ALAN “How To” for 2022 Workshop

Dear ALAN Members,

On behalf of all of ALAN leadership, I can say that we are incredibly excited to once again gather in person for our 2022 ALAN Workshop!  

The ALAN Workshop is the highlight of ALAN each year.  It’s where you will meet with colleagues from across the country, receive copies of some of the best and newest YA and middle grade books, and get to hear from a host of authors.  The theme for the 2022 workshop is “Come Together: Using YAL to Rise, Overcome, and Forge Ahead Together.”

As it’s been almost three years since we have gathered in person, this letter serves as a reminder for some and as an introduction to an in-person workshop for others.  As always, please reach out with any questions as you review the information below.

Location, Dates, and Times

The ALAN Workshop is held in conjunction with NCTE’s annual convention.  The workshop itself will take place on Monday, November 21 (8am-6pm)  and Tuesday, November 22nd (8am-2pm), in Anaheim, CA.  See details on the Sunday night reception below.

Registering for the Workshop through NCTE

When you register for the workshop, you automatically receive a one-year ALAN membership, which includes three issues of ALAN’s journal, The ALAN Review. 

Steps for Registering:

1. Registration for the workshop is done through NCTE’s website and can be accessed here.  Click “New Registration.”

2. Check “Events Only” to register ONLY for the ALAN Workshop.  If you will also be attending NCTE, then select the option that describes your registration preference.  Note: There is no virtual option for the ALAN Workshop. 

3. Whichever option you choose, the next page will provide you with a choice of which convention/workshop you would like to attend.  Check the “ALAN Workshop” box and click “Continue.”

4. Enter your personal information on the next two pages.

5. On the following page, you will have the option to purchase a ticket to the ALAN Breakfast on Saturday morning, November 20th. If you would like to purchase a ticket (we would LOVE to have you, and it’s going to be amazing!), check the box, and then click “Continue.”

6. On the final page, enter your payment information to finalize your registration. 

ALAN Mentorship Opportunity

A note from ALAN’s Mentorship Committee Co-Chairs, Andrea Glaws and Naitnaphit Limlamai:

This year, the ALAN Mentorship Committee would like to offer attendees who are new to ALAN and/or an in-person Workshop an opportunity to connect with members who have attended previous Workshops. These pairings will provide newer attendees with a go-to person for any questions they have prior to and during the Workshop and build community and connections among ALAN members. If you are a newer attendee who would like to be connected with a more experienced conference attendee or you’ve been to ALAN a time or two (or more!) and would like to support a newcomer, look for the option to be matched with a buddy after you register!

ALAN Booth during NCTE

Be sure to check out the ALAN Booth at NCTE!  There will be fun ALAN swag, author signings, chances to win books, learn about our assembly,  and more!  

ALAN Breakfast Saturday Morning

The ALAN Breakfast will be held the morning of Saturday, November 19th from 7:00-9:15am..  Get excited, because the author speaker at the breakfast is INCREDIBLE!  While not technically a part of the workshop, the breakfast celebrates ALAN for a wider NCTE audience.  You will need to purchase a separate ticket for the ALAN Breakfast, which you can do when you register.

Sunday Night ALAN Reception 

A highlight of the workshop each year is the ALAN Author Reception, and this year will be no different.  Join us at our reception, where you will meet authors, chat with other ALAN members, and enjoy some snacks and beverages among friends!  The reception will be held on the evening of Sunday, November 20th, from 5:30-7:00pm, and everyone registered for the workshop automatically gets an invitation. First time attendees can find ALAN veterans to ask questions about the workshop before it begins on Monday morning.  

ALAN Workshop Monday and Tuesday

The main part of the ALAN Workshop will be held Monday, November 21, from 8:00am-6:00pm and Tuesday, November 22, from 8:00am-2:00pm. So, what does the ALAN Workshop look like?  It will overwhelm you in all the very best of ways (books, authors, and friends, oh my!).  

Books!

When you arrive early Monday morning, you will check in and receive a big box of some of the newest and very best young adult and middle grade books.  These books are generously provided by each of the publishers and are included for each person who registers for the workshop.  There will be ALAN members there to assist you in getting your box to your seat if you would like.  Some attendees prefer to pack their suitcases to fly (or drive) their books home.  However, as you will receive at least 20-25 books, this gets pretty heavy.  For those who would prefer to ship their book boxes home, there will be a FedEx mobile shipping station set up right outside the main room of the workshop for your convenience.  Shipping usually costs around $50+ for the box of books, but can be higher depending on destination (USPS cannot set up a shipping station but if you want to try and find a post office by the convention center to ship book rate, you are welcome to do that).

Authors!

Much of the two days is filled with opportunities to listen to incredible authors speak!  There will be author panels of three authors, conversations with two authors, and some inspiring keynote and individual author speakers.  You’ll sit back, relax, and soak in all of the awesome-ness of being in this space with your colleagues and the authors you love.

Breakout Sessions!

We will have one hour devoted to breakout sessions on Monday.  Each of the sessions will be on the program, and you will get to choose which session you would like to attend.  Each session will feature classroom teacher(s), librarian(s), and/or professor(s) who have prepared interactive presentations with innovative ideas you will be able to bring back to your schools and students. 

Lunch!

This year, in order to reduce the stress and time-constraints of trying to leave the area to find lunch and make it back in time to hear the next authors speak, we will be providing boxed lunches, the cost of which is included in your registration fee.  There will be rooms and spaces available for you to sit, chat, and eat with your colleagues and hopefully some new ALAN friends.  

Traditionally Marginalized Community Luncheon

A note from ALAN’s Traditionally Marginalized Community Committee Chair, Keisha Rembert:

We are excited to offer the first ALAN affinity space for those who identify as traditionally marginalized.  This will be a social hour with an opportunity to build community and connect with new and familiar faces. Please look for more details to come!

I am looking forward to seeing everyone in Anaheim in November, when we can come together and celebrate our passion for the power of books and authors!  

Warmly,

Dani King-Watkins

2022 ALAN President