The American Library Association (ALA) has opened its call for proposals for the 2026 Annual Conference & Exhibition, scheduled for June 25–29, 2026, in Chicago. The event will commemorate ALA’s 150th anniversary, and submissions are invited that explore the past, present, and future of libraries, reflecting on institutional contributions over 150 years or envisioning impact for the next 150. Proposals are due by September 22, 2025.
Submissions are open for both 60-minute education programs (with optional Q&A) and 90-minute poster sessions. Each submission type has a separate submission site, submission guides, and rubric. Education proposals must be submitted through one of nine juries—including ALA’s eight divisions or the broader ALA jury, which covers round tables, offices, and affiliates. Poster submissions must align with one of six poster categories.
The process includes instructional guides, rubrics, and videos to help applicants prepare their materials. Notifications of accepted proposals will be sent out in December 2025. Late proposals will not be accepted under any circumstances.
The Annual Conference is a major forum for exploring evolving challenges and opportunities in the library field. The 2026 edition will emphasize professional development, innovation, and lessons learned from ALA’s historical legacy, as well as insights for future practice.
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