2026 Regional Conference Schedule

South Bend – May 15

Registration | 9:00 – 9:45 AM

Check‑in and networking

Keynote Session | 9:45 – 10:50 AM

Edra Waterman

Keep Your Cool, Know Your Purpose, Trust Your Team: Navigating Politics and Culture Wars While Remaining Committed to Library Service for All

Breakout Block #1 | 11:00 – 11:50 AM

We’re Solving the Wrong Thing: A3 Problem Solving
Presenter: Daniel Lichty

Ever spent three meetings fixing a problem… only to realize it wasn’t the real issue? A3 problem‑solving is a clear, disciplined framework that helps teams identify root problems and align on meaningful next steps.

From the Stacks to the Statehouse
Presenter: Julie Wendorf

This session explores Indiana’s legislative structure and how libraries can engage in advocacy—from grassroots engagement to direct legislative outreach.

Navigating the Library / Support Organization Partnership
Presenters: Bridget Morrey & Onjanette Dancler

A candid roundtable exploring how library administration, business offices, and support organizations collaborate using Indiana State Code and IRS‑based guidance.

Innovative Youth Services Initiatives
Presenters: Heidi Lovett, Carter Lubelski, Ashley Ramirez

Learn about Early Birds, Discovery Centers, and Taiyaki Bros.—three initiatives from St. Joseph County Public Library that support literacy, creativity, and engagement.

Lunch | 11:50 AM – 12:50 PM

Group Photo | 12:50 – 1:00 PM

Breakout Block #2 | 1:00 – 1:50 PM

Get Smart!: Setting and Evaluating S.M.A.R.T. Goals
Presenter: Ross Hanney

This workshop explores how to create SMART goals aligned with your library’s strategic plan, with time to draft and refine your own goals.

Everything Looks Like a Nail (When You Are a Hammer)
Presenters: Zachary Benedict & Ben McHugh

An exploration of where AI makes sense in libraries—and where boundaries are needed to preserve human connection.

Homeschooling and Public Libraries: 3 Approaches
Presenters: Roanna Hooten, Jenni Blye, Sarah Morbitzer

A panel discussion on how libraries can support homeschooling families, followed by Q&A.

Getting Started with Digital Collections
Presenters: Nick York & Ellen Anderson

Discover how digitization supports local history, community identity, and partnerships through real Indiana examples.

Breakout Block #3 | 2:00 – 2:50 PM

Busy Teens
Presenters: Stephen Platt & Lici Walker

A look at how Allen County Public Library supports large groups of middle school students in a busy branch environment.

Reading Levels and Lexiles and Libraries, Oh My!
Presenter: Lori Caskey‑Sigety

A practical guide to recommending books for reluctant readers, gifted students, and AR questions.

So You Wanna Be a Library Director
Presenters: Stephanie Murphy & Kristen Edson

An honest look at leadership paths, promotion decisions, and how director search committees work.

Turn Your Library Work into a Publication: An Introduction to Crossroads
Presenter: Mark Dehmlow

Learn how to turn everyday library work into publishable contributions for ILF’s new journal.

State of the ILF | 3:00 – 3:50 PM

Presenters: Kyle Hickman & Edra Waterman

An update on ILF’s past, current, and future work, including ways to get involved, advocate for libraries, and engage networks and communities across Indiana.