Two years ago, I got on a plane in New York, headed for my very first RBMS conference, and I thought, “what on Earth am I doing?!” I didn’t know anyone. My friend had canceled at the last minute. I was headed to California, by myself, with more than a soup\u00e7on of doubt.<\/p>\n
At Registration, there were sign-up sheets for restaurant night and the “new members’ lunch”, so I took the plunge and put my name down on a piece of paper with a bunch of other people from all over the country.<\/p>\n
It changed my life (true story).<\/p>\n
The New Members’ lunch was one of the most memorable experiences in my first go-round at RBMS. I met seasoned veterans, people from the Membership & Professional Development Committee, other first-timers\u2026and forged fabulous friendships. I don’t remember what I ate, but I remember how welcoming everyone was, and how engaging our conversations were. After that lunch, I knew I wanted to be a part of RBMS for as long as possible.<\/p>\n
I am delighted to invite you all\u2014new members, returning attendees, first-time callers and long-time listeners\u2014join us for this year’s New Members’ Lunch<\/a>, organized by the Membership & Professional Development Committee. We’ll meet at the Mill Restaurant at 12:30 on Wednesday, June 21, grab a bite, and talk about everything.<\/p>\n Can’t stay for the whole hour? No problem. We have a simplified format this year, and you can check out the Mill’s quick dining offerings<\/a> in advance. Plus, the restaurant is only about a five-minute walk away from nearly everything else in the center of Iowa City (in case you need to be in two places at the same time).<\/p>\n If you’re new to RBMS, you might hear this a lot, but I’m here to tell you it’s all true: the first conference can be a whirlwind, full of exciting experiences, inspiring people and presentations, and one-of-a-kind moments. We’re nice, fun, and we can’t wait to meet you. I hope to see you at lunch!<\/p>\n \u2013Diane Dias De Fazio, Two years ago, I got on a plane in New York, headed for my very first RBMS conference, and I thought, “what on Earth am I doing?!” I didn’t know anyone. My friend had canceled at the last minute. I was headed to California, by myself, with more than a soup\u00e7on of doubt. At Registration,… <\/p>\n
\nNew York Public Library<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"