FAQs
“It fills our cups – it is motivating, reminds us why we do this. "Big name" speakers who are strong library advocates remind us that we have a lot of support. Meeting with other chapter leaders to discuss challenges, recent success, and learning how other chapters function was very useful and I feel I have people I can reach out to in other states.”
– 2022 Annual Conference Attendee
ALA 2023 Annual Conference & Exhibition
Frequently Asked Questions
About Annual | Registration | Accessibility & Childcare | Travel & Hotels
We are carefully tracking all the latest health and safety guidance for large group gatherings from the CDC, the Illinois Department of Health, and McCormick Place Chicago.
Please see American Library Association 2023 Annual Conference Health & Measures for more information.
The conference will take place Thursday, June 22 through Tuesday, June 27 at the McCormick Place Chicago.
Librarians, authors, publishers, business professionals, educators and students—anyone who is passionate about books, libraries, and eager to learn and shape the future of the industry.
Because the Conference serves as an open forum, opinions expressed and/or materials distributed by program participants do not necessarily reflect, or imply advocacy or endorsement by the American Library Association, its officers, or members.
The statements and opinions contained in the exhibitor descriptions in the Annual Conference Exhibits Guide are solely those of the individual exhibitors and not of the American Library Association. The appearance of advertisements in the Annual Conference Mobile App and Exhibits Guide are not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of the effectiveness or quality. To the extent permissible under applicable laws, no responsibility is assumed by the ALA for any injury and/or damage to persons or property as a result of any actual or alleged libelous statements, infringement of intellectual property or privacy rights, or products liability, whether resulting from the negligence or otherwise, or from any use of operation, ideas, instructions, procedures, products, or methods contained in the material therein.
ALA relies on exhibitors to sponsor the appearance of top authors with forthcoming books. Potential speaker names are submitted to ALA for review by many groups including the Conference Committee. When selected, ALA then relies on the sponsor to lock in the speaking date and make many arrangements. Although this process often begins nine months prior to the conference, ALA does not always control the timeline and announcement date. Some speakers do not finalize their tour schedules until the spring and often other factors, like security, impact the release of information. ALA does not pay any speaker fees or honorariums and is grateful to the sponsors who provide a high level of speakers to the conference.
Yes, please see Community of Care at ALA Conferences.
Unfortunately, occasional scammers illegitimately use the name of an ALA event to try and extract money from attendees and potential attendees. Please verify the sender of any emails before replying and forward an email to us at [email protected] if you suspect a scam so we can try to stop it. Never provide credit card or other payment information unless you are sure it is directly to ALA, Hall-Erickson (our tradeshow managers), or a legitimate service that you recognize.
If you are an author who publishes independently and wishes to exhibit a book at ALA Annual Conference or LibLearnX, please connect with a known service such as Combined Book Exhibit. Companies that promise you access to ALA awards, book reviews, coverage, or other special ALA access for a fee are unlikely to deliver on any of those promises as ALA does not sell such recognition opportunities.
- Legitimate marketing emails for ALA Annual Conference and LibLearnX are sent from [email protected].
- Legitimate exhibit, advertising, and sponsorship marketing emails for Annual Conference and LibLearnX are sent from [email protected].
- Legitimate registration confirmation and update emails for ALA Annual Conference and LibLearnX are sent from CompuSystems [email protected].
- Legitimate housing emails for ALA Annual Conference and LibLearnX are sent from onPeak [email protected].
- Legitimate emails to presenters at ALA Annual Conference and LibLearnX are sent from [email protected].
For exhibitors: For further information and more detail, please check the Official Contractors Reminder on the Exhibitor website at http://exhibitors.ala.org/.
ALA is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all attendees. We have implemented a comprehensive range of security measures, both visible and discreet, to uphold the confidentiality and protection of our conference participants. Particularly for sessions addressing sensitive topics, dedicated patrols will be present to ensure enhanced security. If you are aware of any specific concerns, we encourage you to share them with our conference management team at the onsite ALA Office.
Yes. The ALA Annual Conference Mobile App is available for download now. Learn more.
Onsite payments are accepted in the following formats: Check, MasterCard, Visa, and American Express.
Lost registration information can be requested by emailing [email protected].
If you need to edit your registration, please visit the dashboard found in your confirmation email. If you need additional assistance or cannot locate your confirmation, please email [email protected].
Cancellations must be made in writing to [email protected] by May 26, 2023. There will be a $50 fee for each registration cancelled. Registrations purchased after May 26, 2023 are nonrefundable.
No, you may register and attend the conference at the Non-Member registration rate.
If you’d like to register a group, ALA is offering a Register 5 People and get 1 Free Registration option. To register your group, begin by signing in with the first person you’d like to register, then click the "Add Another" button on the Review Information page to add each subsequent registrant. Once you've completed registration for everyone in your group, click "Finish" on the Review page. Note: You will need to enter a unique email address for each person in your group. Also, when registering the group of six, the free registration will be reflected on the Payment page. The total cost for all five registrants can be paid via credit card, purchase order, or check. If paying by check, please include the check number in the purchase order number box.
Yes, after the conference, the letter can be accessed through your dashboard from your registration confirmation. An email containing your dashboard link will also be sent to you post-conference.
Yes. Exhibits-Only registrants can attend author signings in the Library Marketplace on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday only.
