ASI Providence: Day 2 and Beyond

I know, it is technically not Day 2 of the conference any longer.  I was hoping to get some of the Day 2 stuff posted yesterday, but sheer exhaustion and a 6:00 a.m. flight this morning had other ideas.

So, let’s catch up!  Day 2, Friday, was an action-packed, fun-filled day from start to finish.  In his Keynote Address, Joshua Tallent gave a fabulous talk summarizing his thoughts about the future relationship between indexing and eBooks.  In fact, his topic of choice was so popular that most couldn’t tear themselves away in time enough for the day’s break out sessions to start on time.

Once the seminars got going, they once again did not disappoint!  The first session I attended was Keeping Your Indexing Business Alive, led by Janet Perlman and Pilar Wyman.  This well-rounded session covered many relevant topics including rates, marketing strategies, range of service flexibility, and an evaluation of today’s indexing market–all topics important to both seasoned indexers, as well as first-timers.  Much of the discussion centered on the importance of maintaining high standards of quality combined with finding effective and creative ways to work smarter.

My second session of the morning, How to Start a Freelance Indexing Business, was an obvious choice for the first-time attendee.  The charming Frances Lennie answered a lot of questions and offered a wealth of knowledge on topics such as finances, marketing, training, time management, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the running a freelance indexing business.

The highlight of my day was the special lunch which featured the official announcement of the 2011 H.W. Wilson Award winner, Michael Brackney.  Michael spends much of his time in San Diego caring for his 102 1/2-year-old father.  We were fortunate that Michael was able to carve out a bit of time to join us at the ASI Conference and discuss his award winning index to Dogen’s Extensive Record: A Translation of the Eihei Koroku.  Michael stated his driving motivation when creating any index is to “lead the audience to the words of the author.”  Click on the link above to get a first-hand look at Michael’s masterpiece!

Another highlight of the conference lunch was the announcement of the ASI’s acronym challenge.  Connie Binder won with this masterful acronym creation for the word INDEXER:

Intuitive  Navigation  Designer  EXciting  Every  Reader

What did she win, you wonder?  Connie won the brand new Kindle 3, which was graciously donated by Joshua Tallent!

Back to business after lunch… First up, History Indexing:  Bringing the Past into the Future.  The four panelists, all members of the History/Archaeology SIG, were Connie Binder, Ina Gravitz, Margie Towery, and Carolyn Weaver.  Carolyn moderated while each of the other three panelists discussed various history-related topics.  As an established indexer of history trade books, Connie shared her joys and challenges, as well as several tips and tricks for those interested in jumping on the history indexing train.  Ina gave excellent, detailed information on ways to successfully index books for children and young adults.  Margie shared many effective strategies for the identification and indexing of primary source documents.  This very informative session concluded with an in-depth question and answer session.

My final Friday session was Marketing Your Business Through Social Networking led by Cheryl Landes.  This proved to be another wonderful session for both first-timers and seasoned indexers.  In addition to a handful of lesser-known social networking sites, Cheryl also identified “The Big 3″:  Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  She went on to explain the pros and cons of each site, as well as how to make them work for you in your business marketing efforts.

The official Wilson Award presentation was a nice finish to a fabulous day, and an all-too-short conference stay.  The conference theme this year was Transformation, and I believe we as indexers are successfully embracing the exciting changes and challenges ahead, while still remaining connected to our passion for the written word.

This year’s ASI Conference was a great experience, complete with an abundance of new information and new friends. I enjoyed meeting each and every one of you, and I look forward to interacting with you as colleagues and friends for many years to come…

Is everybody ready for San Diego in 2012?!

~ Jennifer

ASI Providence: Day 1

The first full day of the ASI 43rd Annual Conference offered up a heaping helping of information, new faces, and lots of fun!  With another whirlwind day ahead in a few short hours, figured I better get some initial thoughts written before I refill, and possibly overwrite, the information tank tomorrow.

