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The Top 7 Conferences in 2026 for Library Marketing and Promotions

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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Listening to Library Users: A Wake-Up Call for Library Marketing

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The Top 8 Must-Attend Library Marketing Conferences of 2025

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 coworkers can always tell when I’ve returned from a good conference.

I usually have pages of notes and ideas. I schedule meetings with coworkers to talk through ideas. I write blog posts! I’m brimming over with new information and enthusiasm for this profession.

What topics do you want to see covered at conferences this year?

That’s why, every year, I research and release a list of conferences for my friends who also work in library promotions. I want you to have the chance to learn from experts while not breaking the bank. Here’s what I look for in a conference.

  • The conference has a robust selection of sessions specifically centered around marketing and promotions. Many conferences on this list are not specifically designed for libraries. But if the conference will teach you techniques or new concepts that you can adapt to your library work, I’ve included it.
  • The conferences are budget-friendly. I am keenly aware of budgetary constraints for libraries. That means some really incredible conferences are not on the list because they are just too darn expensive.
  • Some conferences are virtual, and some are in-person. I tried to offer a range for those who wish to travel and for those who are not able to travel.
  • Most of the in-person conferences in this list are all in the United States or Canada. If you know of a great marketing conference with content that applies to library marketing and is located in another country, please add the info to the comments for my international readers.

The 8 Best Conferences in 2025 for Library Marketing and Promotions

American Marketing Association

Full roster of events, virtual and in-person, throughout the year.
Price: Ranging from free to $500

This year, the American Marketing Association’s event schedule makes it worth it to join the organization. Each month, there are several events planned on a whole range of topics from AI to social media to video and working with influencers. Some events are free, others cost up to $500 for non-members.

Digital Marketing Conference Series

62 separate in-person and virtual events happening between March and November 2025 across the globe
Price: Varies by location. You’ll generally pay around $620 for the bottom-tier in-person pass and about $210 for the virtual pass.

This series includes sessions on customer engagement, social media marketing, video marketing, web analytics, email marketing, content marketing, search engine optimization, geo-targeting, and more. Each event has its own website and agenda so you can pick the right session for you.

Digital Summit Series

6 separate in-person events between March and December 2025 across the USA.
Price: $525 for a main conference pass

This conference covers content, social media, email, SEO, analytics, and strategy. The conference offers talking points to use to convince your boss. They have discounts for sending three or more people. And I’ve looked over the schedule: They’ve got top-notch speakers on the list. This is a great way to learn about marketing from some of the top minds in the industry at a very affordable price.

Computers in Libraries 2025

In-person event, March 25-27, 2025, in Arlington, Virginia
Price: Ranges from $299 to $949 depending on how many days you wish to attend and whether you want to participate in workshops.

There is a track each day that is promotions-related. On Day One, it’s called “Engaging Our Communities.” On Day two, it’s “Content Management.” And on the last day, it’s “Making an Impact and Creating Value.” I think the session choices really make it worth your time and money.

Social Next

In-person events across Canada between March and September, 2025 plus a Virtual Summit in December, 2025
Price: Prices start at $199 Canadian

The schedule is robust with topics including content creation, social media, advertising, non-profit marketing, and more. And with events across regions in Canada, plus a very affordable digital event, I think this is a great option for library marketers in Canada.

Special Libraries Association

In-person event, July 7-19 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA
Price: $425 for students to $900 for late registration

This year’s theme is “Creative Transformation,” with programs and activities designed to foster innovative thinking and help you meet the challenges of a quickly changing information landscape. They have an entire track on marketing and competitive intelligence, which makes it valuable for libraries at places like museums, military bases, and law firms. Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, a welcome reception, and a dance party!

Guru Conference

Virtual event, November 6-7, 2025
Price: Free

A favorite of my team at NoveList, this free virtual event is packed with tips for email marketing and advice for promotions. It’s energetic and usually has celebrity keynotes (last year was Sarah Jessica Parker!). There are no recordings, so you must set aside time to watch the sessions live. Block your calendar now.

Library Marketing and Communications Conference

In-person event, November 12-13 in St. Louis, MO
Price: TBD

If you have to pick one conference to attend this year, make it this one. This is an amazing opportunity to learn so much about marketing, communication, public relations, social media, and outreach in academic, public, and special libraries. The sessions explore issues that are important for this niche of library work. The conference includes time for attendees to network and discuss mutual challenges. Registration opens later this year. Sign up for their mailing list on the website to get more information. Join their Facebook group to start networking right now. I will be there!!!

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How One Library Got All the Stock Photos It Needs for Promotions in Just One Day!

