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The 11 Best Conferences in 2024 for Anyone Looking To Learn More About Library Promotions and Marketing (and Some Are Completely Free!)

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

There is nothing like gathering in a room full of people who understand your struggles and your triumphs.

One of the best ways to find your library marketing soulmates… the ones who will nod sympathetically when you talk about how hard it is to get engagement on your social media posts or how your co-workers expect you to make a flyer for every single program is at a conference.

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

That’s why I’m putting out my annual list of the best conferences for library promotions a little early this year. I wanted to give you more time to plan.

Here’s what you need to know about this list.

  • The conferences have 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 offer high value for the price. I am keenly aware of budgetary constraints for libraries. That means some really incredible conferences are not on the list.
  • The conferences are listed in chronological order.
  • 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 prefer to learn at home.
  • Most of the conferences on my list are in North America. There is one exception. But you can scroll to the bottom of this post for a link to a complete list of library conferences around the world and non-marketing-focused state library conferences in the United States.

A final note: I’ll be at the Public Library Association Conference in Columbus, Ohio this year so if you’re going to be there too, let’s meet up!

The 11 Best Conferences in 2024 for Library Marketing and Promotions

Computers in Libraries 2024

In-person event, March 12-14, 2024, in Arlington, Virginia
Price: Ranges from $249 to $929 depending on how many days you wish to attend and whether you want to participate in workshops.

The Communities track is marketing and outreach-focused. There are also sessions on the future of libraries and the impact of AI.

American Copy Editors Society

In-person event, April 4-5, 2024, in San Diego, California
Price: $775

This conference boosts an impressive program packed with sessions that will sharpen your writing skills for all kinds of library promotion including tools for fact-checking, accessibility, creativity, and how to build an in-house style guide.

Digital Marketing Conference Series

47 separate in-person and virtual events happening between April and October 2024 across the globe
Price: Varies by location. You’ll generally pay around $600 for the bottom-tier in-person pass and about $200 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 much more. Each event has its own website and agenda so you can pick the right session for you.

Digital Summit Series

8 separate in-person events between April and December 2024 across the USA.
Price: $495 for a main conference pass

This conference covers content, social media, email, SEO, analytics, and strategy. They also got me with this line from their website: “Size and budget shouldn’t lock you out of good marketing.” The cost is reasonable and the programs all apply to library marketing work. They’ve even got a pre-filled email to send to your supervisor, making the case for attendance. And with 8 conferences across the U.S., there’s bound to be one near to you.

International Public Library Fundraising Conference

In-person event, June 9-11, 2024, in Washington, DC
Price: $372.60

This conference is for anyone assigned to marketing for fundraising at a library. Topics include effective direct mail and digital fundraising strategies, messaging in today’s political and social climate, how to turn fundraising challenges into successes, engaging your board, and Library Giving Day ideas.

Marketing Analytics Conference

Virtual event, June 18, 2024
Price: Free

Every marketer needs to know how to analyze data. And although there’s not a program listed yet, a free conference from the American Marketing Association that promises to deep dive into trends, strategies and innovations in marketing analytics alongside industry leaders and experts is a must. I’m registered!

Podcast Movement

In-person event, August 19-22, 2024, in Washington, DC
Price: Early bird prices range from $239-$539, depending on whether you want access to recordings and VIP status

I’ve added this conference because so many libraries are now producing podcasts. With more than 100 sessions and the opportunity to network with other podcasters, plus a very affordable ticket price, I think this conference is definitely worth your consideration.

Online News Association Annual Conference

In-person event, Sept. 18-20, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia
Price: Prices are not yet released but last year they charged $795 for the in-person conference and $350 for a virtual pass with access to session recordings.

I bet you’re thinking, “What is this conference doing on the list?” Last year’s program was packed with sessions that would be extremely valuable for library marketers, especially if one of your 2024 goals is to improve your writing and storytelling and increase press coverage of your library. If they offer the virtual pass again, I think it’s worth your consideration. Sign up for their conference newsletter to get notified when registration opens and when the program for 2024 is set.

Guru Conference

Virtual event, October 16-17, 2024
Price: Free

A favorite of my team at NoveList, I’m thrilled that the date doesn’t conflict with the Library Marketing and Communications conference this year. 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 Martha Stewart!). There are no recordings, so you must set aside time to watch the sessions live. Block your calendar now.

Internet Librarian

Virtual event, October 22-24, 2024
Price: TBD but last year it ranged from $199-$329

An incredibly affordable option for library staff, especially if you don’t have a travel budget. The conference usually includes sessions on social media management, video marketing, and podcasting. Registration is not yet open but you can sign up to get email updates on the event.

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!!!

More library conferences

For more library conferences across the U.S. and abroad, visit Information Today.

PS You might also find this helpful

10 Tips to Make The Most of Your Next Library Marketing Conference

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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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