For Speakers

This page is for accepted PLA 2026 speakers and includes detailed answers to frequently asked questions about PLA 2026 session rooms, AV equipment, handouts, slide templates, and more.

Deadlines

Please note the following important deadlines:

February 20, 2026: Advance registration deadline

February 27, 2026: Additional AV request deadline

March 30, 2026: Deadline to upload presentations/handouts in the Speaker Portal

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where will my PLA 2026 program take place?

Dates and times for all PLA 2026 sessions have been assigned and can be found on the Programs webpage. Room assignments will be added when available, and a chart containing room capacities (estimated maximum attendance) for all PLA 2026 sessions will be posted here when available, approximately one month prior to the conference.

How will my PLA 2026 program room be set up?

All program rooms will be set theater style, with rows of chairs facing forward.

What audiovisual (AV) equipment is provided?

Unless otherwise requested, all rooms are set with standard AV setup: LCD projector and screen, head table(s) with table microphone, center podium with fixed microphone, remote slide advancer (“clicker”) with laser pointer, and floor microphone(s) appropriate to expected audience size.

If you wish to request additional AV equipment, please complete the conference AV request form. If approved, your requested AV will be provided in addition to the standard setup. Additional AV requests are due by February 27, 2026.

Please note that laptops are not included in standard AV setup; if you did not request a laptop, you must bring your own. Please bring your presentation loaded on your laptop and/or flash drive.

Projectors will include an HDMI cable at the podium/head table to plug in a laptop. Presenters with laptops that don't have HDMI ports (such as those with Thunderbolt 3/4/5, USB-C, or full-size DisplayPort) should bring their own HDMI adapter cables (dongles). Presenters who have only VGA or DVI outputs are encouraged to use a different device for their presentation.

Slides should be formatted using the “Wide Screen 16:9” or “On Screen Show 16:9” page size for best appearance. If you are unsure of your connector type or have any concerns about the compatibility of your device with the in-room projectors, please contact our AV support team at pla@datasis.com.

Can one or more of my PLA 2026 program speakers join via Zoom?

Can I incorporate live streaming into my session?

Due to expected limitations of convention center Wi-Fi, PLA strongly recommends that speakers avoid incorporating live streams (e.g. YouTube, Vimeo, TikTok) into their PLA 2026 presentations. If online tools are used to create presentations (e.g. Google Slides, Canva, Prezi), those files should be downloaded to presentation laptops ahead of time and tested while offline. In addition, PLA strongly recommends that any remote speakers pre-record their portion of the presentation, and that in-person speakers incorporate their video into the presentation. Because we cannot guarantee the convention center Wi-Fi will support remote speakers joining via Zoom, Teams, etc. in all cases, we must recommend that PLA 2026 speakers avoid live remote sessions.

Should I bring handouts?

Will PLA print handouts?

PLA requires all program speakers to upload and distribute their handouts and/or presentations electronically. Program speakers may upload files for slides or other handouts in the online Speaker Portal. Once uploaded, handouts are linked to your program session listing in the online schedule and mobile app. Please check to ensure your handouts are displaying properly, as the system only accepts certain file types and file size limits. You may continue to add or delete handouts up until the conference.

If you wish to provide paper handouts for your session, please use the numbers included in the Rooms and Capacities chart as a guide for how many copies you will need; the chart will be shared here when available. Digital materials are strongly preferred by PLA Conference attendees.

When should I arrive for my PLA 2026 program?

Please plan to arrive at your assigned room at least 20 minutes before your scheduled start time. For PLA 2026, we have expanded the time between sessions, so the program prior to yours will end at least 30 minutes before your program begins. Still, we ask that you please be prepared to move quickly to set up and begin your presentation. PLA staff and volunteers will be available to assist you, along with AV technicians stationed nearby. Also please plan to wrap up your presentation promptly at the end of your allotted time and move discussion outside the room into the hallway.

Will PLA provide slides for me to use, or guidance on how to design my presentation?

PLA 2026 PowerPoint templates are available on the Spread the Word webpage! Speakers are strongly encouraged, but not required, to use the PLA 2026 templates.

Please plan to have the first slide of your presentation up on the screen as attendees enter the room, and please include the name of your program on this opening slide. For guidance on how to design presentation materials that are accessible, please see the Creating Accessible Presentations on-demand webinar.

Are there recommended talking points for PLA 2026 presenters?

PLA offers a tip sheet for speakers and moderators with strongly recommended talking points that can be accessed at PLA 2026 moderating tips.docx. Please ask your program attendees to:

Access handouts in the mobile app
Avoid standing or sitting in aisles or doorways
Use the microphone for Q&A
Listen actively, criticize ideas and not individuals, work to avoid assumptions, blame or speculation
Complete a program evaluation in the app

Do I need to register for the conference?

PLA 2026 speakers do need to register for the conference. Speakers who are not ALA or PLA members are eligible for single-day complimentary registration on the day they are speaking only. Please see Speaker Honoraria and Expense Reimbursement Policies for full details.

How should I let people know about my program?

PLA encourages you to spread the word about your PLA 2026 Conference session! Please use the official conference hashtag #PLA2026 and additional resources on our Spread the Word webpage.