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Call for Proposals

The PLA 2026 Conference invites passionate library professionals, advocates, and thought leaders to participate in PLA’s renowned conference programming. The conference offers over 100 educational sessions–curated by and for public library workers. We are looking for program submissions that address timely, relevant topics impacting the evolving landscape of public libraries, focused on new ideas, diverse perspectives, and actionable, scalable solutions for libraries of all shapes and sizes.

Two program speakers from the PLA 2024 Conference, one female white and one female person of color.

Why Submit a Proposal?

  • Influence the Public Library Landscape: The number one reason people attend PLA Conference is for the programs. Present to an audience that is eager for guidance and inspiration to make change happen in their libraries back home.

  • Showcase Your Work: This is your chance to showcase your ideas and highlight your library's impact on the community.

  • Sharpen Your Skills: Presenting on the PLA stage is a prestigious honor you can put on your resume or use in your next performance review.


Before you begin, we encourage you to preview the proposal form and check out our recommendations for developing a great proposal.

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Ready to start your proposal? Create a presenter account and log into the Proposal Service Center here.

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The deadline for submitting a program proposal is May 5, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern.

Program Categories

  • In-person programs will be delivered in Minneapolis and can be 60-minute Panel, Peer Sharing, or Case Study educational sessions; or (new to PLA 2026) 120-minute Deep Dive educational sessions.

  • Virtual programs will be delivered from your home or office, available exclusively to the PLA 2026 Virtual Conference audience, and can be 60-minute Panel or Case Study educational sessions.

Speaking at PLA 2026

The PLA 2026 Conference will be held in person in Minneapolis, MN, and virtually April 1–3. The Virtual Conference incorporates elements of the live conference but is considered a separate event, with programs presented specially for the virtual audience.

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PLA seeks proposals and speakers representing a wide range of diversity, with a commitment to representing groups that have been historically marginalized or excluded due to race, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, ability, economic background, geography, and age.

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PLA 2026 speakers will be expected to:

  1. Register for and attend the conference;

  2. Respond to PLA requests for information in a timely manner; and

  3. Submit session handouts electronically prior to the conference.

 

See also: Speaker Honoraria and Expense Reimbursement Policies; and Policy on Vendor Participation in PLA-sponsored Programs

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Questions? Contact placonference@ala.org.

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