SPL and their Staff Development Task Force (SDTF) are committed to staff development. One day is set aside annually for an all staff conference. Gathering in the auditorium at the main branch was not an option this year. With four branches not fully open and COVID-19 still a concern, a new way had to be explored. Presentations and meetings were being held virtually through Microsoft Teams, so information was being shared in new ways. Working with employees at all levels of the organization led to a format that worked for everyone.

Staff worked with IT, HR, Police and outside presenters to create the training and technology support needed to make this event occur. A grant was received to offer a keynote speaker, Ken Nwadike, Jr. (Free Hugs Guy), a SharePoint page was created to house the schedule, accomplishments video, links to a bloopers reel from virtual programming, Kahoot! literature trivia games and training on mental health, dealing with difficult patrons and innovative programs were among many training opportunities available to staff.

The conference titled “Ready for Our Next Chapter” was a success. Survey results showed a 4.59 out of 5 rating. Half of the staff used personal technology and attended from home. The few technology issues reported were minor and quickly resolved and 95% of staff felt they received actionable information for the role they serve. Staff loved the ability to choose their location and many shared photos of how they enjoyed the day with their pets or showed their personally decorated conference bags on the SharePoint page.