CONUL Annual Conferences
2017- 2018 -2021

In 2017 Conference Organisers joined forces with the Consortium of National & University Libraries to plan and implement the CONUL Annual Conference in the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone, Co Westmeath. This event was a success and Conference Organisers has been in charge of the planning and execution of the CONUL Conferences as their Core PCO since.

CONUL Conference 2017

‘Inspiring & Supporting Research’ was the theme for the 2017 conference which featured an exciting and diverse mix of plenary sessions, presentations, lightning talks, and posters, as well as an innovative “show and tell” format.

Lorcan Dempsey, Vice President of Membership and Research at OCLC delivered the opening keynote presentation entitled “The network reshapes the research library collection”, whilst Dr Danny Kingsley, Head of Scholarly Communication at the University of Cambridge discussed “Emerging from the chrysalis – transforming libraries for the future” in her keynote address on the second day.

The programme featured 2 keynotes, 11 posters and 5 breakout sessions including 41 parallel sessions in 2 or 3 streams, covering a breadth of topics with strong representation and input from CONUL institutions, as well as other national and international speakers. The conference closed with an exciting and engaging panel discussion

In line with previous years, the CONUL Annual Conference continued to provide substantial opportunities for delegates to network with new and existing colleagues, as well as a 17-stand exhibition for Sponsors.

CONUL Conference 2018

The 2018 CONUL Annual Conference was held on 30th-31st May in the Galway Bay Hotel

The conference theme was ‘Transformative Experiences: Libraries Innovating and Changing’ and included presentations, lightning talks and posters looking at technology in libraries, developing the library workforce, enhancing user engagement & experiences, measuring the impact and effectiveness of library services, and new synergies and transformations for library collections.

Among the invited keynote speakers were Vivian Lewis from the University Librarian at McMaster University and Jim Neal, University Librarian Emeritus at Columbia University & President of the American Library Association.

The programme featured 2 keynotes, 13 posters, 5 breakout sessions including 48 parallel sessions in 2 or 3 streams and a wonderful Welcome Reception Boat trip at The Hodson Bay.

The Conference closed with a panel discussion including national and international Speakers.

As well as in previous years, the 2018 Conference boasted a large exhibition Hall of 29 stands which provided substantial opportunities for delegates to network with new and existing colleagues and providers.

CONUL Conference 2020 - 2022

In light of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, the CONUL 2020 Organising Committee, in consultation with the CONUL Board, agreed to postpone the CONUL 2020 Conference to 2022.

More information to follow.

SNAPSHOT

STATISTICS

The CONUL Conference programme keeps evolving. However, it usually includes 2 or more Keynote Speakers and 4 or more Breakout Sessions of 2 or more parallel streams each.

Our team at Conference Organisers provides end-to-end Speaker management. We book accommodation for Speakers on-site, schedule flights and other necessary travel logistics based on the speaker requirements, collect their presentation slides and liaise with our AV team to fulfil Speaker’s audiovisual needs on the day.
Presenters also have access to the Speaker Room where they can go through their presentations with the AV team and make sure everything is in order before they jump on to the stage.
Lastly, we also liaise with our AV provider to capture and stream the conference online to those delegates who are not able to attend the conference in person.

EXHIBITION

Fifteen to thirty Sponsors and Exhibitors have taken part in CONUL Conference exhibitions. The exhibitors are usually global and Irish companies, as well as educational institutions.

As part of our agreement with the client, we contact the exhibitors and sponsors and discuss in detail their goals and expectations. Our Account Manager is then tasked with ensuring their objectives are met satisfactorily. To further support them we work with closely with the venues to facilitate all refreshments and lunches in the exhibition area maximising their engagement opportunities.

KEY OUTCOMES

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

“The CONUL (Consortium of National and University Libraries) committee have worked with Conference Organisers Limited on our annual conference for the last two years. This annual conference for upwards of 230 people is hosted in Ireland each year and Conference Organisers are responsible for complete management of conference budgets, handling of participants’ registrations, accommodation, payments and reimbursements, speaker and abstract management, handling of AV support including live streaming, liaising with the conference venue, complete sponsorship and exhibition management and the provision of external tours. Their onsite staff are warm, hospitable and professional.
I recommend the services of the Conference Organisers without hesitation. It has been our pleasure to work with the Conference Organisers and I am confident that other clients will feel the same way.”
Lorna Dodd: Head of Academic Services, Maynooth University Library

ATTENDEE FEEDBACK

“The Conference was very well organised and attended”

“A well organised and smooth conference. A lot of work obviously went into the management of it, so congratulations!”