Keynotes

Our two excellent, high-caliber professionals to offer keynotes for 2016 were Tina Thomas of the Edmonton Public Library and nonprofit digital marketing expert John Haydon.

Haydon’s Nov. 16 keynote is titled “Embracing Patrons: Shifting Your Communication Strategy From Interruption to Invitation.” Thomas’s Nov. 17 talk will be “Influencing the Branch Experience—A Marketing Approach.”

Embracing Patrons: Shifting Your Communication Strategy From Interruption to Invitation

Social media and mobile technology have certainly changed the way people engage with libraries. Everyone has a card catalog in their back pocket, along with thousands of books on apps like Kindle and Audible. How can your library stay relevant (top of mind, useful) to patrons who are constantly bombarded with competing messages from brands, friends, and the media? How can your library create value in the lives of donors, volunteers, and patrons? In this keynote, John Haydon will share the strategies used by the most savvy nonprofits. You will see your email newsletter, your Facebook presence, your website, and even your cardholder database in a whole new light.

About John Haydon

John is one of the most sought-after nonprofit digital marketing and online fundraising experts. He has helped hundreds of nonprofits achieve their best online marketing and fundraising results through consulting, training, and coaching. A few notable wins:

• He helped Epic Change launch #Tweetsgiving, one of the first fundraisers on Twitter.
• He helped Komen Greater NYC increase their online walkathon fundraiser by 30%.
• He helped Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity raise over $215,000 during #GiveMN.

John has spoken at the Nonprofit Technology Conference, New England Federation of Human Societies, New Media Expo, BBCon, Social Media 4 Nonprofits, AFP New Jersey, Boys & Girls Clubs, SAWA, and many other annual conferences.

John is also the author of Facebook Marketing for Dummies and Facebook Marketing All-In-One (both from Wiley), and a contributor to The Huffington Post, Social Media Examiner, npEngage, LinkedIn, and of course JohnHaydon.com. Learn more about John on LinkedIn.

Influencing the Branch Experience—A Marketing Approach

Why are library branches so often a poor reflection of the great services, resources, and staff we have? In this visual and interactive session, Tina Thomas from the Edmonton Public Library in Canada, Library Journal's 2014 Library of the Year, will demonstrate how EPL is bringing its award-winning brand inside its locations. With a focus on system-wide standards, signage, wayfinding, merchandising, and recommendations, EPL is embracing a retail approach to its branches to better showcase services and to change the perception of libraries.

About Tina Thomas

Tina is the Executive Director of Strategy & Innovation at the Edmonton Public Library where she leads technology services, research and assessment, marketing, fund development and is responsible for leading system wide teams in implementing the EPL Business Plan and other organizational priorities.

She joined EPL in spring 2009 after 14 years in the private sector. She has experience in a broad base of business disciplines including product and solution marketing, strategy, market analysis, and business development. She holds an executive M.B.A. from Queen's University, a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta, and a CPA-CMA professional accounting designation. Tina was the main champion and leader behind EPL’s award-winning rebranding project.

In 2013, she was named Capital Communicator of the Year by the International Association of Business Communicators, Edmonton Chapter. In 2011, she was honored as a Library Journal Mover and Shaker as well as one of the Top 40 under 40 by Avenue Magazine. At one point she could say “Do you have these shoes in size eight?” in more than six languages. Tina is also easily bribed with good chocolate.