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Virtual Conference Moderators Needed!

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The Public Library Association (PLA) is inviting applications from library professionals interested in serving as moderators for its 2026 Virtual Conference (April 1–3).

Application instructions are below and submissions are requested by Sunday, March 15.

 

About the PLA 2026 Virtual Conference

 

PLA is offering an alternative opportunity for public library workers unable to attend the PLA 2026 Conference in Minneapolis. The PLA 2026 Virtual Conference schedule offers live programming across all three days of the in-person conference. In addition to select live-streamed events taking place in Minneapolis, the Virtual Conference will offer eleven time slots of live, top-rated educational programming across the three days, with two programs to choose from in each slot.

 

Virtual Conference Moderator Opportunity

 

PLA seeks a minimum of four (4) Virtual Conference moderators. Moderators will be selected for their experience hosting or moderating web-based continuing education programs or other virtual events. PLA membership is preferred but not required.

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Desired qualifications/experience:

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  • Demonstrated success presenting in a minimum of three (3) virtual events, with roles as host or moderator preferred 

  • Dynamic presentation style 

  • Interest in virtual audience engagement 

  • Ability to monitor text-based chat for audience questions and moderate a Q&A period concluding each educational program 

  • Comfort with extemporaneous speaking in the event of technical or other difficulties 

 

Successful candidates must:

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  • Attend all PLA Virtual Conference programs for their assigned moderation shifts. There are two (2) shifts available per day, with each moderator expected to cover at least one (1) shift per day: 

  • Wednesday, April 1:

  • 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Central Daylight Time (CDT) 

  • 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM CDT 

  • Thursday, April 2:

  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM CDT 

  • 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM CDT 

  • Friday, April 3:

  • 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM CDT 

  • 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM CDT 

  • Participate in a thirty-minute Virtual Conference speaker training, date TBD, which will also be recorded for later viewing 

  • Have access to a computer with audio and video capabilities, and reliable high-speed Internet (Ethernet preferred over Wi-Fi), located in a quiet, private space.

  • It is strongly recommended that moderators have a dual monitor set up, to allow easy navigation between the speaker console on one monitor and the Zoom window on the other monitor.

 

PLA will provide each Virtual Conference Moderator with:

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  • $150 honorarium per moderator per shift—payable following conclusion of the Virtual Conference 

  • Complimentary access to live Virtual Conference programming (when not moderating)  

  • Complimentary access to all on-demand Virtual Conference content for three months 

 

How to Apply

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Please prepare the following materials:

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  • A brief statement (maximum 500 words) addressing your interest in serving as a PLA Virtual Conference moderator and highlighting your relevant qualifications (REQUIRED) 

  • Your résumé or a brief bio (REQUIRED) 

  • Your availability to serve as a moderator during the conference—you will be asked to indicate each shift that you can be available to moderate, in order of priority (REQUIRED) 

  • Links to applicable past virtual events (OPTIONAL) 

 

To apply, you must submit the online application form by Sunday, March 15.

 

PLA staff will review applications and make final selection decisions. Preference will be given to qualified candidates who are available to moderate multiple days of the Virtual Conference. All applicants will be notified of their status no later than Friday, March 20.

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