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Six Tips to Make the Most of Your Online Experience During Virtual Conference Season

Man walking through the stacks. Photo courtesy The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County

In November 2019, a conference changed my life.

I attended the Library Marketing and Communications Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, where I met my future boss, Kathy Lussier of NoveList.

On the first day of the conference, we had breakfast together and started talking. And by the end of the conference, she was texting me a job opening that eventually led to my current position with NoveList.

Conferences can re-frame your professional life. You may find your next new job. You might make a new best friend. You may learn a skill that revolutionizes the way you do your job. At the very least, you’ll hear speakers who inspire, energize, and motivate you.

We’re heading into conference season and this year it’s all virtual. (The Library Advocacy and Funding Conference starts today–if you’re attending, send me a friend request!)

As I learned from attending the American Library Association conference in June, an in-person conference and a virtual conference are not the same.

But you can have a fantastic virtual conference experience with the right preparation. Here are the six things I recommend you do this year before you log on.

Get your Twitter and LinkedIn accounts ready

It’s imperative that you have a LinkedIn and Twitter profile, and that you use them to engage during a virtual conference. Networking is a big part of the conference experience. And since we can’t network in person, these two social media platforms are the easiest and safest way to interact with new friends.

There are several steps you should take to prep your profiles. Once the conference ends, you can always change your profile back!

On LinkedIn, check to make sure that your profile is set to “public.”  To do that, click on your settings and look under “privacy.” This step will make your profile easy to find, especially if you are in the market for a new job opportunity.

Customize your LinkedIn profile URL to include your first and last name. This will make your profile easier to find in search. You can also make this adjustment in settings.

On LinkedIn, ask co-workers, partners, and former colleagues for recommendations. This is especially important if you are job-hunting. You’ll want to give them some time to write their recommendation, so ask as soon as you register for a conference.

Make sure your photo on LinkedIn and Twitter looks as professional as possible and use the same photo for both platforms. LinkedIn says a professional photo will make visitors seven times more likely to visit your profile than picture-free profiles. You can take a great photo yourself! My LinkedIn profile photo is a selfie I took in the backyard at sunset on my iPhone in portrait mode.

Check your header image on both accounts. A meaningful image related to your professional experience can drive home who you are and what you do.

Edit your headlines and your personal details. Include a little about your work and what differentiates you from other people at the conference.

To boost search rankings on Google, include keywords that will appeal to your fellow attendees or the conference hashtag. I’ve also seen people temporarily change their Twitter Profile name to include the conference hashtag for the duration of a conference.

Clear your calendar

My coworkers and I agreed that we made a big mistake when we attended #ALAVirtual20. Most of us accepted meetings during the conference week, even though attending a meeting would interrupt our conference experience.

If you were attending a conference in another city, you would be unavailable for meetings. Adapt that mindset and be intentional about giving yourself the space to focus on your conference experience in a digital setting.

Now, during virtual conferences, I mark myself “out of office” on my Outlook calendar.  And I’m clearing my schedule of other busy work.

Take advantage of pre-recorded sessions

Most virtual conferences offer at least some, if not all, of their sessions on-demand. That can impact which sessions you consume.

For instance, this week’s #LAFCON is completely pre-recorded. In preparation, I went through the sessions and highlighted the ones I want to watch. Then I scheduled them, by name, into my work calendar in one-hour increments. That will help me keep track of my choices, watch sessions in an order that makes sense (I can do all the marketing track sessions back-to-back!) and help me stay focused.

Plan breaks

Of course, you know it’s exhausting to stare at the screen all day. At a real conference, you’d take a break to eat, use the restrooms, get coffee, tour the vendor booths, or maybe just chill for a bit. Try to mimic that self-care routine in a virtual world. Schedule those breaks into your calendar if you must.

Be patient with technology

If there’s one constant with the pandemic, it’s that every online event will experience technical difficulties. Many organizations are using streaming platforms for the first time. There may be bandwidth issues.

Be patient and polite. Before the conference begins, check to see where you can report technical issues or get assistance.

Follow the conference hashtag

This is a great way to get involved and tune in to conversations from your session and from sessions you couldn’t attend. It’s also a networking opportunity. Don’t hesitate to reach out to folks if you liked what they had to say by replying, liking their Tweets, or retweeting them.

Join me at a conference

The event page has returned to the blog. If you’re attending a conference with me, please let me know so we can connect.

You might also find these posts helpful

Experts Reveal the Truth About What Your Library Needs to Do Now to Build Support for the Future

Five Relevant Library Marketing Lessons Learned at the American Library Association Annual Conference (#ALAVirtual20)

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