Conference Schedule

This schedule of PLA 2026 Conference programs and events can be filtered by date, by educational topic track, or by these session format track:

Author Event: Official author and publisher events, some of which require a separate ticket or registration.
Career Center: Whether you’re exploring your next career move, seeking guidance from experienced leaders, or recruiting talented library professionals, these events offer opportunities to connect, learn, and grow.
Conference 101: New at PLA 2026! Experts share tips and answer your questions about selecting programs, navigating the exhibits hall, meeting new people, taking what you learn home to your library, and much more.
Deep Dive: New at PLA 2026! Two-hour programs that provide in-depth coverage of identified topics.
General Session: Opening Session, Big Ideas Session, and Closing Session.
Hot Take: New at PLA 2026! Features quick, high-energy talks from passionate public library people.
How-To: Cooperative learning experience, teaching practical, hands-on skills that can be learned in short sessions.
Library Tour: Tour of three Hennepin County libraries, which requires a separate registration.
Reception: Reunite with old friends, make new connections, and enjoy food and drink at the PLA Conference receptions.
Separate Ticket/Registration Required: Any event requiring a separate ticket or registration, whether paid or free.
Virtual: PLA 2026 Virtual Conference programs and events, available only to Virtual Conference registrants and in-person full-conference registrants who've also purchased the Virtual Conference add-on.

All times are Central Daylight Saving Time. ($) indicates an event requiring a separate paid registration or ticket. 

(★) indicates an event requiring a separate free registration or ticket. Schedule is subject to change.

Press Ctrl+F (Windows) or Command+F (Mac) to search the list for keywords, program titles, or speaker names.