Conference detail

2026 Virginia Library Association Annual Conference

Organized by Virginia Library Association

The Virginia Library Association's 2026 Annual Conference, themed 'Caring for Our Collective,' focuses on supporting library workers.

Visit official site(vla.org)

Dates: Oct 18-20, 2026
Location: Norfolk, VA
Deadline: -
Attendees: 700
Vendors: Unlock to view

About this conference

The Virginia Library Association's 2026 Annual Conference, themed 'Caring for Our Collective,' focuses on supporting library workers. Libraries are essential community care providers, but the increasing external pressures and demands often lead to burnout, stress, and mental health challenges for library staff. This conference aims to address these issues by encouraging collective, community care and shared responsibility. Proposals are welcomed that explore practical and compassionate strategies to strengthen support systems, promote inclusive practices, foster radical empathy among leaders, and reframe 'failures' as learning experiences. Discussions may also cover broader community support topics such as the digital divide, the library's role as a third space, a provider of social safety nets, and inspiring 'library joy'.

Sponsorship options

Multiple sponsorship opportunities are available, including: Awards Ceremony ($5,000.00), AV ($3,000.00, exclusive), WiFi ($2,500.00, exclusive), Scholarship Basket Raffle ($2,500.00), Conference App ($2,300.00, exclusive), Internal Communications ($2,000.00), Lanyard ($1,500.00, exclusive, cost of lanyards not included), Academic and Research Libraries Conference Track ($1,500.00, 2 available), Paraprofessional Session Sponsor ($1,500.00, availability TBD), and General Sponsor ($500.00, does not include booth or donation).