Frequently Asked Questions
Many commonly asked questions are answered below. Answers are based on currently available information and are subject to change.
Accessibility
Is the conference/convention center accessible?
PLA has put in place features to ensure the conference is accessible to all. These include, but are not limited to: captioning of the Opening Session, Big Ideas Session, and Closing Session; accessible sleeping rooms; ASL interpreters; and mobility assistance like scooters and wheelchairs.
How do I request a scooter, wheelchair, or other special accommodation?
If you require mobility assistance and would like to reserve a scooter prior to the show, we'll begin accepting reservations when registration opens. To reserve a scooter or for questions about mobility assistance, contact us at placonference@ala.org by Friday, February 6, 2026. Reservation requests cannot be taken after the February 6, 2026 deadline; however, additional scooters will be available for use during the conference. There are rooms for the deaf, blind, and attendees in wheelchairs. When booking your hotel room, you can request specific aids or services needed for your stay; Maritz staff will contact you to confirm your needs. Please be sure to reconfirm your requests with your hotel prior to arrival.
Are scooters/wheelchairs allowed in the Exhibits Hall?
Scooters and wheelchairs are permitted on the exhibit floor as long as they are in use at all times. Wheeled carts, however, are not permitted at any time. If you have a medical condition requiring you to use a cart, please bring a doctor's note to the special assistance counter in the registration area.
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Appropriate Conduct
Does the conference have an appropriate conduct policy?
Whom do I contact to report harassment at the conference?
All participants are expected to observe the rules and behaviors described in the Statement of Appropriate Conduct in all conference venues, including online venues, and conference social events. The statement includes contact information to report incidents of harassment.
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Attire
What is the conference dress code?
There is no formal dress code at the PLA Conference. You’ll see attendees in everything from blue jeans to business suits, with “business casual” as the most common style. What’s most important is to dress for comfort.
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Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking—across a very large exhibit hall, from convention center to hotel and back again, as well as all over the host city; and
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Dress in layers: Convention centers and hotels are notorious for hot and cold spots, so layers are essential.
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Cancellation Policies
The PLA 2026 Conference is offered on a cost-recovery basis. PLA reserves the right to cancel all or any part of this event if there is insufficient registration or for other reasons. Neither ALA nor PLA is responsible for cancellation charges assessed by the airlines or travel agencies, or other losses incurred due to the cancellation of the workshops. The event’s operating hours, schedules, guests, and speakers are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
Can I cancel my conference registration?
Can I get a refund of my conference registration?
All registration cancellations and refund requests for the event, including tours and meal events, must be made in writing by Friday, February 20, 2026, and are subject to a $50 handling fee. Please submit any cancellation requests by email to pla@maritz.com. No telephone cancellations/refund requests can be accepted. After Friday, February 20, 2026, no requests for refunds will be accepted and no exceptions will be made to the policy. Registrations made after Friday, February 20, 2026, are nonrefundable. Exhibits-Only and Exhibits-Plus badges are nonrefundable. Refunds meeting the above criteria will be processed by Friday, May 1, 2026.
Substitutions of registrations, including tours and meal events, are permitted prior to the conference and must be made in writing to pla@maritz.com. No telephone substitution requests can be accepted. The individual submitting the substitution request is responsible for all financial obligations (any balance due) associated with that substitution. Badge sharing, splitting, and reprints are strictly prohibited. No meal tickets will be sold onsite.
Written cancellations, requests for refunds, and/or changes for the Virtual Conference only will be accepted until Friday, February 20, 2026, and are subject to a $50 handling fee. Please submit any cancellation requests by email to pla@maritz.com. No telephone cancellations/refund requests can be accepted. After Friday, February 20, 2026, no requests for refunds will be accepted and no exceptions will be made to the policy. Registrations made after Friday, February 20, 2026, are nonrefundable. Participation in the PLA 2026 Virtual Conference is contingent upon reliable internet access and minimum system requirements. PLA does not provide refunds for insufficient internet access or system requirements. Refunds meeting the above criteria will be processed by Friday, May 1, 2026.
