Key Annual Conference Talking Points

Experience Unparalleled Professional Development

• ALA Annual is the world’s largest gathering of library workers, publishers, authors and industry vendors.
• More than 200 educational and President/Chair programs offer a depth and breadth of programming across library types and job functions.  
• Timely Topics address the most pressing issues facing libraries today, offering innovative approaches to key opportunities and challenges.
• ALA Annual offers resources for advancing your career, whether it involves expanding responsibilities, transitioning to different library types, or exploring consulting opportunities. 

Find Your Community

• An expansive range of social activities helps you reunite with old friends, make new connections, and explore the conference city. 
• Get to know other attendees, discover common interests and work on important issues through discussion huddles and games in the ALA Connect Lounge. 
• The ALA JobLIST Placement & Career Development Center offers structured networking opportunities such as mentoring-on-the-fly, career coaching, guidance sessions, and health and wellness programming. 

Champion Core Values

• Learn how to track important legislation, raise awareness, and gain public support for libraries. Become an effective advocate at the community, state, and national levels, whether you're a trustee, friend, foundation, or board member.
• Libraries serve everyone. ALA Annual includes training on fostering connections and holding civil conversations to address the country’s struggles with polarization.
• Library workers advance equity by creating welcoming spaces for all. ALA Annual showcases outreach, space design, and accessibility best practices.