June 25–29, 2026
Chicago, IL
600
ALA | American Library Association 2026 is a trade show in Chicago, IL with approximately 600 exhibitors expected.
More detailed information about this show will be added soon.
The conference centers on the Library Marketplace, where attendees connect with expert exhibitors and authors, explore cutting-edge resources, grab free books (ARCs), and enjoy LIVE stages and engaging activities.
<cite index="3-4">The five-day event featured more than 200 education programs, more than 600 exhibitors, including 130 first-time exhibitors, and approximately 700 authors, alongside many networking opportunities.</cite>
Marquee speakers spanned journalism, entertainment, and public life. <cite index="5-8">At the Opening General Session, journalist, author, and podcaster Rachel Maddow set the tone for the convening.</cite> <cite index="10-3">Highlights included former First Lady Jill Biden's discussion about her forthcoming memoir, and talks with Emmy Award-winning journalist Rachel Maddow and Emmy, Tony and Grammy winner Billy Porter.</cite>
Other signature elements included:
<cite index="3-4">More than 15,000 attendees were expected to participate in the five-day event, which featured more than 200 education programs, more than 600 exhibitors, including 130 first-time exhibitors, and approximately 700 authors.</cite> <cite index="11-3">The milestone gathering brought together more than 15,000 librarians, library workers, educators, authors, publishers, exhibitors, advocates, and industry leaders from around the globe.</cite>
Registration is completed online through ALA's official registration partner, Event Citadel. <cite index="4-1">Registration for the ALA 2026 Annual Conference & Exhibition opened in February 2026.</cite>
Registration was tiered by date: Early (through April 24), Advance (April 25 – June 19), and Standard (June 20 – June 29). Rates were based on ALA membership status:
A group option was offered: register 5 people and get 1 free registration. <cite index="9-26">Onsite payments are accepted as Check, MasterCard, Visa, and American Express.</cite> Cancellations had to be submitted by May 29, 2026, with a $50 handling fee and no refunds after that date. Note: as of mid-2026 the event has concluded and registration is now closed.
<cite index="5-2">The American Library Association (ALA) was founded in Philadelphia in 1876 amid the patriotic spectacle of the nation's centennial celebrations.</cite> <cite index="5-3">Chicago has been the Association's home for more than a century, and it welcomed the library community for a milestone 150th anniversary celebration at the 2026 Annual Conference and Exhibition, held June 25–29 at the McCormick Place Convention Center.</cite> <cite index="3-2">The 2026 conference, held during ALA's 150th anniversary year, celebrated a century and a half of library leadership, advocacy and innovation while exploring the future of libraries and the communities they serve.</cite> The ALA Annual Conference is recognized as the largest library event in the world and rotates among major U.S. host cities each year. <cite index="2-3">The 2025 conference was held in Philadelphia, PA,</cite> and the 2027 edition is set for New Orleans, June 24–28.
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
The conference took place Thursday, June 25 through Monday, June 29, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. Programming was hosted primarily in the venue's West Building at 2301 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
The conference is designed for librarians, authors, publishers, business professionals, educators and students—anyone passionate about books and libraries and eager to learn and shape the future of the industry. Attendees come from across the United States and more than 50 countries.
Registration was completed online through ALA's official partner, Event Citadel, with tiered Early, Advance, and Standard pricing based on ALA membership. Full-conference rates ranged from $290 to $790 depending on membership type and timing, with Single Day and Exhibits Only passes also available. Registration is now closed as the event has concluded.
More than 15,000 attendees were expected in 2026. The event featured more than 600 exhibitors (including 130 first-time exhibitors), more than 200 education programs, and approximately 700 authors.
It is billed as the largest library event in the world, offering top-quality education, high-profile keynote speakers, and hundreds of authors. The Library Marketplace lets attendees connect with exhibitors, explore new resources and tools, collect advance reader copies, and network across the profession.
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