Call for Proposals for ALA Annual in Chicago

 

Present a PLA Program at ALA 2026 Annual The Public Library Association (PLA) invites you to submit an education program proposal relevant to public libraries for the ALA 2026 Annual Conference, which takes place June 25–29 in Chicago.   The conference explores key challenges and opportunities facing libraries, with professional development rooted in timely research, innovation, and best practices. It will also celebrate the American Library Association's (ALA) 150th anniversary! Proposals from a broad variety of perspectives that celebrate, commemorate, or educate about the impact that ALA and our affiliate partners have made on the profession and on libraries nationally and internationally over the last 150 years are encouraged.   PLA program proposals are due by September 22.   Learn More & Start a Proposal

Public Library Association www.pla.org • (800) 545-2433 x5PLA     American Library Association 225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1300, Chicago, IL 60601 | pla.org | Review the ALA Privacy Policy

Program Proposals Now Open: MLA|DLA 2026 Annual Conference

Proposals for 2026 MLA/DLA conference sessions can now be submitted.  If you are interested in participating in May's conference in Cambridge, you can submit a proposal for pre-conference sessions (Wednesday) or regular conference sessions (Thursday and Friday).  If you prefer to do a short presentation, you can submit a proposal for an Ignite session or a Poster session. 

Pratt always has a strong presence at the conference, and I look forward to seeing what our staff has to share with the MD library community.

Links for the online form and the proposal submission guide are below, or you can email Paula Mitchell for assistance.  Terrible puns for session titles are encouraged. 

Dear Maryland Library Community, 

We’re excited to announce the call for program proposals is now open for the 2026 MLA|DLA Annual Conference! Join us May 6-8, 2026, back at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay in Cambridge, Maryland, as we explore this year's theme: "Our Stories, Our Shelves."

We look forward to seeing the programs you'll propose for what promises to be an unforgettable conference celebrating the power of stories in our communities and the library collections that reflect those communities.

Submission Guidelines
All proposals must be submitted through our online form. Proposals should clearly demonstrate relevance to library professionals across all sectors. Review our program proposal submission guide for a preview and descriptions of the form's questions. 

Proposal Submission Period: August 25 - October 17, 2025
Notification of Acceptance: December 2025

Program Proposal Form »

Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to a conference that celebrates the diverse narratives within our library community. 

We're Seeking Proposals For: 

• Pre-Conference Sessions
• General Sessions 
• Ignite Sessions 
• Poster Sessions

Questions? 
Contact the Conference Director, Paula Mitchell, at md.la.conference@gmail.com or check out our proposal submission guide. 

Sincerely,
The MLA|DLA Conference Planning Committee

This email was sent on behalf of Maryland Library Association located at 1401 Hollins St., Baltimore, MD 21223.