West v. UNC. Five Reasons UNC Wins!

 So, after humming and hawing over a date, the UNC Almuni & Friends Shindig overlaps with the West Thomson party on Monday, July 23. You may be thinking, "What should I do? I go to the West party every year, I don't want to miss it." Listed below are five reasons the UNC Shindig will top the West party:

1. No line for the food. Everyone at the West party has to wait in line for the food. Last year, there were multiple lines. At the UNC party, there will be yummy herbivore & carnivore snacks for everyone, no line waiting required.
2. UNC SILS has provided us with some swag. Show your UNC pride with some free stuff. 
3. Ask yourself: Do I really need another West tote bag? I am fairly new to AALL and I have an entire file cabinet draw filled with tote bags from various vendors. They are all dying a slow unfashionable death.
4. Meet new people. Some conference veterans know just about everyone at the Annual Meeting, come meet some of the recent graduates from UNC SILS and some old friends you have not seen in a while.
5. Who wants to stay inside the Hynes Convention Center & the Conference Hotels for 4 days? West is partying at the Sheraton, been there done that...take a little stroll down the street, get some fresh air and head over to Corner Tavern.

There is another alternative, make an appearance at both! Yes, it is possible to visit the West party from 6:30 - 7:30 and then head over (just a hop, skip and a jump) to Corner Tavern at 7:30pm.