Annual Conference 2026
MiALA 2026 Annual Conference
Finding Our True North: Creating Connections to Light Our Way
May 6-8, 2026
Park Place Hotel & Conference Center
Traverse City, Michigan
Amid an era of rapid and often unsettling change in higher education, Michigan’s academic libraries remain vital centers of integrity, inquiry, and connection. Committed to upholding intellectual freedom, access, inclusivity, privacy, and the pursuit of truth, our “True North” is the shared compass that guides our work and keeps us grounded. This year’s conference seeks to illuminate how academic libraries across Michigan are building resilience, fostering collaboration, and staying true to our values even when external pressures threaten to pull us off course.
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 is also a member of the Black Metropolis Research Consortium Board, and former Board Chair. 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.
Conference Accommodations
The roomblock at the discounted rate is fully booked. Please visit the main Park Place Hotel website to book at the regular rate or find different accommodations, such as:
- The Loop (.5 miles)
- Hotel Indigo (.5 miles)
- Cambria Hotel (2 miles)
- Sierra Motel (2 miles)
- Registration fee schedule:
- $250 non-MiALA member
- $175 MiALA, ALAO, and MHSLA members
- $100 Support staff
- $50 Student
Conference Schedule
The conference schedule is now available.
Conference Scholarships
Scholarship opportunities are now closed.
Conference Posters
Poster Session Descriptions available here.
Conference Proposals
The call for proposals is now closed.
Premier Level
Platinum Level
Gold Level
Silver Level
Bronze Level
General Support
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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.