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MLA 2025 ANNUAL CONFERENCE Special Events

Welcome Reception at Lansing Shuffle

Tuesday, October 28 6:00 - 9:00 PM
325 Riverfront Drive, Lansing, MI 48912

Arriving Tuesday before the official start of the conference? Join us at Lansing Shuffle for an early arrival welcome event!

An additional fee applies to this event. Pre-registration is required.

New Attendee Welcome

Wednesday, October 28 10:00 - 10:45 AM

More information about this event is coming soon!

Exhibit Hall Opening Reception

Wednesday, October 28 12:30 - 2:00 PM
Exhibit Hall

Keep the energy and excitement of opening day going by meeting up with colleagues and friends on the trade show floor! Exchange notes on what you’ve seen and heard during the first day of the conference while visiting with vendors.

This event is free to attend for all Wednesday conference attendees and exhibit booth personnel.

Michigan Library Awards Ceremony and Dinner

Wednesday, October 28 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Lansing Center Ballroom

The Michigan Library Awards are awarded annually and are considered the state’s highest honors within the library community. The awards celebrate the excellence, accomplishments, dedication and service of library staff, trustees and supporters in Michigan libraries.

This event is free to attend for all Wednesday conference attendees or tickets can be purchased as an a la carte event. Pre-registration is required. Learn more about the Michigan Library Awards.

Reception at the Library of Michigan

Thursday, October 30 6:30 - 9:00 PM
702 W Kalamazoo Street, Lansing, MI 48915

Get ready for a lively and festive night at the Library of Michigan! This year’s all-conference reception is packed with music, refreshments, and plenty of fun, including a Halloween Costume Contest with four frightfully fun categories:

• Individual – Literary Theme
• Individual – Other Theme
• Group – Literary Theme
• Group – Other Theme

Don your best costume for a chance to win or just come to enjoy the festivities!

We’ll also be honoring the incredible career and retirement of MLA Executive Director Debbie Mikula! Help us celebrate her legacy with laughter, applause, and good cheer.

Shuttle transportation will be provided from the conference hotel to the Library of Michigan. Don’t miss this magical, memorable night with colleagues and friends. Costumes encouraged, creativity celebrated!

This event is free to attend, but pre-registration is required.

Headshot Photography Studio

Are you in need of a new (or first!) professional headshot? MLA has partnered with a local photographer offer complimentary headshots to conference attendees.

Thank you to Fast Forward Libraries for sponsoring this event!

Silent Auction

Vendors and attendees are asked for donations of any kind to this auction: library bling, vendor give-a-ways, new books, posters, a weekend stay in a fabulous location, anything which could either stand alone as an auction item or could be combined with other items to make a great gift basket! Proceeds from the auction will benefit MLA’s Educational Scholarship Fund.

Annual Conference Gives Back

More information about this charitable opportunity is coming soon!