Largest Library Event in the World Coming to San Diego With Trevor Noah
The American Library Association (ALA) will host its 2024 Annual Conference & Exhibition at the San Diego Convention Center, where thousands of librarians and library staff, authors, publishers, educators, exhibitors and more will come together for the largest library event in the world.
American Library Association Brings in High-Profile Speakers
The highly anticipated conference will feature resources, support, and expertise to help library professionals enhance and provide access to information, opportunities, and essential programs and services for all.
Over 500 speakers and authors will be present, in addition to nearly 550 exhibitors. The programs cover a diverse range of urgent topics facing libraries, such as artificial intelligence, health and wellness, intellectual freedom, strategic partnerships, and justice-involved services.
Many high-profile speakers will be present throughout the event, including Opening Session speaker Trevor Noah, best known as the host of the Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central. Noah will discuss his new book releasing October 2024: “Into the Uncut Grass.”
Academy Award-nominated actress, producer, author, and mental health advocate Taraji P. Henson will discuss her new book “You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!),” set to release on June 18, 2024, and Max Greenfield will share insights on his book, “Good Night Thoughts” releasing September 2024.
This year’s conference will also include many exciting and revamped events for ALA—including the Banned Books Big Chair, Intellectual Freedom Rally, an expanded Sails Pavilion, JobLIST Placement Center for emerging talent looking to grow professionally, and a United For Libraries Main Stage with Connie Chung.
ALA will also debut two new features within the Library Marketplace year:
- STEAM Pavilion – where the wonders of the world come to life through science, technology, engineering, arts, and math
- ALA @ The Beach – a one-of-a-kind experience paying homage to San Diego
The speaking roster also includes many other acclaimed, bestselling authors and newsmakers, including Ali Velshi from MSNBC, global gymnast phenomenon Maggie Nichols, and best-selling poet Kwame Alexander.
The ALA President’s Program will feature panelists such as Christina Gavin, Gerald B. Moore, Kathleen Nubel, and Angela Watkins. They will join ALA President Emily Drabinski in conversation to discuss The Heart of Our Story: A Celebration of Library Workers.
See you there!
Advance registration for the Annual Conference & Exhibition is currently open here. Standard registration rates will apply from June 22 through July 2. There are options for full five-day registration, single day, or exhibits-only, and group discounts are available for libraries that want to send several staff members.
For more information, visit the 2024 ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition here or the ALA website here.
See you there, San Diego!
