Call for Proposals
MLA will now be using the Slideroom platform for proposal submission as well as some nominations and applications. This change aims to make it easier to review and organize proposals and applications, shorten the time it takes for applicants to receive a reply, and streamline our internal processes.
MLA’s Slideroom homepage will list all open programs; just select the application you wish to complete and set up a Slideroom account. You will be able to log in to this account to see updates and submit future applications and proposals. The application form will be very similar to past MLA applications, and full details can be previewed before beginning your application.
Please note that Slideroom will only accept one submission per email address. If you would like to submit multiple proposals, please use a second email address or have a co-presenter complete the form.
Annual Calls for Proposals are issued for our Spring Institute for Youth Services Conference and our Annual Conference. Calls for Proposals for webinars, workshops, and additional resources are issued as needed. Review details of open and upcoming calls for proposals below.
MLA 2026 Annual Conference Call for Proposals
Submissions are welcome through Friday, May 15, 2026
Click here to view these guidelines as a PDF.
The Michigan Library Association invites proposals for breakout sessions at the 2026 MLA Annual Conference to be presented October 28-30, 2026, at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace (formerly known as Suburban Collection Showplace) located in Novi. The Michigan Library Association Annual Conference is the premier professional development and networking event for Michigan library staff, students, and trustees.
We invite any of the above groups as well as subject matter experts to propose breakout sessions aligned with our theme, Beyond Buzzwords: An Enduring Public Good. By offering a range of sessions, attendees will explore meaningful ideas, programs, and services that demonstrate the lasting value of libraries. What does it look like to move beyond buzzwords and put enduring public good into practice? What new ideas and approaches will you share?
We value the creativity and expertise of our library community and welcome proposals on a wide range of topics. To help guide prospective speakers, the following areas represent themes we are especially interested in featuring this year:
- ADA Compliance
- Artificial Intelligence
- Innovative or Unique Public Services
- Communication
- Community Partnerships
- Sustainability
Session Proposal Guidelines
Speakers must be able to present in-person at the conference hosted October 28-30, 2026 at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace. Sessions may be placed anytime during the conference. Speakers are not required to attend the conference beyond their session.
Sessions are educational, generative, or inspirational in nature. Sales pitches of products or services will not be accepted.
MLA reserves the right to edit or combine session proposals before acceptance.
Contact information must be provided for all speakers.
You do not need to be an MLA member to submit.
Evaluation Criteria
The MLA Annual Conference workgroup will use the following criteria in assessing the viability of including a program in the schedule. The workgroup retains the right to reject, modify, or combine proposals.
Purpose: Does the proposal clearly identify a goal and takeaways for the audience?
Audience: Is the target audience clearly identified?
Practicality: Is the topic appropriate for a conference breakout session in content and target audience?
Engagement: Will the presentation and presenter(s) keep the audience’s focus and attention through clear speech, engaging visuals, useful and relatable content?
Timeliness/Relevance: Is the topic of current interest, bringing new ideas and a fresh perspective to its intended audience and theme?
Qualifications: Does the speaker(s) have sufficient or relevant experience to present on the proposed topic?
Theme Adherence: To what extent does the proposal fit with the theme Beyond Buzzwords: An Enduring Public Good?
Agreements and Selection Notification
MLA will contact each presenter in writing with the workgroup’s acceptance decision.
MLA will send all individual presenters a Presenter Agreement indicating the date, time, and details of their presentation. This must be confirmed by the presenters and returned to MLA.
Handouts
Handouts are strongly recommended for every session.
Handouts will be added to the event website and mobile app. Examples of handouts may be, but are not limited to: presenter contact information, a list of additional resources, a copy of presentation slides, or related worksheets.
Printed handouts are not distributed onsite by MLA. Presenters may provide hard copies of handouts if desired at their own cost. We also encourage providing access to handouts directly in your presentation via QR code.
Deadlines and Due Dates
Friday, May 15, 2026 — Final day to submit proposals. MLA reserves the right to extend the submission deadline if needed; any extension will be announced publicly.
Friday, June 19, 2026 — Selection notifications distributed via email from MLA to all presenters.
Friday, July 24, 2026 — Presenter agreements due to MLA office.
Monday, October 12, 2026— Handouts due for MLA website and mobile app.
Wednesday, October 28 through Friday, October 30, 2026 — MLA 2026 Annual Conference, Vibe Credit Union Showplace.
Program AV & Room Setup
All presentation rooms will be supplied with an HDMI cord, screen, and podium with microphone at no cost to the presenter.
Presenters are expected to use the provided microphone to ensure all attendees are able to hear the presentation clearly.
MLA will have laptops on hand for use, but presenters are encouraged to bring their own device.
Wi-Fi internet will be in each presentation room; however, MLA cannot guarantee the speed and dependability of the services at any given time. MLA encourages presenters to bring a mobile hotspot of their own, just in case, but it is not required.
Remote mouse devices/pointers are the responsibility of the presenter. If presenters choose to bring their own computer that does not connect to an HDMI cable, they will be responsible for providing their own connection cables or adapter.
Rooms are typically set theatre style. MLA will take every effort to make sure the presentation rooms are set up according to the needs of the presentation.
Disclaimers
All speakers must agree to the following statements:
- I understand I will not be reimbursed or compensated for presentation time, mileage, or any other expense related to my participation in the conference.
- I agree to adhere to MLA's Code of Conduct.
- I will be responsible for registering and paying for the conference if I plan on attending other sessions or events beyond my allotted presentation time.
- I will be required to provide my own computer or tablet during the presentation time and any handouts should I choose to bring physical copies.
Questions
Please feel free to contact MLA’s Program and Event Director Amber Sheerin or Conference Workgroup Chair James Pugh with any questions you may have prior to your submission.
Amber Sheerin, Michigan Library Association: [email protected]
James Pugh, Cedar Springs Public Library: [email protected]
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