PLA Conferences and Continuing Education

Upcoming Conferences and Education Events

PLA at ALA Annual Conference
June 27–July 2, 2013
Chicago, Ill.
Find education and information dedicated to public library professionals at the 2013 ALA Annual Conference.

Results Boot Camp
August 6–10, 2013
Nashville, Tenn.
PLA's week-long intensive Results Boot Camp is designed to provide you with the management training and skills you didn’t get in library school.

PLA 2014 Conference
March 11–15, 2014
Indianapolis, Ind.
The biennial PLA Conference holds a reputation for excellence as the largest conference devoted to public library professionals. The multi-day event offers nearly 200 top-quality education programs, social events that include author luncheons and networking receptions, and a bustling exhibits hall featuring the latest in products and services.

Future PLA Conferences include:

  • PLA 2016 Conference | April 5–9, 2016 | Denver, Colo.
  • PLA 2018 Conference | March 20–24, 2018 | Philadelphia, Pa.

The PLA 2012 Conference was held March 13–17, 2012, in Philadelphia, Pa.

Other Conferences and Education Events

Online Learning
A variety of online learning opportunities, including webinars and online courses, offered by PLA.

CPLA Public Library Management Courses
PLA, an approved provider of Certified Public Library Administrator (CPLA) courses, presents two-day workshops designed to meet both the requirements for CPLA certification and the needs of library managers wanting to enhance their management skills.

PLA Leadership Academy
In March 2013, PLA offered its first ever “PLA Leadership Academy: Navigating Change and Building Community.” The academy included a three-and-a-half day, in-person educational/networking event; a professional coach program with experienced public library leaders and city managers; online events that build on the in-person experience; and development of real-world projects to be implemented at attendees’ libraries.

2013 PLA Virtual Spring Symposium
PLA presented its 2013 Virtual Spring Symposium on March 20, 2013. Held biennially, the PLA Virtual Spring Symposium offers public library professionals an affordable and convenient way to take advantage of premier education. The 2011 Virtual Spring Symposium was presented on March 30, 2011.