But I wonder as I am working on another project today whether building that network can happen without attending a conference.  I used Facebook today to connect with a library media specialist I hadn’t talk with in years.  I logged onto Twitter and checked out some new resources and tools.  I had a back and forth email conversation with a colleague where we bounced back and forth ideas for future articles we might write.  My network where I might see or talk with these folks once in a great while now has the potential to keep me in contact with them all the time.

I still intend to be a conference attendee for many years to come.  I enjoy the traveling.  I enjoy talking and interacting with people face to face.  But, I love that I can connect with friends via these technology tools, too.  It gives me just another vehicle to keep growing and learning professionally.