I'm an exhibitor; can I cancel my booth space?
All booth space cancellation requests must be received in writing by Show Management (Corcoran Expositions), but the cancellation deadline has passed. Contact Carmen Guerrero, Corcoran Expositions, 312-265-9644 or pla@corcexpo.com.
Canvassing
Can my organization solicit signatures from conference attendees?
Canvassing of PLA Conference attendees during programs and at the conference venue (outside of the areas approved by PLA for exhibitors) is strictly prohibited. If this activity is discovered, violators will be directed to cease immediately. PLA provides many opportunities for representatives from for-profit and non-profit organizations to make conference attendees aware of their services and products. These include exhibiting, advertising, sponsoring, and, as approved by PLA, program planning.
Can I canvass on behalf of a candidate running for PLA/ALA office at the conference?
For candidates running for PLA/ALA office, PLA will provide a table for campaign literature in the Exhibits Hall at the convention center. Candidates must inform PLA Executive Director Mary Davis Fournier at mfournier@ala.org, no later than January 15, 2026, if they will require a table for campaign literature. No on-site requests will be honored. The candidates are responsible for shipping, delivering, and replenishing materials at this table. The designated table is the only location in the convention center where campaign materials may be distributed. Materials found in any other location will be discarded. Candidates are not required to provide campaign materials.
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Coat/Bag Check
Will I be able to check my coat or luggage when I'm at the convention center?
Coat/bag check will be in the Minneapolis Convention Center. Hours and location to be announced.
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Continuing Education Credits
Will I earn continuing education credits or a certificate of completion for attending the PLA Conference?
Full-conference registrants have the opportunity to attend educational programming during eleven (11) hours of scheduled programs (time slots reserved for educational programming only; this does not include receptions, social events, opening/closing or other general sessions). However, PLA does not document or verify the hours that attendees spend in educational sessions, either in-person or virtual, and as a result is not able to offer CEUs or certificates of completion for general PLA Conference attendance. We do provide certificates of completion for our workshops, which require separate registration and payment.
CPLA graduates attending the conference will earn eleven (11) continuing education hours to apply toward their re-certification.
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Driving/Parking
Can I drive and park at the convention center?
For driving and parking directions to the Minneapolis Convention Center, visit the convention center website.
Exhibits
Where are the exhibits and what hours are the exhibits open?
The Exhibits Hall is located in the Minneapolis Convention Center. Hours will be:
Wednesday, April 1, 3:00 PM–6:00 PM for the Exhibits Opening Reception
Thursday, April 2, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Friday, April 3, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
Are wheeled carts, etc., allowed in the Exhibits Hall?
Scooters and wheelchairs are permitted on the exhibit floor as long as they are in use at all times. Wheeled carts, however, are not permitted at any time. If you have a medical condition requiring you to use a cart, please bring a doctor's note to the special assistance counter in the registration area.
How can I find an exhibitor's reception or party?
Although some exhibitors hold receptions or parties for their customers in conjunction with PLA Conference, these events are not part of the official conference schedule and PLA does not track or promote them. We recommend you check in with the exhibitor's staff in their booth.
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Families
Is there childcare available for attendees' children?
Childcare is not provided by PLA during the conference.
May I bring my family member to the convention center?
Exhibits-Only badges will be available for purchase onsite. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
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Hotels
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Whom do I contact about a problem with my housing?
Contact at PLA@maritz.com or 864-515-6689. Maritz representatives are available Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM Central.
When is the deadline to reserve a hotel room?
Deadline for housing reservations is Sunday, March 15, 2026. 
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Are there shuttles from my hotel to the convention center?
PLA does not provide shuttle service during the conference.
For driving and parking directions to the Minneapolis Convention Center, visit the convention center website. 
Does PLA offer a roommate matching service for the conference?
PLA understands that some people may wish to share rooms with one another at the upcoming PLA 2026 Conference. Please note that PLA does not organize or operate any room sharing activities. As such, should you wish to participate in such activities, please understand that you will need to do so directly with one another and at your own risk.
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Local Transportation
Are there shuttles from my hotel to the convention center?
