Making Your Case to Attend

For some, attending a PLA Conference is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You know why you should go, now it’s time to convince your supervisor to provide the support to get you there. Making the case to attend a conference requires a solid understanding of the potential benefits to your library, your supervisor, and your colleagues. You need to be able to communicate those benefits clearly—especially if your organization is experiencing tight budgets and/or reduced staff. Take the following steps to help make your case. 

 

• Tally your potential costs. Use this sample budget worksheet (XLSX) as a starting point. 

• Calculate your potential gains. Add up how many hours of programming, networking, and special events you’ll be taking advantage of during the conference. Include any virtual conference access if applicable. 

• If you are not a member of the Public Library Association (PLA), consider requesting membership as part of your ask. Not only does being a member save you nearly 50% on conference registration, but you’ll also receive member benefits year-round, including: a free subscription to Public Libraries magazine, even more discounts on e-learning and publications, the chance to learn from and network with 8,000 public library colleagues, and access to members-only events. 

• Study the schedule and program guide. Identify the top education programs and events you’d like to attend and provide reasons why they will make you and/or your library more productive and efficient. 

• Study the exhibits floorplan. Identify up to ten specific vendors you plan to visit and why. 

• Draft a plan for how your work will be covered while you’re away. 

• Submit your attendance request in writing. Use this sample supervisor email template (DOCX) to help you get started.

For Supervisors: Five reasons you should send your staff to the PLA 2026 Conference

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1. Education: PLA 2026 will feature more than 100 peer-driven programs—available in formal and informal settings—that facilitate innovation, idea sharing, and collaboration. With deep-dive programs, panel presentations, micro-learning, and more—your staff’s professional development needs will be filled as they gain invaluable insight and ideas that can be applied immediately upon return. 

2. Networking: Who you’ll meet is just as important as what you’ll learn at the PLA 2026 Conference. Your staff will have the chance to connect with thousands of public library workers, supporters, and vendors from across the country and around the world. Networking with people outside your organization will establish new ideas, perspectives, and potential strategic partnerships that will benefit your library and community. 

3. Solutions: Hundreds of vendors will be showcasing the latest in products, services, and solutions at the PLA 2026 Conference. Exploring exhibits firsthand will help your staff discover new tools and technologies that will improve productivity and efficiency in your team. 

4. Inspiration: Dozens of memorable speakers, including thought-leaders and bestselling authors from a wide range of disciplines, entertain while motivating attendees to go after big ideas. Your staff will recognize many opportunities to take home ideas that will transform their libraries and themselves. 

5. The Bottom Line: You’ll find that PLA 2026 registration is a bargain when compared with other professional conferences. The hundreds of relevant opportunities that offer shareable knowledge, exposure to experts, and the chance to collaborate with a diverse group of colleagues all add up to quality professional development that will reinvigorate your staff and improve the day-to-day operations of your organization.