Photo courtesy Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County https://digital.cincinnatilibrary.org/digital/collection/p16998coll12?fbclid=IwAR3gV2a2TMW2DFTLlsU0shgVGKzEFtzSJBYpqyAircAHN3eh6wvoE-siipw
Photo courtesy Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library


My regular readers know that every year, I round up the best conferences for library marketers. It’s not work… It’s fun!

That’s because conferences are vital to professional development. And I them. You can learn about current marketing strategies and get inspiration from other library marketers. Plus, you find your people —you know, those folks who understand what it’s like to work in this field.

The problem is that library marketers who want to attend conferences face hurdles, including limited budgets, limited travel support, and limited time. But I’m delighted to report that 2026 is shaping up to be an excellent year for professional development, with a mix of virtual and in-person programs, strong marketing content, and affordable registration options.

Here’s the criteria for making my list:

  • Conferences must include substantial, practical content related to marketing, promotions, communications, digital engagement, or audience development.
  • They’re budget-friendly. If a ticket cost $1000 or more, the conference didn’t make the list.
  • These conferences are U.S. or Canada–based (international readers: please drop your suggestions in the comments!). Most are in-person, but two have virtual components.

Here are the top 7 conferences in 2026 for library marketing and promotion


Computers in Libraries 2026

March 17–19, 2026, in Arlington, VA

Don’t be thrown off by the tech-centric title. This conference is a worthwhile investment for library marketers.

The program this year emphasizes practical tools, AI-enabled services, community engagement, and marketing-aligned strategy. Three tracks in particular that will interest library marketers are Building Trust & Reach, Libraries as Movement Builders, and UX & Access Foundations

Price: $350–$950 depending on workshops & packages.

The Public Library Association 2026 Conference

Apr 1–3, 2026, in Minneapolis, MN, with a virtual component

This bi-annual conference is a must for anyone working in public libraries. There are tracks or “learning paths” on advocacy and communications, community engagement and partnerships, and technology that all apply to library marketers.

Bonus: I will be there! I’m delivering a “Hot Take” on Tuesday, March 31, near the registration area.

Price: $79-$451 depending on member type, how long you want to attend, and when you register.

SocialNext 2026

April 9, 2026, in Toronto, ON

SocialNext is all about digital marketing, despite the word “social” in its name. There are sessions tailored to content creation, partnerships, analytics, digital strategy, and AI-driven marketing.

If you work at a Canadian Library and you can’t make it to LMCC (scroll down for info on that conference), this is a solid alternative.

Price: CAD $600 with pre-sale savings.

American Marketing Association (AMA) Marketing & Public Policy Conference

May 16 – 18, 2026, in Ottawa, Ontario

Privacy, misinformation, social responsibility, and public trust are core themes — making this conference perfectly relevant for libraries. Of particular interest are the sessions titled: “Decoding AI Driven Misinformation, “Designing Inclusive Markets: How Voice Assistants Reshape Consumer Accessibility,” and “Rethinking Marketing & Public Policy for Neurodiversity.”

Also, this is the first time this conference has been held outside the United States, which is interesting!

Price range: $700-$900, depending on membership level. Early bird prices are good through April 8.

Information Science Summit & Special Libraries Conference (ISS/SLC 2026)

June 6–9, 2026, in Albuquerque, NM

Formerly the Special Libraries Association (SLA) Conference, this expanded event features tracks for marketing, outreach, impact, and competitive intelligence — perfect for academic, law, museum, corporate, or other specialized library environments.

Price: Ranging from $350 to $915, depending on how early you register, whether you are a student, how many days you’re attending, and whether you are a member of AIS&T.

GURU Conference 2026

November 12–13, 2026, online only

One of my team’s favorites at NoveList, and it’s 100% free. This event is all about email marketing: subject lines, deliverability, automation, segmentation, and emerging tools. You always walk away with actionable tactics you can implement immediately. There are also fun giveaways, dance parties, and celebrity keynotes.

Price: FREE.


Library Marketing & Communications Conference (LMCC) 2026

November 10–11, 2026, in St. Louis, MO

If you only attend one conference this year, make it this one. LMCC remains the gold standard for library-focused marketing and communications: PR, outreach, branding, social media, audience engagement, and hands-on strategy from real practitioners.

Generous networking time and a collaborative environment make this one of the most energizing conferences in our field. Registration opens mid 2026.

Price: TBD, but historically very affordable. Scholarships are also available. Sign up for the conference newsletter to get updates on the conference.

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