The American Library Association (ALA) is hosting its 2024 Annual Conference & Exhibition through July 2 at the San Diego Convention Center, 111 Harbor Dr, San Diego. This is the largest library event in the world and for the next five days thousands of librarians and library workers (included 330 from the San Diego Public Library) will connect with authors, publishers, educators and vendors to take part in education, discussions and sharing resources on the most urgent topics facing libraries today including book banning, artificial intelligence, and intellectual freedom. Over 500 speakers and authors will be featured including Trevor Noah, Taraji P. Henson and Anika Noni Rose. This year’s conference will also include many exciting and revamped events for ALA – including the Banned Books Big Chair, Intellectual Freedom Rally, an expanded Sails Pavilion, JobLIST Placement Center for emerging talent looking to grow professionally, and a United For Libraries Main Stage with Connie Chung. ALA will also debut two new features within the Library Marketplace year: STEAM Pavilion - where the wonders of the world come to life through science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics ALA @ The Beach – a one-of-a-kind experience paying homage to San Diego The speaking roster also includes many other acclaimed, bestselling authors and newsmakers, including Ali Velshi from MSNBC, global gymnast phenomenon Maggie Nichols, and best-selling poet Kwame Alexander. The ALA President’s Program will feature panelists such as Christina Gavin, Gerald B. Moore, Kathleen Nubel, and Angela Watkins. They will join ALA President Emily Drabinski in conversation to discuss The Heart of Our Story: A Celebration of Library Workers. Advance registration for the Annual Conference & Exhibition is currently open at 2024.alaannual.org. Standard registration rates will apply from June 22 through July 2. There are options for full five-day registration, Single Day, or exhibits-only, and group discounts are available for libraries that want to send several staff members. The ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition will explore issues impacting libraries and their communities, with a packed five-day agenda that includes more than 175 educational programs created and curated by library professionals. 500+ speakers and authors will be present, in addition to nearly 550+ exhibitors. The programs cover a diverse range of urgent topics facing libraries, such as artificial intelligence, health and wellness, intellectual freedom, strategic partnerships and justice-involved services. For more information, visit 2024.alaannual.org or ala.org. Schedule-at-a-Glance American Library Association on Facebook / Instagram
