General Sessions
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From bestselling authors to activists to comedians, our soon-to-be-announced PLA 2026 speakers are sure to inspire and amaze attendees!
Entry to General Sessions is included in full-conference registration or with an Exhibits-Plus badge. Single-day registration includes entry to the General Session on that day only.
Opening Session with Bryan Stevenson
Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 8:30 AM–10:00 AM
Bryan Stevenson is one of the most inspiring voices in the fight for justice today.
As the founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) in Montgomery, Alabama, he has dedicated his career to challenging inequality, overturning wrongful convictions, and protecting the most vulnerable in the criminal justice system. He has argued and won landmark cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, including the historic ruling that banned mandatory life sentences without parole for children.
​Stevenson is also the visionary behind EJI’s highly acclaimed Legacy Sites—the Legacy Museum, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park—which powerfully trace the history of slavery, lynching, and mass incarceration in America.
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A MacArthur “Genius” Fellow and recipient of the National Humanities Medal, Stevenson’s influence spans law, culture, and conscience. His bestselling memoir Just Mercy—adapted into an acclaimed feature film starring Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx—has inspired millions around the world. He is also the subject of the Emmy Award-winning HBO documentary True Justice.
​Stevenson and his staff have won reversals, relief, or release from prison for over 140 wrongly condemned prisoners on death row.
PLA thanks OCLC for its exclusive support of the Opening Session.
OCLC is a gold-level sponsor of the PLA 2026 Conference.
Big Ideas Session
Thursday, April 2, 2026, 8:00 AM–9:00 AM
Start Thursday morning off right with Big Ideas! PLA’s version of “TED Talks,” this session will feature a speaker who will inspire, motivate, and set the tone for the rest of the day. Past speakers have included Jeopardy! champion Amy Schneider (2022) and bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert (2018). Stay tuned for who will showcase their big ideas at PLA 2026!
Closing Session
Friday, April 3, 2026, 3:30 PM–4:30 PM
With a renewed passion for public library service and filled with fresh ideas to bring home to their communities, attendees join the Closing Session by the thousands for a final entertaining experience. Past speakers have included actor Kal Penn (2022), comedians Dulcé Sloan (2024) and Hasan Minhaj (2018), and surprise guest Mychal Threets! Stay tuned for who will close out PLA 2026!