PA Libraries: POWERING the Commonwealth!

Plan to invest in yourself and your career by joining us for the 2024 Pennsylvania Library Association Annual Conference scheduled to take place October 6 – 9, 2024 at the Hilton Harrisburg.  Hurry! Registration fees will increase September 16!

This page includes a wealth of information relating to the conference, including:

• Registration Brochure, with detailed information on sessions and activities
• Registration fees and policies
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Poster Session Schedule and descriptions
• 2024 Conference Planning Committee Members
• Merchandise available in the online PaLA Store
• Conference Buddy Program and Conference 101 (offering tips and resources for PaLA Conference newbies)
• List of conference sponsors and sponsorship opportunities
• List of Friends Group supporters and how you can support the conference as a Friend
• 2024 Exhibitor Partner list and information on exhibiting
• Conference lodging information

Scroll down to access and learn more!  We hope to see you at #pala2024!

Educational & Networking Opportunities

The conference theme, "PA Libraries: POWERING the Commonwealth" presents a nod to the PA Forward® initiative that Literacy is POWER and to express the empowerment of libraries, librarians, library staff, and the people who use libraries throughout the state. Through inspirational keynotes, numerous educational sessions presented by experts in the field, poster sessions that foster idea-sharing with library colleagues, and the resources found in the exhibit hall, conference attendees will be empowered to serve and inspire their users.

Registration Brochure with Session Detail
Poster Session Schedule

Enhance your conference experience and get to know others by volunteering! Volunteer Opportunities

Planning Committee

The 2024 Conference Planning Committee is already hard at work under the direction of conference chair, Carolyn Blatchley, Executive Director, Cumberland County Library System. Committee Roster

Attendee Registration - Conference registration is OPEN!

View the Registration Brochure to review sessions and plan your attendance.

Other helpful tools for planning your conference attendance:

• Attendee Registration Fees
• Registration Worksheet - Save time and ensure that you don't miss anything by mapping out your personal schedule before registering online. 
  (Plan your session schedule and meal selections to streamline online registration.)
• View Conference 101 for tips and insider information to streamline registration and make the most of your conference experience.
• scholarship opportunities! for first-time conference attendees.

https://www.palibraries.org/event/2024ConferenceAttendeeReg
(Discounted, early bird registration ends August 15.)

PaLA Online Store

Whether or not you plan to attend the PaLA conferece, we hope you will help us promote the conference theme, PA Libraries: POWERING the Commonwealth by sporting a custom t-shirt, sweatshirt or tote bag.  This would be especially effective for those attending the press conference and other advocacy activities at the State Capitol. Additionally, the PA Forward Literacy is POWER theme is also available.  

Apparel is available in a variety of styles and colors (White, Ash, Charcoal & Black) and in sizes from Small to 4XL.

Click here to place an order.

Conference Buddy Program

Going it alone can be hard, especially when you are attending a large conference. Knowing just one other person can help alleviate a lot of anxiety. That’s why we are offering a “buddy system” for the Pennsylvania Library Association Conference at Kalahari Resort. We want to help you build connections, learn more about PaLA and maximize your conference experience!

Whether you are a newbie or seasoned conference attendee, this program is for you!

• Conference Rookies will receive tips on planning for the conference, what not to miss and a way to expand their professional network.
• Experienced conference attendees will have the opportunity to share their experience and network and gain the satisfaction of helping out a colleague.

Learn more and obtain the links to register to participate on our Conference Buddy Program page.

Conference Sponsors

The PaLA Conference wouldn't be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We appreciate the generous support of this group of library champions!

2024 Conference Sponsors

Sponsor Opportunities

Additionally, Library Friends Groups support conference coffee and refreshment breaks which provide opportunities for attendees to talk and collaborate informally.

2024 Friends Group Contributors
Be a friend, contribute now!

Exhibitors

The Pennsylvania Library Association values our exhibitor partners as experts on innovations in library products and services that enable library professionals to do their work more effectively and efficiently. 

The Library Products & Services Expo offers one of the best opportunities to reach decision-makers in the Pennsylvania library community.  The show offers a concise schedule in an environment that promotes interaction with attendees through no-conflict exhibit time, traffic-building activities and informal networking opportunities. 

2024 Exhibitor List
Exhibitor Information & Registration

The 2024 Exhibit Hall has SOLD OUT.  However, a wait list has been created in case of cancellations. To sign up for the wait list, use the Exhibitor Registration link.

Unable to join us in-person? Consider participating as a conference sponsor or advertiser:

Sponsorship Opportunities

Program Book Advertising

Conference Lodging

Hilton Harrisburg (Lodging & Parking Update)

Rooms in the PaLA Block at the Hilton have been sold out. However, cancellations may occur for individual nights.  Click here to check availablility.

Parking for hotel guests in the Walnut Street Garage (attached to the Hilton & Strawberry Square) is complimentary.

Commuters may park in the Walnut Street Garage for up to 10 hours for $5 per day/exit. 
Take your parking ticket to the hotel front desk to exchange for a $5 pass.

Other Local Hotel Options

There is still plenty of lodging available in the Harrisburg area. List of Local Hotels
Please note that in order to provide a variety of options, we have not entered into a block at a secondary hotel.  Instead, we have developed this list of local hotel that may accommodate the needs of conference attendees.  Most offer free parking and are within 8 miles of the Hilton.  (The Crowne Plaza is within walking distance.)