Conference Services
Mission
Our goal is to enable the widespread distribution of cutting-edge library services education through ALA's flagship conferences, benefiting both ALA Members and Non-Members alike. We are committed to organizing carefully curated events that enhance the experiences, careers, and libraries of ALA Members, exhibitors, and staff, while fostering Association financial stability and sustainable long-term growth.
Events
Annual Conference
The American Library Association (ALA) holds its Annual Conference each June and is attended by thousands of librarians, educators, writers, publishers, friends of libraries, trustees, and special guests. The conference includes educational programming on various topics affecting libraries and librarians, including technology, censorship, literacy, relevant regulations and policies, and other current topics of interest. Also included are ALA Division President & Chair programs, discussion groups, site tours, receptions, and other networking activities.
The Library Marketplace includes expert exhibitors, live stages, author signings, complimentary ARCs, music and fun activities. Topics include libraries and technology, censorship, literacy, and other subjects of interest for libraries. For more information, visit ALAAnnual.org.
LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience
The American Library Association (ALA) premiered LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience (LibLearnX) (LLX) on January 21-24, 2022 as a virtual conference. The first event was exclusive to ALA Members as an interactive education experience designed to motivate, inspire, and engage in discussion. The second LibLearnX, hosted in New Orleans, LA, January 27-30, 2023, was open to all library professionals, including Non-Members. The third event, also open to ALA Members and Non-Members was hosted January 19-22, 2024 in Baltimore, MD. The upcoming LibLearnX will be hosted on January 24-27, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. It will again be open to all library professionals, including Non-Members.
At LibLearnX, library professionals at all levels will take part in a conference experience, providing ultimate learning benefits. Attendees will participate in hands-on workshops, bite-size sessions and other learning formats designed to match preferred learning styles with an emphasis on experiential learning. They will be inspired and motivated by thought-leaders, authors, and subject matter experts; have opportunity to expand their network through networking activities and collaborative learning; and celebrate their colleagues and favorite authors at the Award ceremonies. For more information about the upcoming conference, visit ALALibLearnX.org.
Criteria for conference site selection and any subsequent changes conforming to ALA policy.
Staff
To contact Conference Services, call 800-545-2433, ext. 3223
Earla Jones, Conference Services Director
ejones@ala.org
Kristin Lahurd, Conference Services, Deputy Director
klahurd@ala.org
Alicia Hamann, Registration and Housing Manager
ahamann@ala.org
Kara Stachowiak, Conference Content Manager
kstachowiak@ala.org
Yvonne Mclean, Meeting Planner
ymclean@ala.org
Donna Hunter, Marketing Specialist
dhunter@ala.org
Paul Graller, Exhibition Management - Hall Erickson 630-929-7910
pgraller@heiexpo.com
