Ontario Library Association - OLA Super Conference 2027
Event Date
January 27–30, 2027
Location
Toronto, Canada
Expected Exhibitors
179
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe OLA Super Conference is Canada's largest library learning and networking event, bringing together library workers, leaders, partners, and changemakers from across Ontario and beyond for several days of learning, connection, and inspiration. The 2027 edition, themed "Plugged In," takes place January 27–30 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Super Conference brings together big ideas, practical skills, and a vibrant library community — all in one place.
The program serves a broad audience. It offers a wide-ranging program serving public, school, academic, and special libraries, with hundreds of sessions, workshops, and events, plus Canada's largest library trade show. Programming includes interactive workshops and panels, author events and featured speakers, practical skills-based sessions, leadership, management, and governance learning, and virtual and on-demand access for select content.
Whether you are building skills, sparking ideas, or reconnecting with colleagues, Super Conference is designed to support your work and your community. It welcomes professionals from libraries and beyond, including educators, students, consultants, vendors, government staff, community partners, and anyone with an interest in the library sector.
Show Highlights
Signature features of the 2027 Super Conference include:
- Opening Keynote & Welcome Reception — the conference opens Wednesday evening with a keynote that sets the tone, followed by a welcome reception.
- Educational Sessions — from practical takeaways to big-picture thinking, sessions offer something for every role, sector, and career stage, led by library workers, partners, and experts from across the field.
- Super EXPO — Canada's largest library trade show, packed with exhibitors, author signings, poster presentations, and ideas you can put into action back at your library.
- Poster Presentations — innovative projects, research, and ideas from library workers across sectors in a lively, visual format.
- Social Night & OLA Awards Gala — an evening of connection, recognition, and fun honouring excellence across Ontario's libraries.
- Library Trustee Boot Camp — a full-day intensive offering practical learning, sector insights, and meaningful discussion to support effective library governance.
- Hybrid participation — livestream and on-demand options for flexible attendance, plus a strong commitment to accessibility, equity, and safer spaces including a dedicated Quiet Room.
Attendance
According to the 2027 exhibitor prospectus, the OLA Super Conference attracted 4,407 attendees (in-person and virtual) in 2026. Additional figures reported for the most recent edition include: 526 EXPO-only attendees, 55+ school boards represented plus independent schools, 260+ public libraries represented, 100+ academic libraries represented, 4,153 in-person attendees in 2026, 179 exhibiting companies, and 23.6% first-time attendees.
Registration
Registration for Super Conference opens in mid-November. Key points for registering:
- Member vs. non-member rates: Registration rates are based on member and non-member status. OLA no longer uses membership numbers — to access member pricing, simply use the email address associated with your membership when registering.
- Special rates: An active OLA Student Membership is required for student rates, and an active OLA Retired Membership is required for retired member rates. Speakers and poster presenters qualify for the Speaker rate.
- Group registration: For multiple staff from one institution, contact the Super Conference team with a list of registrants including full names and email addresses.
- Add-ons: Awards Gala tickets can be added during registration.
- Transfers: Registration transfers are permitted; contact the Super Conference team for assistance.
For help, contact the team at superconference@accessola.com.
History
The OLA Super Conference has grown steadily since 1999 and is recognized as a leading event for professional development and networking on the continent. It is organized by the Ontario Library Association and is billed as Canada's largest library learning and networking event. Many vendors attend OLA even when they have policies not to attend state/provincial-level conferences, because of the sheer size and market presented to them. The 2027 edition, themed "Plugged In," marks a return to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Information
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
Last updated: August 12, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2027 OLA Super Conference?
The 2027 OLA Super Conference takes place January 27–30, 2027, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Ontario. The 2027 theme is "Plugged In."
Who should attend the OLA Super Conference?
The conference serves public, school, academic, and special libraries. It welcomes library workers and leaders as well as educators, students, consultants, vendors, government staff, community partners, and anyone with an interest in the library sector.
How do I register for the conference?
Registration opens in mid-November through the Super Conference website. Rates are based on OLA member and non-member status, and members simply use the email associated with their membership to access member pricing. Groups can register multiple staff by contacting the Super Conference team.
What is the Super EXPO and how big is the conference?
The Super EXPO is Canada's largest library trade show, featuring exhibitors, author signings, and poster presentations. In 2026 the conference drew 4,407 in-person and virtual attendees and 179 exhibiting companies.
Are virtual and on-demand options available?
Yes. In-person registration includes access to the virtual conference experience, with livestream and on-demand sessions. Virtual content remains available on the event platform for six months following the conference.
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