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How-To Stage

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The How-To Stage offers a cooperative learning experience, teaching practical, hands-on skills that can be learned in short sessions. It’s a fun way for attendees to learn something new and share their experiences.

PLA thanks Ingram for its exclusive support of the How-To Stage.

Ingram is a platinum-level sponsor of the PLA 2026 Conference.

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“Attending this conference reignited my love for my job…

what I’m doing here is changing lives.”

—PLA 2024 attendee, post-conference survey

Call for Proposals Now Open

Deadline is 11:59 PM Central on Monday, December 15, 2025

 

If you're planning to attend PLA 2026, don't miss this chance to inspire, educate, and engage fellow attendees while contributing to the success of our conference. Your unique knowledge and skills are valuable assets, and the How-To Stage provides an opportunity to showcase them.

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You’ll be able to propose a 20-minute hands-on session to share your “how-to” expertise at the PLA 2026 How-To Stage. Topics could be about anything, so get creative! Visit the PLA 2022 How-To Festival page for examples of past topics.

 

PLA is always striving to make our conference more equitable, diverse, and inclusive. Our first step includes seeking and strongly encouraging submissions from marginalized groups including women, people of color, the LGBTQ community, and people with disabilities.

 

All PLA 2026 speakers, including How-To Stage presenters, will be expected to register for and attend the conference; to respond to PLA requests for information in a timely manner; and to read and observe the policies on appropriate conduct and canvassing, vendor participation, and speaker funding.

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Please submit your proposal for a 20-minute How-To presentation by 11:59 PM Central on Monday, December 15, 2025. Presenters will be responsible for bringing their own presentation materials. Contact Kathleen Hughes at khughes@ala.org with any questions.

  1. Sign In: If you submitted a previous proposal for PLA 2026, then sign into your existing account. If you don’t already have an account, then click the “Sign up here” link to create one.

  2. Start a New Proposal: From your My Profile page, click the “My Submissions” link in the upper left corner, and then the “+ Create” button in the upper right corner, to start a new How-To or Hot Takes proposal.

  3. Submit: For your proposal to be considered, you must click the “Submit For Review” button by the deadline of 11:59 PM Central on Monday, December 15, 2025.

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