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Missouri Library Association Annual Conference
September 25th - 27th, 2024
KCI Expo Center
11730 N Ambassador Drive
Kansas City, MO 64153
The 2024 Missouri Library Association Annual Conference is coming to Kansas City, September 25th to 27th. The Missouri Library Association is a diverse and growing organization. MLA serves librarians, support staff and library supporters throughout the entire state and in every type of library. MLA members work in academic, public, special and K–12 libraries.
The Missouri Library Association Annual Conference provides vendors the opportunity to engage with potential and existing customers in the Missouri library community. More than 400 individuals from Missouri’s academic, public, school and special interest libraries attend our annual conference.
This year’s conference is focused on the future, with the theme of “Innovate, Integrate, & Inspire: Crafting the Future Library Experience”! MLA knows that the world is changing rapidly, with humans more connected than ever before, and libraries must always be exploring new and innovative ways to keep connecting with our communities while providing amazing service.
Please explore all the ways we can help put you directly in touch with Missouri librarians. We invite you to consider joining us as a vendor, sponsor or both.
Tradeshow Floor Plan
Please note: Vendors will only be able to select ONE item per form. If you would like to sign up for multiple booths, sponsorships, or a demo spot please fill out an additional form PER ITEM. If you have any questions, please send a message to MLA@amigos.org.
EXHIBITION BOOTH SPACE
$550 for businesses, $450 for non-profits
$650 for businesses, $550 for non-profits
Registration closes August 30th, 2024.
Your booth space includes a 10' x 10' exhibit booth. A standard setup includes a 10' x 10' pipe and draped area, one 6-foot skirted display table, two chairs, one wastebasket and one professional ID sign. Registration includes space for two vendor staff representatives per booth. Additional staff representatives can be added at a cost of $85.00 for each additional staff member.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, including in the exhibit hall. Electrical outlets, power strips, and other amenities and services are available at an additional charge.
Additional amenities, including electrical outlets, power strips, and other amenities and services are available for an additional charge. Instructions for ordering those amenities will be provided 90 days before the event to registered exhibitors.
Vendors are guaranteed at least 4 hours of non-compete time during this conference. Table talks and poster sessions will also take place in the exhibit hall. Attendees will also be provided with an interactive game to encourage them to visit vendor booths throughout the conference.
Wednesday, September 25th
Exhibitor Set-up 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Exhibitor Hall open 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Exhibitor Reception 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Exhibitor Set-up 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Exhibitor Hall open 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Exhibitor Reception 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 26th
Vendor Breakfast 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Exhibitor Hall open 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Exhibitor Breakdown 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Vendor Breakfast 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Exhibitor Hall open 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Exhibitor Breakdown 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
HOTEL RESERVATIONS
The Missouri Library Association has negotiated a special conference rate of $119 per night at the Holiday Inn Executive Center.
Book here!
This conference would not be possible without the support of our generous sponsors. We welcome all vendors to consider an additional sponsorship in recognition of the important and ongoing work of Missouri librarians. Preferred events will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.
All sponsors will receive:
â—Ź Acknowledgement at the sponsored event or service â—Ź Logo on signage at event or service â—Ź Sponsor will be featured across all MLA social media channels
â—Ź Acknowledgement at the sponsored event or service
â—Ź Logo on signage at event or service
â—Ź Sponsor will be featured across all MLA social media channels
Exclusive, highly visible opportunities to spotlight your business or organization.
ALL CONFERENCE SOCIAL EVENT - SOLD OUT The MLA Award Ceremony will feature live music and dancing, a fun night for all, complements of your company or organization.
The MLA Award Ceremony will feature live music and dancing, a fun night for all, complements of your company or organization.
Opening KEYNOTE SPEAKER Help us kick off this year's conference with a message of from the President-Elect of the American Library Association, Emily Drabinski.
Help us kick off this year's conference with a message of from the President-Elect of the American Library Association, Emily Drabinski.
VENDOR RECEPTION Attendees gather to socialize with vendors and see what is new and exciting in librarianship. Attendees at this event will enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres courtesy of your company.
Attendees gather to socialize with vendors and see what is new and exciting in librarianship. Attendees at this event will enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres courtesy of your company.
Conference Bags - SOLD OUT Your logo on bags that will be carried throughout the conference and beyond.
Your logo on bags that will be carried throughout the conference and beyond.
Reach just the right audience with these exclusive sponsorship opportunities.
CLOSING KEYNOTE SPEAKER The very last event of the conference, the closing keynote leaves a lasting impression with attendees.
The very last event of the conference, the closing keynote leaves a lasting impression with attendees.
MACRL LUNCHEON Support the gathering of Missouri higher education institutions and independent research libraries. YOUTH SERVICES MEAL EVENT This event is designed specifically for librarians with an interest in developing and promoting library service to children and teens.
