That’s gnome problem at all! You can use various programs like Canva, Word, or Google Docs to create templates that match the desired card size. I strongly recommend including your name, preferred email, social media handles, QR codes, and any other relevant information you’d like to share. Then you can print them on cardstock and cut them. You can exchange with your colleagues or use them for drawings in the exhibit hall. Give it a try!

Melissa: I hadn’t thought of using business cards for exhibit hall drawings. That’s a good one, Archie! Speaking of the exhibit hall, I’ve heard that visiting Exhibits is a great way to learn about new books and valuable products. What tips do you have for browsing, Archie?

Archie: Everyone gnomes that all of our vendors will have awesome booths at #AASL25! Consider bringing an extra suitcase for all your finds, like tote bags and advanced reader copies of upcoming books. You can even get many of your books signed by authors. And don’t forget about the Author Panels! You can hear from so many authors and even go to Author Speed Dating on Thursday! Gnome matter what, you’ll be bringing back some new books to your gnome sweet gnome.

Wenndy: That’s excellent advice, Archie! That extra suitcase comes in handy. Speaking of packing, anyone who’s been to a conference knows that there is going to be a lot of walking – and I mean a lot! What should we bring to make sure we keep it simple, yet versatile – and definitely comfortable?

Archie: That’s all about personal preference. Gnome thyself! What vibe are you going for? What events will you attend? Walking and comfort are #1, so bring shoes you can walk in for long periods of time. If you want to sport all your favorite library shirts, there’s gnome place like #AASL25. For a special event, like a showing of The Librarians movie or a Saturday night celebration (make sure you’ve RSVP’d), consider glamming it up with a nice top. Also, bring a light sweater or cardigan; that’s a gnome-brainer. Regardless of your fashion style, keep hydrated. And remember, we’ll be your friends gnome matter what you wear. 

Melissa: Right back at you, Archie! So, since we’ll be out and about in St. Louis, what’s the best way to travel back and forth to the conference center? How close is it to the conference hotels?

Archie: Did you gnome that all of the conference hotels are within walking distance of the America’s Center? Even with my little gnome legs, I can get there in no time! We’re really grateful for the organizers of #AASL25! A huge thanks to our Conference Co-Chairs, Conference Committee, and AASL Staff for making #AASL25 happen!

Wenndy & Melissa: Thanks for making the time to meet with us, Archie. We know you’re busy finalizing plans for #AASL25. Any last things you’d like to share before you sign off to start packin’ your bags?

Archie: Gnomebody wants you at #AASL25 more than I do. You will have a fantastic time and learn from the most talented librarians in the country. I heard about the ongoing sticker exchange, so keep an eye out for my sticker.  (Thank you, Social Media Collective member Erika Long, for your design!) With representation from all 50 states and 10 countries, I know this experience will be like no other. The key takeaways are to have fun, learn as much as possible, connect with other librarians, and keep calm gnome matter what. 

A huge thank you to our Gnome in the Gnow, Archie, for sharing his wisdom and getting us all excited for the days ahead! On behalf of the entire Social Media Collective, we can’t wait to connect with you in St. Louis. We hope this information helps you navigate the conference with ease and confidence. Be sure to share your own learning and fun using the official #AASL25 hashtag, and if you spot Archie or one of us, please say hello! Get ready for an unforgettable experience of learning, networking, and inspiration. After all, “The more you gnome, the better the conference!”