Three ways to get more out of the NCFL conference

Here in Louisville, the Ohio River was at flood stage last week. Fortunately, it’s quickly receding. After all, we know the real high water mark will occur at the end of the week, when everyone begins arriving for our 17th Annual National Conference on Family Literacy.

I’m Cindy Read, a Senior Director here at NCFL… but during this time of year I’m known as the go-to person for the conference.

Like all of you attending the conference, our staff is looking forward to connecting with old friends, soaking in the inspiration from national speakers and learning a new trick or two in the more than 140 sessions offered. As always, we’re also excited to hear four very special student speakers. Their stories each year remind us why we got into this field in the first place!

This year we’ll welcome registrants from 48 states and several foreign countries. (Note: I hope you’ll give a special hello to the delegation from St. Lucia, Barbados. They’re here to develop a family literacy model for the Eastern Caribbean, and they’ll be looking for advice from experienced family literacy program staff.)

Here are some tips and ideas for enjoying this year’s conference:

  • Registration will be on the second floor of the Galt House. Hint — look for large watering cans, flowers and running water.
  • ave you got a story? Participate in our story collection about family literacy on our blog. For details, stop by the NCFL lounge at the Exhibit Hall. There you can meet NCFL staff, learn more about this blog and receive a free gift for simply telling us about you!  We are right across from the Grand Ballroom.
  • Get your photo taken at the special conference photo booth. Check us out on the map… between the Exhibit hall and the Grand Ballroom. If you like, we’ll send the photo of you and your colleagues to your local newspaper or your school. What happens in Louisville this year doesn’t have to stay in Louisville!  (Check in your registration packet for times photo booth will be open.)

— Cindy Read