Exhibit Hall Officially Open

Annual Conference attendees gather outside the exhibit hall inside the Anaheim Convention Center before the 5:30 p.m. opening.

Attendees rush to their favorite booths and vendors as soon as doors open to the exhibit hall.

Outside the Anaheim Convention Center in the evening.

Print

The ALA Annual Conference exhibit hall opened Friday evening, June 22, at 5:30 p.m. to thousands of eagerly awaiting attendees and vendors following the official opening ceremony and ribbon cutting.

People poured through the two main entrances of the exhibit hall to visit publishers, view the newest technology, and attend author signings, among other offerings on opening night. As of June 15, approximately 12,213 conference-goers were preregistered; in addition there were along with 4,257 preregistered exhibitor staff.

Michael Widdersheim of the Clarion (Pa.) Free Library said he was at Annual Conference to look for devices related to ebooks. “We’re dealing with ebooks and ebook device lending, so [I’m] looking into devices that have to do with ebooks,” he said. He added that he was also looking forward to programs related to cataloging and intellectual freedom.

Many attendees could be seen nibbling on appetizers and cake as they walked through the hall, which has more than 1,500 booths, stages, and pavilions. Others could also be seen carrying large tote bags overflowing with free books, T-shirts, and other vendor items.