It is a great pleasure to invite you to register, participate, exhibit and/or make use of the sponsorship opportunities that the 13^th Annual LIASA Conference taking place at the East London International Convention Centre from 3-7 October 2011, are offering.

This is one of the highlights on the calendar of LIASA members, partners and all library practitioners. It is expected that between 500 and 700 library workers will attend.  Various speakers from the African continent as well as Europe and the USA have been invited. The exhibition, which runs during the week of the conference, should attract in excess of 50 national and international library suppliers, vendors, booksellers and publishers. This also provides a forum for interaction with all levels of government as LIASA engages with MECs, Executive  Mayors and Councillors, as well as other key stakeholders.  It provides South African librarians with one of the few opportunities to be exposed to new trends in the library and information profession and to interact with their counterparts from within the country as well as abroad.

The theme for this year's conference is:  "Dynamic Leadership for LIS" which flows directly from the newly developed vision and mission from "Strategic Directions 2010-2014".  The current Executive and Representative Committees are keen to bring this Association, closer to the development agenda of the country. It is the view of these Committees that information and knowledge is a critical commodity for the growth and development of South Africa. Therefore, the new strategic directions must add value to the growth and development of the country.

The Executive Committee has been hard at work preparing an exciting and stimulating programme, with many opportunities for debate and discussion, such as Presidential Roundtables and Panel discussions in addition to the usual plenary and parallel sessions.  Workshops and training sessions will be part of the programme.  Well-respected keynote and invited speakers will add value and enrich your experience.

We have a number of existing - as well as additional new sponsorship opportunities available for your selection. Please contact us also to discuss any special needs or requirements that your company may have  - we value all of your contributions and participation to ensure another successful conference in 2011!  Key components of the sponsorship packages available at LIASA2011, is the active marketing and branding opportunities for both your Company and the products you promote.  Should you not find a sponsorship package that addresses the needs of your Company please contact the conference organisers directly to discuss a tailored package.

The Conference Venue offers excellent opportunities to showcase your products and services and the Exhibition will be a central hub where the delegates will network during lunch, tea times and networking breaks.   

There will be further opportunities to interact and network during the social functions and of course you will be able to enjoy what the Eastern Cape Province and East London has to offer.   A wide range of accommodation options are available and the Eastern Cape Branch is ready to receive you with open arms.

Should you need more detailed information, please contact Charlene Malama.  Project Manager, at Scatterlings at: 082 515 2341/011 463 5085 or conference2011@liasa.org.za.

Regular updates will be posted to the website and you will be kept up to date with all the exciting developments you can look forward to.

Looking forward to welcoming you to LIASA2011 in East London!

Naomi Haasbroek
President

www.liasa.org.za