In the fall of 2012, on a plane to a California Library Association Conference, the idea of Serving with a Purpose was born!  Discussions continued that following winter of 2013 between Helen McAlary, Shawn Thrasher and Robin Hoklotubbe to organize a conference designed exclusively for library advocates and board members and the staff that support them.  Our mission was to provide relevant training, resources and inspiration to the board members of Friends of the Library, Foundations and Library Trustees and Commissioners. We also wanted to make sure that the conference would be fun too!
On May 22, 2013, the first Serving with a Purpose Conference was held at the Ontario Convention Center. 170 registered attendees joined us representing 45 libraries. Fast forward to May 22, 2024, the conference sold out months in advance.  Over 300 attendees registered, representing 70 libraries.
We look forward to this every year and feel honored to be a part!