No, Exhibits-Only attendees will not be able to attend the ALA Awards ceremonies. Single-day attendees will be able to attend award ceremonies scheduled on the specific day they are joining the conference.
Yes, Non-Members who are registered for the day of the committee meeting or for the Full Conference can attend any meeting not noted as "Closed."
Yes, member leaders who plan to attend meetings in person will need to register for Annual Conference, while virtual participants must register for the Digital Experience.
- Thursday, June 22: 1:00pm – 5:00pm
- Friday, June 23: 7:30am – 7:00pm
- Saturday, June 24: 7:30am – 5:00pm
- Sunday June 25: 7:30am – 5:00pm
- Monday, June 26: 7:30am – 2:00pm
Registration is located on Level 3.
If you try accessing the registration system with an assistive technology and experience difficulty, please call CompuSystems at 866-513-0760 or email [email protected] to book your housing, please call onPeak at 800-584-9047, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm CST.
See the Accessibility services that will be available throughout the ALA 2023 Annual Conference & Exhibition and at McCormick Place Chicago.
Strollers and scooters are permitted on the exhibit floor as long as they are in use at all times. Wheeled carts, however, are not permitted at any time. If you have a medical condition requiring you to use a cart, please bring a doctor's note to the Accessibility booth in the registration area.
Scooter hours to come.
ALA will reimburse the charges expended on childcare in the amount of $25 per day, per child to a maximum of $50 per day, per family to any fully registered parent for each day of the Annual Conference. You must provide a receipt for childcare. This covers only childcare in the parent’s hotel room or other residence in the meeting city (Chicago) and does not include charges for children’s food, transportation, gratuities, or for the sitter. ALA will not reimburse childcare expenses to attendees who live within the Chicago area that would be paid to the regular provider whether the parent was attending the Annual Conference or not. Parents may contact their hotel childcare center/babysitting service where it is available or find one online. Reimbursement forms are available at the ALA Conference Services Desk and must be signed by the individual performing the childcare services and presented by the parent to the ALA Conference Services Desk by June 24. Please note that all reimbursement will be mailed out to the attendee post-conference.
Yes. The New Mothers Room will be located in Room 473, Level 4. There will also be a Mamava Lactation Suite on Level 1.
Strollers are permitted on the exhibit floor, but only if there is a child in them at all times. Un-escorted children are not permitted on the exhibit floor. Children under the age of five must be under control at all times (stroller, pack, etc.). Any child over the age of five must have an Exhibits Only badge to be admitted to the exhibit floor. These badges are available at onsite registration for $75. An adult must accompany all children under the age of 16.
Yes, complimentary Shuttle Buses from official hotel locations and McCormick Place Chicago will be available at Gates 43 and 44. See additional details on the Shuttle Bus Website and Schedule.
Try the 4 L's:
Layers - Dress in layers, as you will be moving from the heat outside to the cool in meeting rooms and hotels.
Liquids - Drink plenty of "good" fluids; there will be water stations in the hotels and Convention Center.
Lighten - Lighten your load, and don't carry extra stuff with you as you'll likely be walking a lot. Plan your day for what you will need.
Leisurely - Walk at a leisurely pace, whether you are inside, or out.
Beginning May 7, 2025, every air traveler will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification for domestic air travel. A REAL ID compliant license is one that meets, and is issued by a state that complies with, the REAL ID Act’s security standards.
Please see TSA’s website for a list of acceptable forms of identification. Passengers who have licenses issued by a state that is compliant or that has an extension to become compliant with REAL ID requirements may continue to use their licenses as usual. For a list of states already in compliance or with an extension visit DHS’s REAL ID webpage. DHS continually updates this list as more states come into compliance or obtain extensions.
Travelers can check DHS’s REAL ID webpage at any time to learn if your state is compliant and can check with your state’s agency that issues driver’s licenses about how to acquire a compliant license. The earlier your state becomes compliant, the more likely you will be able to acquire a compliant license as part of the normal renewal cycle.
Annual Onsite
Yes. The Community of Care Quiet Room, available for attendees who are looking for a calm space during the conference, will be located in Room W474, Level 4, above the Registration area. Thanks to Iron Mountain for their sponsorship of this area. Visit them in Booth 4724!
Yes. Gender Inclusive Restrooms are located next to Room 183C on Level 1; In the central concourse on Level 3; and next to Room 472 on Level 4. There are 20 Family Restrooms located throughout the West Building.
The ALA Store Hours are:
- Friday, June 23, 12:00pm – 5:30pm
- Saturday, June 24, 8:30am – 5:00pm
- Sunday, June 25, 8:30am – 5:00pm
- Monday, June 26, 8:30am– 2:00pm
The ALA Store will be located near the Library Marketplace entrance.
- Friday, June 23, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
- Saturday, June 24, 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Sunday, June 25, 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Monday, June 26, 9:00am – 2:00pm
The Library Marketplace will be on Level 3.
Yes. The coat/luggage check will be located on Level One, near Gates 43 and 44.
The coat/luggage hours will be added soon.
Yes. Additional amenities include:
- ALA Store - Level 3
- Accessibility - Levels 1 and 3
- Business Center - Level 2
- Food Court - Level 2
- Internet Cafe - Level 3
- Mobile App Help Desk - Level 3
- Registration - Level 3
- ALA Office - W375A, Level 3
- Community of Care Quiet Room - W474, Level 4
- Library Marketplace - Level 3