The June 2003 SLA conference was all about Putting Knowledge to Work; but, surprisingly, not in the way I had expected. This was my first conference but not my first time in New York City. The city was much the same as I had remembered it—energized and very hip. Indeed, it was the perfect setting for a conference whose theme was knowledge. After all, as Nicholas Cage in The Family Man said: “The United States is the Roman Empire and New York City is Rome.” Whether you agree with this statement or not, it does leave something to ponder.

Wanting to make the most of the conference experience, I planned to attend sessions which I thought resonated with my professional interests; in particular, those pertaining to trends and issues affecting the corporate sector. In addition, as a member of the Business and Finance Division, I wanted to participate those events in as well. While I did attend some very informative talks on due diligence research and marketing, this was not necessarily where I derived the greatest benefit.

To be honest, I found that the social events were the best milieu for the informal exchange of knowledge, be it about personal titbits or career experiences. While the jury is out on whether being Canadian constitutes “international” in the United States, the International Reception honouring the European Special Librarian of the Year was fantastic for getting a worldwide flavour of the profession. The “Meet & Greet” in addition to the First Timers’ Reception was also great for meeting fellow students, young professionals, and others new to the event. In fact, it was invaluable as a survival tool for such a large conference.

Thanks to the SLA Toronto Chapter and Dialog for giving me the Travel Award. It not only enabled me to attend the conference; moreover, it granted me professional exposure. I left NYC with enthusiasm about my degree and the many possibilities that are out there.

Rani Pooran  is in her final year of the Masters in Information Studies program at the University of Toronto. She holds her MSc. in International & European Politics from the University of Edinburgh. She was the recipient of the sponsored SLA Toronto Chapter and Dialog Travel Award to attend the June 2003 SLA Conference.