So I just pulled into DC along with 14,000 25,000 or so of my closest friends. Yes, it's ALA Annual Conference time again, and DC will soon be awash with people in sensible shoes.

When I talk to colleagues I find myself complaining about the sheer size of this meeting, the difficulty of getting from one meeting or program to the next, the overlap of numerous programs that all seem essential (I mean, what's up with Saturday at 1:30?), and the knowledge that you will spend 4-5 days in the same city as some of your best friends, and unless you make specific plans you may never see them.

But I have to admit, there is nothing else like it in the world. It is, for the library world, truly "The Show". If you're a vendor in this market you're no one if you're not here. If you're a large vendor, then you're throwing parties, schmoozing clients and potential clients, and making deals over dinner. If you're not, you're toast. It is, in other words, the one essential conference for library vendors marketing to the single largest library market in the world.

It's THE place to see the latest in library technologies. Many library technology vendors will be making major announcements here, rollouts of new products, or presentations of new products that may not see the light of day unless enough new orders are signed (i.e., potential "vaporware"). If you're not here, then keep an eye on the blogosphere. You can be sure that the most interesting announcements will be made here.

Meanwhile, I can't friggin' believe that hotels can't get it into their heads that Internet connectivity is not an amenity, it's a necessity. Until they start taking responsibility for it, and stop outsourcing it to India, we will continue to be plagued with intermittent connectivity, downright neanderthal connection routines, and local staff who are completely idiotic about it (Oh, you're having trouble? Let me find someone who is more clueless than me to help you). Am I peeved? Take a guess.

But in the end it's something we all put up with because we must. After all, it's THE SHOW.