As someone new to indexing, I found myself “skating dizzy” as the day’s events wound down.  “Skating dizzy” is actually a catch-phrase from Seth Maislin’s fabulous workshop, Principles of Indexing, which I attended for the full day today.  (If you don’t know what the phrase refers to, you’ll have to ask Seth.)  Staying true to this year’s conference theme of transformation, Seth effectively tailored his workshop to teach indexers at a variety of skill levels to think beyond just the nuts and bolts of indexing rules.  He offered a wealth of “real world” contextual tools and critical thinking tips for indexers at all levels to use when adapting to varying indexing environments.

Speaking of changing indexing environments, I wish there were two of me here.  One would be the first-timer attending all the events geared toward bringing new indexers out of their proverbial shells.  My clone would be able to jump into the exciting, highly anticipated eBook and technology themed seminars.

Alas, for this year I am on the “newbie” track.  Don’t get me wrong, however.  The First-Time Attendees Orientation was a wonderful adventure in meeting and getting to know a variety of indexers all in one room!  First, let me say that I might argue with those who say indexers are introverted…  By the end of the orientation gathering (before we ever even left the room for cocktails), there wasn’t a quiet person in the bunch.  The meeting room was packed from the get-go, and every one of us was engaged in often times multiple conversations at once.  The energy in the room was amazing and exciting!  As a first-time conference attendee, I was also struck by how welcoming and open all of the seasoned folks are.  Often, we as shy first-timers find ourselves with the notion that we are bothering those more experienced with our “newbie” questions…  Not so this evening!!

The Welcome Reception immediately followed the First-Time Attendee Orientation.  The energy and excitement did not disappoint!  The reception offered more opportunity for mixing and mingling, and it was nothing short of amazing.

Back to the clone idea…  I wish I had more to offer for those who weren’t involved with the same events I was today.  I imagine there was lots more excitement with the various other workshops, SIG, and Chapter Leaders Meetings.  About the closest thing I can say is that the CINDEX workshop in the neighboring Hartwell room must have been fun this morning; there was a lot of laughter radiating through the walls!

In any event, I’m looking forward to a variety of break out sessions tomorrow; some geared toward the new indexer, and others toward a more general indexing audience.  Additionally, I will (hopefully drag myself out of bed in time to) attend Joshua Tallent’s Keynote Address about the future relationship between indexing and eBooks.  Also, look for a post on the Wilson Award stuff.

That’s all for now!

~ Jennifer

Let’s Go To Providence!

The fun starts tomorrow afternoon! 

The abundance and variety of seminars and workshops scheduled for the 43rd Annual ASI Conference promises something for everyone — from seasoned veterans to new indexers like me.  As a new indexer and first-time conference attendee, I’m looking forward to making new connections and meeting new friends!

As the “official” ASI Conference blogger, let me pass along a bit of information about the Hilton Providence hotel. As a person who is generally tied to my electronic devices, I contacted the hotel to find out more about our meeting room facilities.  While information was sparse at best, I did find out:

• Workshop rooms on Thursday are primarily set up with tables, either in a “U-shape” or in rows. Great for those bringing laptops or other note-taking devices.
• Break-out locations on Friday and Saturday are mostly set up as theater-style seating (rows of chairs only). Ashley in the Sales department was unable to be more specific, so it’s probably safe to assume tables won’t be available in many of those rooms.
• Internet access is $9.95 per day in guest rooms.  Sounds like internet access will be hit or miss during the workshops and seminars.  I’ve heard from some presenters that internet access will be available in specific meeting spaces, but not in others.  Let’s cross our fingers and hope for the best!

That’s all I have for now.  I will post any new information as I get it.  It’s going to be a full house and lots of fun!

I look forward to meeting many of you in Providence!

~ Jennifer

Providence Hotel Update!

In case you all haven’t heard, the Providence Hilton Hotel is sold out for the ASI Conference!

The Westin Providence Hotel located at One Exchange Street (only 2 blocks away from the Hilton) has been designated as the ASI Conference overflow hotel.  Rooms are available at our group rate of $139 per night.

Reservations can be made through the ASI website at American Society For Indexing or by calling the hotel directly (401) 598-8000.  Don’t delay as the space at the overflow hotel is also limited!

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