Winter Message from the WLIA President
Even though our weather has been questionable lately, at least we can enjoy this note from our WLIA President! ...
As I reflect on the past year, I wish I could have stopped to enjoy it more. It is so easy to get distracted by the latest deadline or list of things to get done. Looking back, I wish I had lived more in the moment and appreciated being a part of the WLIA Board. Hindsight is 20/20 and that saying feels so accurate the longer I live.
We are ramping up to the 39th Annual Conference – Growing Your Network in Wisconsin Dells! It’s slated to be a great event with 13 workshops, 55 breakout sessions, and 2 fantastic Keynote Speakers. We will also have networking opportunities, Map Gallery brilliance, and Silent Auction treasures. Don’t forget the Special Interest Group (SIG) opportunities as well. There are 6 SIG sessions this year, with 2 tracks offered back-to-back. This will allow you to attend 2 SIGs!
The Conference is truly a “Choose Your Own Adventure” experience. Start your day with breakfast and networking, gain insights from an inspiring keynote, and then choose your own path through engaging breakout sessions tailored to your interests. Take a walk with a special interest group (or two), and wrap up the day with refreshments and great conversation at the Exhibitor Reception.
Each choice leads to a new opportunity to learn, connect, and grow your network.
We’re also offering a complimentary Professional Headshot Photo Booth during the Exhibitor Reception this year—so be sure to dress the part and take advantage of a free, high-quality headshot!
The WLIA Board met monthly throughout the year, with a few additional votes conducted via email as needed. Our Board consists of 12 members, including five who joined the Board of Directors this year. Information and updates from each board meeting are available on our website.
On the legislative front, there has been significant movement surrounding Judicial Privacy legislation, along with trailer legislation to provide clarification and address outstanding issues. The first half of the year was largely focused on privacy legislation and developing implementation plans. The trailer legislation was officially signed into law in August 2025.
As we look ahead to 2026, we continue to monitor additional items on the horizon. While not every issue is simple, collaboration among statewide partners continues to strengthen the process and improve outcomes.
Our Spring and Fall events were a great success, along with our engaging Summer Virtual sessions. The 2025 Annual Conference was held in Appleton at the Hilton Appleton Paper Valley.
With the theme Collaboration – A New Way of Seeing Things, the conference featured educational workshops, dynamic learning sessions, social and networking opportunities, map contest displays, a silent auction, and a couple of outstanding keynote speakers. The custom conference graphic was a true masterpiece from the creative mind of Emily Sudar, with a little help from a past WLIA award winner.
You can learn more about these events in the Events section of our website.
Be sure to also check out our 2025 Annual Report (view report) for additional details about the important work the WLIA Board has been doing.
Thank you for a great year!
Kimberly Christman
WLIA President