Timeline

//Note: Kate will send out the first call for vendors, you don't have to worry about this as it is just part of the efficient system she has to us started (Yea, Kate!). She will then start to send the committee regular updates. For example, as of 5/21/09 there are 20 vendors (compared to 23 at this time last year). Guess, that's your first update, though you will want to know who they are! Kate will do an excellent job of keeping you informed. Go Vendor Committee!//
 * Timeline for working on OELMA vendor committee:**

=Calling All Vendors! OELMA Conference/October 22-24/Columbus, Ohio= This is just a reminder that some 600+ school librarians will be attending the OELMA conference October 22-24 in Columbus, Ohio. These 600+ look forward to the vendor exhibits as an opportunity to view product, talk with a representative and see product demos. You need to be there! Here are some of the details: STANDARD $600 ($700 after July 31) BRONZE $750 ($850 after July 31) SILVER $1250 ($1500 after July 31) GOLD $2250 ($2500 after July 31) PLATINUM $5000 ($5500 after July 31)
 * **MAY:** Get updated list of vendors that are exhibiting. (Kate kate@assnoffices.com or Melinda melinda@assnoffices.com can help you with this.) Here is an example from May 2008 [|OELMA Exhibitors.xls] You will also want to get a list of the vendors who have exhibited in the past but are not yet on the list. Again, Kate and Melinda can help! Divide the list alphabetically among group. (If someone in the group is more familiar with a vendor, let them call!)
 * **MAY:** Take a look at the Exhibitor Prospectus so you are familiar with the different levels of exhibits/sponsorships. This is on the OELMA [|conference page]
 * **END OF MAY - EARLY JUNE** Start making phone calls to vendors that are not yet on the exhibitor list. Often they are just so busy that they forget to respond so...send them the link to the Exhibitor Prospectus so that they can review it and say "yes"!! Also, during this time, Kate and/or Melinda will send you exhibitor updates...if they do not, just send an email. **Note: Our OELMA officers will be going to ALA in July, remind them to talk to vendors there to get them to participate!**
 * **JUNE AND JULY:** Make those phone class and persuade, persuade, persuade! Mention the number of people that attend, the ability for their company to present an educational session, and the fact that many librarians have their own budget to purchase technology, books, and media! Many also particpate in decisions by the school and/or district to purchase the same. (I just sat in on a meeting with a vendor that sells online digital academic courses!) **Here is a copy of the "second" email blast to vendors that was sent in early July:**
 * Exhibits open Thursday, October 23rd 11 AM – 1:30 PM and 4PM – 7:30 PM. Also Friday, October 24th from 8:30 AM – Noon.
 * NEW! Vendors may secure a 50-minute time slot at 10:00, 2:00 and 3:00 on Thursday, October 23rd and at 8:00, 11:00 and 12:00 on Friday, October 24th. The session will be held near the exhibit hall and your session will be advertised in the Conference Program. Presentations should be educational in nature. Cost: $250
 * Levels of Exhibit/Sponsorship:
 * Additional booth space available and opportunity to purchase ad space in conference program.

Please let us know if you will be at the OELMA conference and don’t forget that prices increase after July 31st. We hope to hear from you soon and will follow this email with a personal call. OELMA appreciates your commitment to school libraries and your commitment to our conference in the past. Please join us again in 2008.

Use the following link to get to the Exhibitor's Prospectus and Exhibit Hall Floor Plan: [|http://www.oelma.org/conference/2008/default.asp]