2023 Conference & Expo Roundtable Volunteer Interest

We are looking to have 16 to 20 roundtable topics during the 2023 Conference & Expo if we can recruit enough volunteers to facilitate. We would like to do in-person and virtual roundtables. The roundtables will be facilitated sessions during the lunch breaks on Day 2 (Thursday) and Day 3 (Friday). There will be clear objectives outlined and followed during the roundtables to ensure meaningful experiences for the conference attendees.  

Roundtables sessions will be held: 

  • 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 13th (during the on-your-own lunch break from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.)
  • 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 14th (during the on-your-own lunch break from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.)

There will be 8 to 10 topics per session. Currently, there is no plan to duplicate any roundtable topics, although this would be open for change based on demand. 

For roundtable approval, the following criteria must first be met: 

  • A volunteer has committed to facilitate/moderate the roundtable.
  • A volunteer has committed to being the Recordkeeper.
  • A volunteer has committed to be Timekeeper and collect contact information from attendees.
  • There is a reasonable demand for the topic, with the goal of at least eight attendees.

The selection of roundtable topics will be at the sole discretion of NALA. Meeting the initial eligibility requirements does not guarantee that a topic will be featured during the roundtable sessions at the 2023 Conference & Expo. 

 Facilitator role 

  • Create objectives for the session (due June 15, 2023)
  • Create an agenda (due June 15, 2023)
  • Create prompting questions and/or items for feedback (due June 15, 2023)
  • Remain focused on mission of NALA; do not promote a personal agenda
  • Facilitate (or assign someone to facilitate) the conversation during the roundtable session
  • Keep participants on track towards objectives, but allow for flexibility as the conversation evolves

 Recordkeeper role 

  • Take notes during the session, asking participants for clarity when needed
  • Support the Facilitator in her/his duties
  • Record significant outcomes, issues, questions, requests, etc. in a Word document as a full report for NALA staff and volunteer leaders
  • Submit written report to NALA by Friday, July 21 

 Timekeeper/attendance role 

  • Assist the Facilitator in ensuring that the session begins and ends on time
  • Take attendance of all participants
  • Collect contact information of all participants (sign-in sheets will be provided)
  • Submit sign-in sheet(s) to NALA staff by Friday, July 21 

 

If you are interested in volunteering for any of these roles, please fill out the following form no later than June 7, 2023.