MACRL LUNCHEON
Support the gathering of Missouri higher education institutions and independent research libraries.
YOUTH SERVICES MEAL EVENT
This event is designed specifically for librarians with an interest in developing and promoting library service to children and teens.
REFRESHMENT STATIONS (4) These stations will offer attendees a chance to recharge and refuel between sessions courtesy of your company or organization.
REFRESHMENT STATIONS (4)
These stations will offer attendees a chance to recharge and refuel between sessions courtesy of your company or organization.
Get your business or organization in front of librarians with these fun sponsorship opportunities.
tABLE TALKS & pOSTER SESSIONS - SOLD OUT High interest, interactive, timely information sessions held in the exhibit hall.
High interest, interactive, timely information sessions held in the exhibit hall.
MLA NEW MEMBER MEET & GREET - SOLD OUT This event welcomes new members of MLA to dive in and discover what MLA can do for them and their professional growth.
This event welcomes new members of MLA to dive in and discover what MLA can do for them and their professional growth.
BOHLEY TRIVIA NIGHT - SOLD OUT This event brings librarians together for an energetic night of fun and friendly competition.
This event brings librarians together for an energetic night of fun and friendly competition.
FRIDAY MORNING YOGA This fun literary themed yoga session will energize librarians for the final day of the conference. LANYARDS - SOLD OUT These ever-present items will be worn by every conference attendee and serve as a reminder of your support long after the conference is over.
This fun literary themed yoga session will energize librarians for the final day of the conference.
LANYARDS - SOLD OUT
These ever-present items will be worn by every conference attendee and serve as a reminder of your support long after the conference is over.
A conference breakout room will be reserved for 15 minute demonstration sessions at $150 each. Limit one demo per vendor. We have the ability to sell up to 10 demo sessions. Available to exhibitors or sponsors. Demo spots will be taken on a first-come first-served basis and vendors will be informed of the time and location for their demo spot in advance of the conference.
Vendor registration is open now and closes August 30th, 2024.
Cancellations should be made in writing by email to MLA@amigos.org by August 30th, 2024, and are subject to a 50% cancellation fee. No refunds shall be paid as a result of subsequent booth sales. No refunds will be made after August 30th, 2024. All cancellations are final. MLA may resell cancelled booths as opportunities allow.
The Missouri Library Association (MLA) hosts professional events and communication outlets to enable its members to receive continuing education, build professional networks, and discover new products and services for professional use. To provide all participants the opportunity to benefit from MLA events, the Missouri Library Association is committed to providing a safe and harassment-free environment for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, physical appearance, ethnicity, religion, or other group identity.
The Missouri Library Association follows the American Library Association's Statement of Appropriate Conduct regarding harassment or other inappropriate behaviors. If any MLA member ever feels uncomfortable or harassed, or it they witness any violations of these policies, they should reach out to an MLA event planner, an MLA board member as designated by name badge, or to conference security, if applicable. Individuals may also email conference@molib.org. All reports will be directed to the MLA Board for further action. Anyone working in a college or university setting may also be required to contact their Title IX officer.
For more information or to discuss opportunities please contact:
conference@molib.org
Conference Coordinators: Stephanie Shade & Michael Engelman
Trade Show Chairs: DaMonica Davis & Samantha Faulkner
11730 N. Ambassador Drive
Join your fellow librarians and library workers from across the state of Missouri (and beyond!) as we look to the future of libraries and gain inspiration for innovation! Attendees will learn and network together as we craft the future of Missouri libraries.
Registration Information
Early Bird Registration Rate -- Ends August 9th, 2024
Regular Registration Rates -- Beginning August 10th, 2024
* Single Session Guest Presenters registration requires a code. Please contact your Conference Coordinators at conference@molib.org to request the code.
Pre-Conferences
MLA is offering two pre-conferences! All pre-conferences will take place on Wednesday, September 25th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. These pre-conferences are free to attend but registration is required.
Access Challenged? Intellectual Freedom Workshop
Libraries need staff who are conversant in intellectual freedom, in all departments and on all levels. This three-hour workshop is designed to give attendees a broad overview of Intellectual Freedom as the basis of library services and increase their comfort level when interacting with their community.
Genealogy and Local History Community of Interest Pre-Conference "Beyond the Library: Innovative Approaches to Sharing Local History and Genealogy"
Get ready for an enriching Pre-conference experience with three dynamic sessions. "Grave Matters: Community Connections through Monument Clearing" sheds light on the Christian County Library's remarkable gravestone cleaning program, which has restored over 200 headstones, fostering community engagement and preserving local history. "Roots on a Budget: Crafting Successful Family History Programs" Cass County Library offers practical strategies for creating impactful genealogy initiatives without hefty financial investments. Lastly, "KCPL150: Celebrating a Milestone Anniversary" dives into the Kansas City Public Library's 150th anniversary festivities, exploring archival storytelling and reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of commemorating institutional milestones."
