Call for Annual Conference Proposals
The ILA 2025 Annual Conference Program Committee is seeking program proposals for this year’s conference. The deadline for submissions is Friday, April 4, 2025.
In 2025, we will celebrate inclusivity and belonging for patrons and library workers alike with the ILA Conference theme: You Belong Here.
Belonging happens when you are not just included - but when you are valued. When a person feels that they belong, they feel loved, seen, prioritized, celebrated, placed at the center, made space for. We will explore how libraries foster belonging within our spaces; how libraries build strong relationships with diverse communities and address their unique needs; how we as library workers hold space for each other within our profession; and examine how belonging fits in with diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility efforts within libraries.
To find additional guidance about submitting proposals, including program tracks, formats, learning outcomes, and collaborating with ILA forums and committees, visit the Conference Proposal Submission Information page.
Speakers are eligible for a conference registration discount of 20% off their appropriate fee. For more information, visit the Speaker Information and Resources page.
New Resources to Help You Successfully Submit a Program Proposal!
The committee is committed to assisting those submitting for the first time, those needing a refresher, and anyone contemplating submitting a proposal. To support these efforts, multiple resources are available.
- ILA Office Hours: Register to meet with Kristin Pekoll (the ILA Conference and Continuing Education Manager) to ask questions, brainstorm, and generally get conference proposal support.
- Proposal Guidance: Have an idea for a program that's not fully formed? Looking for a co-presenter to bring in additional perspectives? Are you a first-time presenter and need/want some assistance putting together your first proposal? You can submit a request for speaker support and the committee will help you develop your proposal. Requests need to be submitted before the proposal deadline so the completed proposal can be submitted to the committee by the deadline.
- Successful Submissions Video: The ILA 2025 Conference Committee created a video to help speakers write the best proposal for their program. They’ll talk about what makes a conference proposal stand out, the behind-the-scenes process of selection, and the dos and don’ts of writing titles, descriptions, and more. You can view the video below.
- Presenter Connection: Are you interested in presenting but not sure on which topic? Or do you have a topic but would like some collaborators? Introducing the ILA Presenter Connection. Think of the presenter connection as a Craigslist, or classified ads for presentations. Anyone can use the presenter connection. Enter your info or browse what’s already there! The spreadsheet will only be available during the proposal submission period.
Financial Assistance Available
Financial assistance is available to offset registration fees for a limited number of speakers who would not otherwise be able to attend the conference. Librarians and library staff who have faced structural barriers to participation, including small and rural libraries, are encouraged to apply. Assistance is awarded based on the following criteria:
- Financial need
- Geographic diversity
- Speakers from underrepresented groups in the library profession
- First-time speakers
- Topic adds diversity to conference programming
Before applying for assistance, you must submit your program proposal. Previous recipients are not eligible to apply. The deadline to apply is April 4, 2025. Requests are considered by ILA staff and the Conference Planning Committee during the window of proposal acceptance and the close of early bird registration. Questions about financial assistance can be directed to Kristin Pekoll at kpekoll@ila.org.
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