This was my first IAML Congress, which initially was not only exciting, but also terrifying. I needn’t have been nervous however because, from the first-time-attendees session at the start and throughout the week, everyone was extremely kind and welcoming. The real benefit of a conference like this is the chance to connect with colleagues from all over the world. You hear not only about their work but also about their lives. It is such an enriching experience on so many levels!
The 7th Congress Diary describing the 2019 Congress in Kraków is from Caren Nichter, University of Tennessee at Martin:
This was my first IAML Congress, which initially was not only exciting, but also terrifying. I needn’t have been nervous however because, from the first-time-attendees session at the start and throughout the week, everyone was extremely kind and welcoming. The real benefit of a conference like this is the chance to connect with colleagues from all over the world. You hear not only about their work but also about their lives. It is such an enriching experience on so many levels!
Krakow is not only incredibly beautiful, but also invitingly walkable. The conference site was an easy walk to the Old Town area with its cobbled streets and historic architecture. Conference-goers were treated to professional concerts in a different gorgeous church every night.
The Jagiellonian University was an impeccable host, providing comfortable meeting rooms with good acoustics. The catering for our breaks and lunches was superb. I still dream of those yummy pastries!
Last, but not least, the Polish people were the best of hosts, always helpful and solicitous. I feel so very fortunate to have had this experience and hope to be able to attend another IAML Congress in the future—hopefully, Prague 2020!