A Look at PLA 2026: Deadlines, New Opportunities, and What’s Ahead in Minneapolis
The PLA Conference returns in 2026, bringing thousands of public library workers together for several days of learning, inspiration, and community. Every PLA Conference builds on the strengths of the last, and Minneapolis will host a vibrant, idea-rich gathering that blends peer-driven programming, fresh perspectives, and a dynamic exhibits floor. With new opportunities launching and major deadlines approaching, now is the time to start shaping your plans for PLA 2026.
Key Deadlines to Watch
Two major registration milestones are coming up:
January 9, 2026: Early Bird Registration Deadline
Register: https://www.placonference.org/registration/
February 20, 2026: Final Advance Registration Deadline
Details: https://www.placonference.org/registration/Housing blocks near the Minneapolis Convention Center will also fill quickly. Hotel information is available here: https://www.placonference.org/housing/
New & Noteworthy: Hot Takes and Conference 101
PLA 2026 introduces several fresh opportunities on the first day to help attendees connect, learn, and ease into the conference.
Hot Takes: New at PLA 2026 —Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 1:00–3:00 PM Central
What’s your take on the future of public libraries? Hot Takes is a new learning and networking event featuring quick, high-energy talks from passionate public library people. Selected presenters will share their take in a brief chat with an emcee (about 5 minutes), then stick around for discussion with attendees.
Call for Proposals Now Open
Submit: [https://www.placonference.org/hottakes]
Deadline: 11:59 PM Central on Monday, December 15, 2025
PLA strongly encourages submissions from marginalized groups, including women, people of color, the LGBTQ community, and people with disabilities. Hot Takes presenters are expected to be registered for the conference.
Conference 101
New to PLA or just want a strong start? Conference 101 on the first day will offer a friendly orientation to PLA 2026, including tips on navigating the schedule, making the most of the exhibits, planning your time, and building a realistic learning and networking plan.
Programs, Keynote, and What to Expect
PLA’s peer-driven approach ensures that the program lineup reflects the realities, challenges, and innovations shaping public libraries today. Attendees can expect robust sessions in areas such as community engagement, early literacy, digital equity, data-informed decision-making, leadership development, technology, teen and youth services, and workforce development.
Headlining the Opening Session is Bryan Stevenson, acclaimed lawyer, advocate, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, and bestselling author of Just Mercy. His keynote will set a powerful tone for the days ahead, offering inspiration and framing the work of public libraries within a larger national conversation about justice, equity, and community leadership. See program schedule here.
How-To Stage
The How-To Stage is back! This cooperative learning experience enables attendees to acquire hands-on, practical skills in brief, engaging sessions. Presenters propose a 20-minute “how-to” session, which can cover almost any topic — from crafts to new tech tools, workflows, or program formats. PLA thanks Ingram, a platinum-level sponsor of PLA 2026, for its exclusive support of the How-To Stage.
Call for Proposals Now Open
Submit: [https://www.placonference.org/howto]
Deadline: 11:59 PM Central on Monday, December 15, 2025
As with Hot Takes, PLA strongly encourages submissions from marginalized groups. Presenters are expected to register for the conference and bring any necessary materials for their session.
Making Your Case to Attend
PLA offers a detailed resource to help library workers frame the value of attending PLA 2026, including a sample budget worksheet, a sample supervisor email, and strategies for demonstrating how attendance benefits both you and your library.
Guide: https://www.placonference.org/making-your-case/
Stay Connected
More program details, speakers, and announcements will roll out in the coming months. Stay informed here:
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Conference Home: https://www.placonference.org/
Registration: https://www.placonference.org/registration/
Program Updates: https://www.placonference.org/program/
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Promo Video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fjw2masaaoQ]
And while you’re at it, don’t miss out on our PLA 2026 merch—because nothing complements a great conference plan like a tote or a t-shirt!
With strong programming, new engagement opportunities like Hot Takes and the How-To Stage, a dynamic host city, and a keynote from Bryan Stevenson, PLA 2026 is shaping up to be a can’t-miss opportunity for public library professionals everywhere.
Tags: pla2026, publiclibraryassociation, publiclibraryassociationconference
