PLA opens registration for 2026 in-person, virtual conference

CHICAGO — Today, the Public Library Association (PLA) announced that registration for the in-person and virtual PLA 2026 Conference is open. The conference will take place April 1–3, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minn.; most events will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center, located at 1301 2nd Ave S.

This three-day event offers more than 100 thoughtfully curated educational sessions, awe-inspiring speakers, bestselling authors, networking opportunities, and an exhibits hall with vendors offering the best public library products and solutions. The virtual conference will coincide with the in-person event, offering live-streamed general sessions, author events, mindfulness practices, and the chance to network with colleagues across the country and around the world. Virtual attendees receive access to on-demand program sessions for three months.  

“The PLA Conference isn't just about what you’ll learn; it’s about who you’ll meet. Connecting with colleagues from around the country, from libraries of all shapes and sizes, expands our perspectives, shapes new ideas, and affirms that we’re all in this together,” says 2025-2026 PLA President Dr. Brandy McNeil. 

Full-conference and single-day options are available for in-person registration. A full-conference registration includes access to the following: 

• Entry to General Sessions (Opening, Thursday, and Closing); 

• Access to more than 100 educational programs curated for, and by, public library workers; 

• Access to the Exhibits Hall Wednesday, April 1 through Friday, April 3; and 

• Food and drinks during Exhibits Opening and Closing Receptions. 

​Personal members of PLA and the Minnesota Library Association (MLA) save more than $300 over nonmembers on in-person registration, with exclusive access to Early Bird rates through Jan. 9, 2026. Discounts are also available for Virtual Conference registration.

Housing information, including hotel options and booking instructions, is also available through the registration form at placonference.org. 

Scholarships applications to attend the PLA 2026 Conference are open through Nov. 6, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Central. As part of PLA’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the library profession, 150 scholarships are available in five categories: Early-career or Un/Under Employed Library Staff; Small/Rural Library Staff; Library School Students; Current or Past Spectrum Scholars Working in a Public Library; and National Association of Librarians of Color (NALCo) members. 

A variety of exhibition and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Prospective exhibitors may visit our Exhibitor Reservation Website or contact Jose Ledesma, Corcoran Expositions, at jose@corcexpo.com or 312-265-9647; and Scott Brewster, Corcoran Expositions, at scott@corcexpo.com or 847-702-2742.

For more information about other PLA events and programs, contact the PLA office at pla@ala.org or (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or visit www.pla.org. 

About the Public Library Association  

The Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 9,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or pla@ala.org.