For immediate release | February 7, 2017

PLA now accepting proposals for PLA 2018 Conference

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) is now accepting preconference and program proposals for the PLA 2018 Conference, March 20-24, in Philadelphia. Proposals may be submitted online through the conference website. Faxed, emailed or mailed proposals will not be accepted.

PLA welcomes proposals for innovative, engaging educational programming on a broad range of topics that will help attendees Imagine the Possibilities to make a difference in their workplace and in their community.

Preconferences are in-depth educational sessions for 50-100 attendees. They can be half-day or full-day 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. Attendance can vary from 50 to 500 people.

The deadline for submitting proposals is April 14, 2017 at 11:59 PM Eastern.

After the deadline, the proposal form will no longer be available, and new proposals will not be accepted. The PLA 2018 Conference Program Subcommittee, chaired by Aurora Martinez, director, Morley Library, Painesville, Ohio, 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 the proposal form, selection criteria, requirements and instructions can be found online.

PLA is exploring how to make our conference more equitable, diverse and inclusive. Our first step includes seeking and strongly encouraging submissions from marginalized groups including women, people of color, the LGBTQ community and people with disabilities. PLA may be able to provide support in completing the proposal form and/or mentoring for first-time presenters.

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

About 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, visit www.pla.org.

Contact:

Kara O'Keefe

Manager, Marketing & Membership

Public Library Association (PLA)

kokeefe@ala.org