PLA does not provide shuttle service during the conference.
How can I get around the city?
Minneapolis prides itself on having a compact downtown and offers many options for getting you where you need to go.
The Minneapolis Skyway System is the largest contiguous system of enclosed, second-level bridges in the world—composed of over 10 miles of pathways connecting around 80 city blocks, including the Minneapolis Convention Center.
Buses are available with fares ranging from $2.00–$3.25, depending on the time of day. To ride a few blocks in the Downtown Zone, the fare is only $.50, and the “Free Ride” buses will take you along the Nicollet Mall.
The METRO Light Rail connects downtown Minneapolis with the airport, Mall of America, Saint Paul, and 43 other stations. Visit Minneapolis.org for more information on getting around the city.
For driving and parking directions to the Minneapolis Convention Center, visit the convention center website.
Membership
How can I join PLA?
When does my PLA membership expire?
ALA and PLA membership is managed by the ALA Member Relations & Services Center. Customer service representatives are available Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM Central. You can join or renew/rejoin/add to your membership several different ways:
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Use ALA's secure online form;
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Print and fill out a membership form and fax or mail it in; or
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Call the ALA Member Relations & Services Center at 800-545-2433.
Direct your membership questions to the ALA Member Relations & Services Center at membership@ala.org or 800-545-2433.
I'm having trouble using my ALA/PLA membership login?
For login help, please email loginhelp@ala.org or contact the ALA Member Relations & Services Center at 800-545-2433.
If you need to reset your password, go to  https://my.ala.org/ALA/ForgotUsernamePassword/ForgotPassword.aspx.
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Mobile App
Is there a mobile app for the conference? Where do I set my agenda?
Since information changes daily, we strongly encourage attendees to use the PLA 2026 Connect Online website and mobile app as their primary source of conference information. Available approximately four to six weeks prior to the conference, Connect Online offers all the essential conference details, including program descriptions, room assignments, special events, and speaker profiles; and it's where you'll select programs and events to create your own personalized schedule for the conference. The app is also where you can complete program evaluations, which help PLA staff and committee members make decisions on future PLA conferences and events.
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Photographic Images
Will there be photographers/videographers at the conference?
Registration and attendance at, or participation in, the PLA 2026 Conference constitutes an agreement by the registrant to PLA’s use and distribution of the registrant or attendee’s image or voice in photographs, electronic reproductions, and video or audio recordings of such events and activities.
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Recordings
Will conference programs be recorded?
The PLA 2026 Virtual Conference includes eleven programs that are also part of the in-person conference, and those eleven programs will be recorded. However, the remaining in-person conference programs are not included in the Virtual Conference and will not be recorded.
Only Virtual Conference registrants, including in-person full conference registrants who pay to add the Virtual Conference to their registration, will have access to the PLA 2026 Virtual Conference recordings.
When will on-demand recordings of the Virtual Conference be available?
Virtual Conference program recordings will be available for on-demand viewing typically within hours of their live presentation. Virtual Conference registrants, including in-person full-conference registrants who pay to add the Virtual Conference to their registration, will have up to three months of access to the recordings. While the educational programs and author events that are part of the Virtual Conference will be recorded and available on-demand, the Opening Session, Big Ideas Session, and Closing Session are must-see live events and will not be recorded.
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Registration/Attendee Materials Pick-up
Whom do I contact about a problem with my registration?
Contact Maritz at PLA@maritz.com or 864-515-6689. Maritz representatives are available Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM Central.
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For questions about exhibitor registration and housing, contact PLAEXH@maritz.com or 864-990-2296.
When is the deadline for advance registration?
You can register for the in-person conference at any time before or during the conference. Once the conference is over, you can no longer register for the conference. However, the deadline to receive the Advanced registration discount is February 20, 2026. All registrations received after February 20, 2026, will be processed at the Standard rate.
I've already registered; can I still add a tour or special author event?
A tour or author event can be added after registration. If you have already registered for the conference and want to add a workshop or author event, log into your existing registration, or contact Maritz at PLA@maritz.com or 864-515-6689. Maritz representatives are available Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM Central.
