2010 ASI Annual Conference

• Conference Program
• Registration Form
• Sessions and Events
• Sponsor/Exhibits
• Speaker Bios
• Workshops
• Attendees List

Dear Indexing colleague

The aim of the 2010 ASI national conference is threefold: provide opportunities for experienced indexers to learn new skills that better equip them to remain competitive in a rapidly changing publishing environment; build upon established practical and theoretical foundations for newly practicing indexers; and introduce prospective indexers to this intellectually rewarding profession.

I invite you to read the program carefully. Between the skills- and technique-specific sessions you will find presentations on award-winning indexes, ideas and examples on how to handle business aspects of indexing, sessions on working with overseas production editors, and so much more.

For example, Ruth Pincoe is reprising her talk on cross-references given at last year's ISC/SCI meeting in Toronto. Her seminar is the most comprehensive I've ever heard on the subject and know that you too will want to hear and learn from it. Also, at the 2009 ISC/SCI meeting Enid Zafran spoke on public policy indexing. I almost didn't attend (late spring sunshine and blossoms were a competing temptation) because I thought it did not apply to much of the indexing I do. How wrong I was. So if you think that public policy indexing is not for you, then think again because it encompasses all areas of daily life—smoking in public places, gay marriage, energy efficiency, taxes, health, race relations, and gender issues—as well as war and international trade.

And our keynote speaker, Katherine Barber, will speak on some of the words that link us to our indexing origins. Always entertaining and informative, Publishers Weekly says of her: "No matter what word she puts under the microscope, Barber clearly takes its history seriously, but her light, witty descriptions make each discovery a pleasure." Conference attendees will also receive a copy of her book Six Words You Never Knew Had Something to do with Pigs.

After last year's conference you asked for more "naked" indexing—you've got it; Margie Towery and Fred Leise compare their approaches. You asked for more time for SIGs to meet—you've got it; non-compete time in dedicated meeting space. You asked for post-conference tours to pick up at the hotel—you've got it; a guided bus/trolley tour of Minneapolis on Saturday afternoon. You asked for no pre-dawn meetings—well, we will still have early morning starts but not before 7 am!

As far as I'm aware Minneapolis has no mountains on which to base experience levels as in last year's Ben Nevis/Aconcagua/K2 session classifications. But Minnesota does have lakes—more than10,000 in all—and fish!

Coincidentally, our 2010 conference in Minneapolis takes place the same weekend as the opening of Minnesota's walleye fishing season*. Medium in size, the walleye is Minnesota's official state fish, elusive in nature but prized for its handsome shape and coloring. Our Intermediate-level conference sessions aim to provide a similar reward for conference attendees: variety and substance along with a challenge. Beginning anglers are most likely to catch small sunfish (or bluegill) before pursuing the rewards of the more elusive walleye. Sessions classified as Basic offer introductory material and techniques essential for pursuing the craft of indexing. Advanced sessions are akin to the pursuit of the largest and most elusive fish in Minnesota—themuskellunge (muskie)—this fish has a reputation as a fighter and to which many anglers dedicate themselves exclusively.

Regardless of your experience level you will not return home empty-handed (or empty-headed), and will certainly have many "fishy" tales to tell. This year we will be holding all receptions and awards ceremonies in the conference hotel providing plenty of time for networking with colleagues during meal and refreshment breaks. We also have some member-led activities (indoor and outdoor) planned, but you have to be in Minneapolis to learn about them.

If you've never attended an ASI conference before, Richard Shrout is again organizing a "buddy system" to match first-time attendees with regular conference-goers. Look for information about this on the conference registration form.

And there is still time to submit a proposal for a Poster, ideal for presenting nuggets of information or a topic for future debate. The deadline for this is April 10. Full details and guidelines are available on ASI's website.

Planning this year's conference has been a delight. I have received unlimited support and guidance from a stellar group of colleagues who serve as my 2010 Conference Committee: Terry Casey, Ina Gravitz, Terri Hudoba, Seth Maislin, David K. Ream, Kay Schlembach, Galen Schroeder, Lyle Warren, Diana Witt, Enid Zafran. My grateful thanks to them all.

Frances S. Lennie
President-Elect
Chair, 2010 Conference Committee

* For more information and history on the walleye fishing season–http://www.mnhs.org/people/governors/fishing_opener.htm –
and remember to visit ASI's Twin Cities Chapter website for travel and local information that will enhance your visit to Minneapolis—http://sites.google.com/site/asitwincities/conference

Frances Lennie
President-Elect
2010 ASI Annual Conference