American Library Association to host Annual Conference & Exhibition, June 27-July 2 in San Diego, CA

Featured speakers include Trevor Noah, Taraji P. Henson, Ali Velshi, Max Greenfield and other high-profile authors and advocates

CHICAGO – The American Library Association (ALA) will host its 2024 Annual Conference & Exhibition June 27-July 2 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, CA, where thousands of librarians and library staff, authors, publishers, educators, exhibitors and more will come together for the largest library event in the world. The highly anticipated conference will feature resources, support and expertise to help library professionals enhance and provide access to information, opportunities and essential programs and services for all.

Many high-profile speakers will be present throughout the event including Opening Session speaker Trevor Noah, best known as the host of the Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning, "The Daily Show" on Comedy Central. Noah will discuss his new book releasing October 2024: “Into the Uncut Grass.” Academy Award-nominated actress, producer, author and mental health advocate Taraji P. Henson will discuss her new book “You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!),” set to release on June 18, 2024, and Max Greenfield will share insights on his book, “Good Night Thoughts” releasing September 2024.

This year’s conference will also include many exciting and revamped events for ALA – including the Banned Books Big Chair, Intellectual Freedom Rally, an expanded Sails Pavilion, JobLIST Placement Center for emerging talent looking to grow professionally, and a United For Libraries Main Stage with Connie Chung.

ALA will also debut two new features within the Library Marketplace year:

• STEAM Pavilion - where the wonders of the world come to life through science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics
• ALA @ The Beach – a one-of-a-kind experience paying homage to San Diego

The speaking roster also includes many other acclaimed, bestselling authors and newsmakers, including Ali Velshi from MSNBC, global gymnast phenomenon Maggie Nichols, and best-selling poet Kwame Alexander. The ALA President’s Program will feature panelists such as Christina Gavin, Gerald B. Moore, Kathleen Nubel, and Angela Watkins. They will join ALA President Emily Drabinski in conversation to discuss The Heart of Our Story: A Celebration of Library Workers.

“The Annual Conference empowers library professionals and beyond with unparalleled professional development and connection. The event is a platform for attendees to explore and discuss crucial issues and develop innovative solutions that will strengthen libraries for the future,” said Emily Drabinski, president of ALA.

Advance registration for the Annual Conference & Exhibition is currently open at 2024.alaannual.org. Standard registration rates will apply from June 22 through July 2. There are options for full five-day registration, Single Day, or exhibits-only, and group discounts are available for libraries that want to send several staff members.

The ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition will explore issues impacting libraries and their communities, with a packed five-day agenda that includes more than 175 educational programs created and curated by library professionals. 500+ speakers and authors will be present, in addition to nearly 550+ exhibitors. The programs cover a diverse range of urgent topics facing libraries, such as artificial intelligence, health and wellness, intellectual freedom, strategic partnerships and justice-involved services.

For more information, visit 2024.alaannual.org or ala.org.

About the American Library Association
The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.