Looking for a great storyteller, musician or magician to work magic at one of your programs? Look no further than the Youth Services' Community of Interest organized "Performer's Showcase" featuring live 10 minute demos from performers who cater to a library audience with quality programming appropriate for children, teens, and/or families at a reasonable cost to the host libraries! The Performer's Showcase is free to attend but registration is required.
Special Events
Beyond our exciting opening and closing keynote events and the all-conference awards gala, MLA is offering four additional special events.
Wednesday, September 25th, 2024
PEER Bohley Trivia Night
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: $20
Thursday, September 26th, 2024
Thusnelda Schmidt Luncheon
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost: $30
MACRL Luncheon
Hotel Information
Policies and Notes
Conference event dates/times are subject to change. Please refer to the conference schedule for the most up-to-date information.
Cancellation policy: Cancellation and refund requests must be submitted in writing before September 1st. After that time, only hardship requests for refunds will be granted on a case-by-case basis. Submit cancellation requests to MLA@amigos.org.
Conference Photography: Conference volunteers will be taking photos and/or videos during the conference that may be used in MLA social media postings or other MLA print or online publications. Your attendance at the conference grants permission for these images to be used. Those wishing not to be photographed or recorded should inform the photographer.
Code of Conduct: The Missouri Library Association (MLA) hosts professional events and communication outlets to enable its members to receive continuing education, build professional networks, and discover new products and services for professional use. To provide all participants the opportunity to benefit from MLA events, the Missouri Library Association is committed to providing a safe and harassment-free environment for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, physical appearance, ethnicity, religion, or other group identity.
The Missouri Library Association follows the American Library Association’s Statement of Appropriate Conduct regarding harassment or other inappropriate behaviors. If any MLA member ever feels uncomfortable or harassed, or if they witness any violations of these policies, they should reach out to an MLA event planner, an MLA Board member as designated by name badge, or to conference security, if applicable. Individuals may also email conference@molib.org. All reports will be directed to the MLA Board for further action. Anyone working in a college or university setting may also be required to contact their Title IX officer.
If you have questions, please contact: conference@molib.org
MLA 2024 Conference Performer's Showcase
Attention performers and entertainers:
The Missouri Library Association will be hosting its Annual Conference September 25th-27th, 2024 in Kansas City, MO. The Performer's Showcase Selection Committee is looking for performers to share their offerings for quality library programming appropriate for children, teens, and/or families at a reasonable cost to the host libraries.
All attendees of the MLA 2024 Conference will be invited to attend the Performer's Showcase scheduled for Wednesday, September 25th from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Selected performers will be scheduled for a 10-minute demonstration slot between 8:00-11:30 a.m. on September 25th. Then, from 11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. attendees may visit performers’ tables to pick up information and ask questions. This is a great opportunity to present a short sneak preview of your program, distribute promotional materials, and speak with librarians from around Missouri.
Performance Time, Info Table, Directory Ad and Link - $130
Note: If you choose this registration type and you are not selected to perform, you may still attend at the "Table, Directory Ad, and Link" level with a $30 refund. If you are not selected and do not choose to attend at the aforementioned level, a full refund will be issued.
Info Table, Directory Ad and Link - $100
Directory Ad and Link - $60
Link only - $30
Please note the following details before applying:
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: August 9, 2024
ACCEPTANCE NOTIFICATION: August 16, 2024
FEE PAYMENT DEADLINE: August 23, 2024
You must complete your registration by August 9, 2024 to be considered for inclusion. Please note the following information regarding registration, invoices, and payment.
Cancellations must be made in writing and sent via email to mla@amigos.org prior to September 1, 2024. All cancellations are final.
We look forward to another great Performer Showcase this year!
If you have questions, please contact the Youth Services Community of Interest at:
ysci@molib.org
Single Event Ticket
PEER BOHLEY TRIVIA NIGHT
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Ticketed event $20
Cancellation policy: Refund requests must be submitted in writing before September 1. After that time, only hardship requests for refunds will be granted on a case-by-case basis. Submit cancellation requests to mla@amigos.org.
Thursday, September 26, 2024
Ticketed event $30
Cancellation policy: Refund requests must be submitted in writing before September 1. After that time, only hardship requests for refunds will be granted on a case-by-case basis. Submit cancellation requests to MLA@amigos.org.
Thurs, October 5th 2023
Ticketed event $40
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State Partner for Missouri
MLA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
1190 Meramec Station Rd. Ste 207
Ballwin, MO 63021
MLA@amigos.org
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