Exploring the Expo Floor: A Must for MLA ’25

Attending the MLA conference is always an enriching experience, offering a plethora of opportunities for professional development, networking, and staying abreast of the latest advancements in the field. While the sessions and workshops are undoubtedly valuable, the expo floor holds a unique significance that should not be overlooked. By spending time on the expo floor, attendees can discover innovative technologies, network with industry leaders, attend educational sessions, stay informed about industry trends, gather information for future decisions, enhance their professional development, and enjoy the overall experience.

Discovering Innovative Technologies and Resources

The expo floor is a hub of innovation, showcasing the latest technologies, tools, and resources that can revolutionize the way medical librarians work. From advanced database management systems to cutting-edge research tools, exhibitors present a wide array of products designed to streamline workflows and improve efficiency. For over 60 years, SLACK Journals has been providing specialty medical content to institutions of all sizes in areas including nursing, ophthalmology, orthopedics, psychiatry, and pediatrics. For 2025, they are excited to offer new discount packages, including deep discounts on multiple subscriptions, plus 50 percent off Backfiles with the purchase of a subscription for MLA conference attendees only. As one of the last great family-owned American medical publishers, SLACK Journals has become a trusted source for peer-reviewed medical content. Visit booth #305 to see the decades of research, data, and insights that await you. By exploring these offerings, attendees can gain insights into emerging trends and technologies that may shape the future of medical librarianship. This knowledge can be invaluable, even if you aren’t in a position to make purchasing decisions.

Networking Opportunities

Networking is a cornerstone of any professional conference, and the expo floor provides a unique environment for making connections. Exhibitors often include industry leaders, experts, and innovators who are eager to share their knowledge and experiences. Engaging with these individuals can lead to meaningful conversations, collaborations, and partnerships. Additionally, the expo floor is a gathering place for fellow attendees, providing opportunities to meet peers, exchange ideas, and build relationships that can extend beyond the conference.

Educational Sessions and Demonstrations

Many exhibitors offer educational sessions and live demonstrations of their products and services. These presentations can provide a deeper understanding of how specific tools and technologies work and how they can be applied in a medical library setting. For instance, Third Iron, at booth 713, will demonstrate how LibKey is being used by a fast-growing number of medical libraries around the world to extend their library services to open web searchers. Attendees can see the new “++” features of LibKey Nomad, such as domain messaging and the new Cabells data integration, which provides alerts to researchers when they encounter predatory journal content. Attending these sessions can enhance your knowledge and skills, making you better equipped to evaluate and implement new solutions in your library. Moreover, these demonstrations often include hands-on experiences, allowing you to interact with the products and see their benefits firsthand.

Staying Informed About Industry Trends

The medical librarianship field is constantly evolving, with new trends and developments emerging regularly. The expo floor is an excellent place to stay informed about these changes. Exhibitors often highlight the latest research, best practices, and industry standards, providing valuable insights into the direction the field is heading. Elsevier Health invites you to booth 403, where you can dig into their cutting-edge clinical and medical education solutions, including the latest advancements in ClinicalKey AI. But that’s just the beginning! They have planned prize-winning fun with a bean bag toss for a chance to snag a nifty prize, a refreshing margarita during the welcome reception on April 30 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. in the exhibit hall, and a barista station for specialty hot and iced beverages on May 1, available from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. By staying informed about these trends, you can position yourself as a knowledgeable and forward-thinking professional, ready to adapt to new challenges and opportunities.

Gathering Information for Future Decisions

Even if you aren’t a buyer at the moment, gathering information about products and services can be beneficial for future decision-making. Understanding the features, benefits, and potential applications of various tools can help you make informed choices when the time comes to consider new acquisitions or upgrades. Additionally, having a comprehensive understanding of the available options can enable you to provide valuable recommendations to your colleagues and supervisors, contributing to the overall success of your library.

Enhancing Professional Development

Spending time on the expo floor can significantly contribute to your professional development. The knowledge and skills gained from interacting with exhibitors, attending educational sessions, and exploring new technologies can enhance your expertise and make you a more effective and innovative librarian. Furthermore, the connections made and the information gathered can open doors to new opportunities, such as collaborations, research projects, and career advancements. For example, visiting the Covidence booth at MLA ‘25 can provide insights into how libraries can offer more comprehensive support for faculty and students working on evidence synthesis projects, all while simplifying administrative workflows. With tailored tools for library teams and institutional licenses, Covidence is designed to meet the needs of academic libraries and the researchers they support. Stop by and explore how Covidence can help elevate your institution’s research capabilities.

Enjoying the Experience

The expo floor is an exciting and dynamic part of the conference experience. The energy and enthusiasm of exhibitors and attendees create a vibrant atmosphere that can be both inspiring and enjoyable. Taking the time to explore the expo floor can add a fun and engaging element to your conference experience, making it more memorable and fulfilling.

The expo floor at MLA ‘25 offers a wealth of opportunities that extend beyond purchasing decisions. Whether you are a buyer or not, the expo floor is a valuable resource that can significantly enrich your conference experience and contribute to your professional growth as a medical librarian.