PLA now accepting proposals for PLA 2016 Conference

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) is now accepting preconference and program proposals for the PLA 2016 Conference, April 5-9, in Denver.

PLA welcomes all proposals designed to be educational, thought-provoking and engaging for public library professionals. PLA 2016 Conference will challenge its attendees to Be Extraordinary—both at conference and back in their libraries. Broad session topics include: Administration/Management; Collections/Tech Services; Facilities; Leadership; Marketing/Advocacy; Serving Adults; Serving Youth; Staffing; and Technology.

PLA is accepting two session formats for PLA 2016—preconferences and programs. Preconferences are in-depth educational sessions for 50 to 100 attendees. They can be a half-day, full-day or day-and-a-half in length. Preconferences typically require an additional registration fee for attendees. Programs are 60-minute sessions that can feature a single speaker or a panel of speakers or can be a guided audience discussion or activity. Program attendance can vary from 50 to 500 people.

The deadline for submitting proposals is April 17, 2015. All proposals must be submitted online through the PLA Conference website.

After the deadline, the corresponding proposal form will no longer be available, and new proposals will not be accepted. The PLA 2016 Conference Program Subcommittee, chaired by Pamela Sandlian Smith, director, Anythink Libraries, Thornton, Colorado, will review all submitted proposals and select conference sessions based on their relevance to the profession and general interest to conference attendees. Further information regarding proposal format, selection criteria, requirements, recommendations and instructions can be found online.

Offered biennially, the PLA Conference has a reputation for excellence. The conference includes more than 100 top-quality continuing education programs, numerous social events and networking opportunities and a bustling exhibits hall. For more information, contact the PLA office at (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA.

PLA is a division of the American Library Association. PLA’s core purpose is to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve, and its mission is to enhance the development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library services.