Are meals included with my registration?
Although there are several free receptions, as well as coffee breaks in the Exhibits Hall, conference registration does not include meals. Special meal events require a separate registration.
How do I register a group for the conference?
Is there a group discount?
If your organization will purchase ten (10) or more in-person full conference registrations, you can receive a 10% discount on each of those in-person full conference registrations. You must email placonference@ala.org to request a group discount code for your organization, which must then be used by each member of your group when registering for the in-person full conference.
Purchase PLA memberships for your group to save even more with the PLA member rate! For assistance purchasing PLA memberships in bulk, please contact the ALA Member Relations & Services Center at membership@ala.org and use the subject line “PLA 2026” or call 1-800-545-2433. Customer service representatives are available Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM Central.
How do I register with a purchase order?
Purchase orders are accepted for registration fees only. All hotel reservations need to be guaranteed with a credit card. The last day to pay by purchase orders is March 1, 2026.
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Complete your online registration and select "Purchase Order" as your method of payment on the Review and Check Out page.
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Email your purchase order to placonference@ala.org. Please make sure your purchase order includes the Registration ID number(s) and name(s) of the individual(s) being paid for.
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Upon completion of your registration and receipt of your purchase order, an invoice will be sent to you in 7 business days. We thank you for your patience.
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Remit your payment, payable to American Library Association, within 45 days to: Maritz – ATL FSS Department, c/o American Library Association, 1375 North Highway Drive, Fenton, MO 63099. Payment via bank/wire transfer is also available.
If you do not remit payment within 45 days of the invoice date, your registration will be cancelled.
What if I need to cancel my registration?
All registration cancellations and refund requests for the event, including tours and meal events, must be made in writing by Friday, February 20, 2026, and are subject to a $50 handling fee. Please submit any cancellation requests by email to pla@maritz.com. No telephone cancellations/refund requests can be accepted. After Friday, February 20, 2026, no requests for refunds will be accepted and no exceptions will be made to the policy. Registrations made after Friday, February 20, 2026, are nonrefundable. Exhibits-Only and Exhibits-Plus badges are nonrefundable. Refunds meeting the above criteria will be processed by Friday, May 1, 2026.
Substitutions of registrations, including tours and meal events, are permitted prior to the conference and must be made in writing to pla@maritz.com. No telephone substitution requests can be accepted. The individual submitting the substitution request is responsible for all financial obligations (any balance due) associated with that substitution. Badge sharing, splitting, and reprints are strictly prohibited. No meal tickets will be sold onsite.
Where do I pick up my badge?
Where is onsite registration and what are its hours?
PLEASE NOTE: EACH INDIVIDUAL ATTENDEE MUST PICK UP THEIR OWN BADGE ONSITE.
Conference registration will be located at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Onsite registration and attendee materials pick-up hours will be:
Tuesday, March 31, 7:30 AM–5:00 PM
Wednesday, April 1, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM
Thursday, April 2, 7:30 AM–5:00 PM
Friday, April 3, 7:30 AM–2:00 PM
Attendees are strongly encouraged to pick up their badge early, as we expect long lines and wait times the morning of Wednesday, April 1. Badges must always be worn when in the convention center. PLA reserves the right to deny entrance to those without a proper badge.
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Religious Holidays
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Why does the conference overlap with both Good Friday and Passover?
PLA is committed to being the most inclusive and effective organization we can be, and we appreciate our members’ questions and perspectives as we strive toward this goal. To this end, staff work diligently on every PLA conference planning cycle to avoid all major religious holidays and observances. However, as more states pass discriminatory and/or library-adverse laws and few cities have adequate capacity to host more than 8,000 people, finding locations and times in our late February to April conference window has become more challenging. Currently, conference planning is even more difficult because there is a backlog of rescheduled conferences from the pandemic.
