I arrived today in Denver, Colorado for ALA Midwinter. I attended ALA Annual last year, but this is my first time at Midwinter so not really sure what to expect.

ALA Welcome to Denver, originally uploaded by nengard.

After a long day of connecting flights and a lost shuttle driver who overheated the shuttle engine, I enjoyed a wonderful dinner at PF Changs with a group of about 11 other library trainers and library consultants. We received possibly the best customer service I’ve ever had when dining in a large group.

At the end of our dinner the owner brought us complimentary desserts to thank us for all we do for libraries. Then our waiter gave us a tour of the kitchen and “catacombs” of the restaurant. The building is the second oldest in Denver and contains bricked up walls that used to be secret tunnels below the city.

So far we’ve all felt very welcomed by Denver, the hotels, and all the hospitality people who work extra hard during big events like this.

By the way there is also a livestock and rodeo going on in Denver as well as an Outdoor Sportsmens’ Expo. It’s pretty easy to spot the ALA attendees! On day one you’ll see them sitting quietly on the floor throughout the convention center lined up and down the halls with a highlighter in hand highlighting the conference guide to mark which sessions they want to attend.