Annual Conference 2026
Save the Date! MiALA Conference 2026
Planning is underway for the 2026 Annual Conference, Finding Our True North: Creating Connections to Light Our Way.
The conference will be held at the Park Place Hotel & Conference Center in downtown Traverse City on May 7 & 8, 2026, with pre-conference events taking place on Wednesday, May 6.
Over the next few months, please watch for updates, including calls for presentation and poster proposals, and scholarship opportunities.
The Conference Planning Committee includes representatives from Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) and academic libraries from around the state: Aquinas College, Central Michigan University, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, Jackson College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Kettering University, Lansing Community College, Madonna University, Michigan School of Psychology, Michigan State University, University of Detroit Mercy, University of Michigan-Flint, and Western Michigan University.
If you have questions for the committee or ideas you’d like to share, please email conference@miala.org.
We look forward to seeing you in Traverse City in 2026!
Posters
The call for posters opens December 8th.
Proposals
The call for proposals is now open!
MiALA is excited to welcome Steven Adams as the keynote speaker for the upcoming 2026 MiALA conference!
Steven M. Adams has 26 years of experience as a librarian, educator, speaker, and workshop facilitator. He creates dynamic learning experiences that spark introspection and nurture group cohesion. Steven’s current research and workshop design projects explore the role of curiosity in creating and sustaining engaging workplace cultures. He is currently Head of Public Services for Learning and Engagement at Northwestern University. Steven recently completed his time as the Faculty Mentor for Northwestern's 7th class of Posse Scholars. As a passionate advocate for the archival preservation of African American legacies, he also serves as the Board Chair of the Black Metropolis Research Consortium (BMRC). Prior to Northwestern, Steven served as Princeton University’s Biological and Life Sciences Librarian and Psychology Librarian, and as a Reference Librarian at the Atlanta University Center’s Woodruff Library. Steven received his B.A in Biology and his M.S.L.S. from Clark Atlanta University.
Outside of his professional activities, Steven is doing work in Evanston, IL, to address issues that affect children, such as poverty, hopelessness, and uneven educational opportunities through the life span. Steven is Vice President of the Board of Foundation 65, which raises funds and leads initiatives which support K-8 teachers.
Premier Level
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Funding is provided in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan. See the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), Library of Michigan, website for further information.