We regret that the PLA 2026 Conference dates overlap with both Good Friday (April 3, 2026) and Passover (April 1–9, 2026) and recognize this will impact some members' ability to participate fully. Attendees who cannot attend in person are encouraged to take advantage of our Virtual Conference offerings. For those attending in person, PLA is working with our partners at the Minneapolis convention and visitors bureau, who will be providing a list of resources and opportunities for our attendees to observe Passover during the PLA 2026 Conference. We expect this list to be available in February 2026, after local temples, synagogues, and restaurants have finalized their plans. The resources for Passover in 2025 are available as an example of what attendees can expect the city and PLA to provide.
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Safety
How do I file an incident report if I'm the victim of or witness harassment?
As per the Statement of Appropriate Conduct, if you experience harassment or hear of any incidents of unacceptable behavior, PLA asks that you inform us at placonference@ala.org, so that we can take the appropriate action.
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Shuttle Buses
Are there shuttles from my hotel to the convention center?
PLA does not provide shuttle service during the conference.
For driving and parking directions to the Minneapolis Convention Center, visit the convention center website.
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Social Media
Where can I find the PLA Conference on social media?
We post about the conference on PLA's regular social media channels: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Bluesky.
Is there an official conference hashtag I can use in my social media posts?
The official conference hashtag is #PLA2026.
We also have a promotion toolkit for exhibitors, sponsors, attendees, and speakers to assist in your promotion of PLA 2026.
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Venues
Where is the PLA Conference?
Where are official PLA programs and meal events being held?
Most conference events—including all workshops and concurrent programs—will take place in the  Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC), 1301 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404.
Will there be gender-neutral restrooms?
Yes, gender-neutral restrooms will be designated in the Minneapolis Convention Center.
Is there a map of the convention center?
Floor plans of the Minneapolis Convention Center and any additional venues will be available in the Connect Online website and mobile app.
Can I drive and park at the convention center?
For driving and parking directions to the Minneapolis Convention Center, visit the convention center website.
How can I find an exhibitor's reception or party?
Although some exhibitors hold receptions or parties for their customers in conjunction with PLA Conference, these events are not part of the official conference schedule and PLA does not track or promote them. We recommend you check in with the exhibitor's staff in their booth.
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Virtual Conference
Will PLA be offering a virtual conference?
The PLA 2026 Virtual Conference will coincide with the in-person event, April 1–3, 2026, and feature the same number of program slots (11), with two sessions to choose from in each slot. Virtual Conference registrants, including in-person full conference registrants who pay to add the Virtual Conference to their registration, get access to the on-demand program sessions for up to three months. The Virtual Conference also offers live-streamed general sessions, author events, and the chance to network with colleagues across the country and around the world!
Will the virtual conference be recorded?
Virtual Conference program recordings will be available for on-demand viewing typically within hours of their live presentation. Virtual Conference registrants, including in-person full-conference registrants who pay to add the Virtual Conference to their registration, will have up to three months of access to the recordings. While the educational programs and author events that are part of the Virtual Conference will be recorded and available on-demand, the Opening Session, Big Ideas Session, and Closing Session are must-see live events and will not be recorded.
Can I share my virtual conference registration with a colleague?
Can I broadcast virtual conference sessions in a conference room for my staff to view?
Virtual Conference content, both live and on-demand, is intended for the sole use of the individual registrant. Redistribution or rebroadcast to another individual or group other than the registrant is prohibited. Thank you for your cooperation.
Can I cancel my virtual conference registration?
Written cancellations, requests for refunds, and/or changes for the Virtual Conference only will be accepted until Friday, February 20, 2026, and are subject to a $50 handling fee. Please submit any cancellation requests by email to pla@maritz.com. No telephone cancellations/refund requests can be accepted. After Friday, February 20, 2026, no requests for refunds will be accepted and no exceptions will be made to the policy. Registrations made after Friday, February 20, 2026, are nonrefundable. Participation in the PLA 2026 Virtual Conference is contingent upon reliable internet access and minimum system requirements. PLA does not provide refunds for insufficient internet access or system requirements. Refunds meeting the above criteria will be processed by Friday, May 1, 2026.
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For all other conference questions, please contact
placonference@ala.org or 800-545-2433 x5PLA (x5752).