Find the answer here…
Many commonly asked questions are answered below. If you don’t find the information you’re looking for, please contact PLA at
- Accessibility
- Appropriate Conduct
- Attire
- Cancellation Policy
- Canvassing
- Coat/Bag Check
- Device Charging
- Exhibits
- Families
- Handouts
- Help Desk
- Hotels
- Local Transportation
- Membership
- Photographic Images
- Printed Schedule & Mobile App
- Registration
- Shipping
- Social Media
- Venues
- WiFi/Internet
- For Exhibitors & Sponsors
- For Press
Accessibility
Is the conference/convention center accessible?
PLA has put in place features to ensure the conference is accessible to all. These include, but are not limited to: captioning of the Opening Session, Closing Session, and Big Ideas Series; accessible sleeping rooms; ASL interpreters; and mobility assistance like scooters and wheelchairs.
How do I request a scooter, wheelchair, or other special accommodation?
Please contact Melissa Faubel Johnson at mfaubel@ala.org no later than March 1, 2018, to reserve a scooter/wheelchair or to request an ASL interpreter.
When booking your hotel room, you can request specific aids or services needed for your stay. Experient staff will contact you to confirm your needs. Please be sure to reconfirm your requests with your hotel prior to arrival.
Are scooters/wheelchairs allowed in the Exhibits Hall?
Scooters and wheelchairs are permitted on the exhibit floor as long as they are in use at all times. Wheeled carts, however, are not permitted at any time. If you have a medical condition requiring you to use a cart, please bring a doctor’s note to the special assistance counter in the registration area.
Appropriate Conduct
Does the conference have an appropriate conduct policy?
Whom do I contact to report harassment at the conference?
All participants are expected to observe the rules and behaviors described in the Statement of Appropriate Conduct in all conference venues, including online venues, and conference social events. The statement includes contact information to report incidents of harassment.
Attire
What is the conference dress code?
How will other attendees be dressed at the conference?
There is no formal dress code at the PLA Conference. What’s most important is to dress for comfort.
Cancellation Policy
The PLA 2018 Conference is offered on a cost-recovery basis. PLA reserves the right to cancel all or any part of this event if there is insufficient registration or for other reasons. Neither ALA nor PLA is responsible for cancellation charges assessed by the airlines or travel agencies, or other losses incurred due to the cancellation of the workshops. All information listed on this website is subject to change.
Can I cancel my conference registration?
Can I get a refund of my conference registration?
Written cancellations, requests for refunds, and/or changes will be accepted until February 23, 2018, and are subject to a $30 handling fee. Please send your cancellation request to Experient at pla@experient-inc.com. Refunds will be processed after April 23, 2018. According to PLA policy, all meal events require preregistration. The above cancellation/change information also applies to all preconferences, meal events, and tours. No meal tickets will be sold onsite.
Written cancellations, requests for refunds, and/or changes for the Virtual Conference only will be accepted until February 28, 2018, and are subject to a $30 handling fee. Refunds will be processed after April 23, 2018.
I’m an exhibitor; can I cancel my booth space?
All booth space cancellation requests must be received in writing by Show Management (Corcoran Expositions). If space is reduced, the net reduction of space will be treated as a cancellation of that space. If Show Management receives a written request for cancellation of space on or before October 31, 2017, the exhibitor will be eligible for a refund less the nonrefundable deposit of $950 per 100 square feet of exhibit space. For cancellations received after October 31, 2017, exhibitors are liable for 100% of the cost of space.
Canvassing
Can my organization solicit signatures from conference attendees?
Canvassing of PLA Conference attendees during programs and at the conference venue (outside of the areas approved by PLA for exhibitors) is strictly prohibited. If this activity is discovered, violators will be directed to cease immediately. PLA provides many opportunities for representatives from for-profit and non-profit organizations to make conference attendees aware of their services and products. These include exhibiting, advertising, sponsoring, and, as approved by PLA, program planning. For information on participating in PLA Conferences and professional development events, contact the PLA office at
Can I canvass on behalf of a candidate running for PLA/ALA office at the conference?
For candidates running for PLA/ALA office, PLA will provide a table for campaign literature in the exhibit hall at the convention center. Candidates must inform PLA Executive Director Barb Macikas at bmacikas@ala.org, no later than January 15 if they will require a table for campaign literature. No on-site requests will be honored. The candidates are responsible for shipping, delivering, and replenishing materials at this table. The designated table is the only location in the convention center where campaign materials may be distributed. Materials found in any other location will be discarded. Candidates are not required to provide campaign materials.
Coat/Bag Check
Will I be able to check my coat or luggage when I’m at the convention center?
Coat/bag check will be in the Pennsylvania Convention Center near meeting rooms 105–107. Open Tuesday–Saturday.
Device Charging
Will I be able to charge my device when I’m at the convention center?
Charge your device in the Charging Lounge, located on the bridge coming from registration to Halls A, B, and C.
Exhibits
Where are the exhibits and what hours are the exhibits open?
The Exhibits Hall is located in the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Exhibit Hall AB. Hours will be:
Wednesday, March 21, 3:30 PM–6:30 PM for the Exhibits Opening Reception
Thursday, March 22, 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
Friday, March 23, 9:30 AM–2:00 PM
Are wheeled carts, etc., allowed in the Exhibits Hall?
Strollers and scooters are permitted on the exhibit floor as long as they are in use at all times. Wheeled carts, however, are not permitted at any time. If you have a medical condition requiring you to use a cart, please bring a doctor’s note to the special assistance counter in the registration area.
Families
Is there childcare available for attendees’ children?
Childcare is not provided by PLA during the conference.
Is there a place I can use my breast pump?
For your convenience and privacy, Mothers Rooms are located in the Pennsylvania Convention Center rooms 308, 309, and 310. The convention center also offers two portable “Mamava” lactation suites for nursing mothers to breast feed infants or to use breast pumps in privacy. The units are self-contained, mobile pods with comfortable benches, an electrical outlet, and a door that can be locked for privacy. One is positioned near the Concierge Desk on the convention center’s second level between Halls A and B, and a second unit is located on the street level on the Broad and Arch Concourse.
May I bring my family member to the convention center?
Exhibits-Only badges will be available for purchase onsite. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Handouts
Where can I find handouts to download?
For concurrent program sessions: If presenters uploaded handouts in advance of the conference, then you’ll find them on the program’s detail page on this conference website. Search for programs at http://2018.placonference.org/programs/, then click through to the detail page. If you don’t find handout links on a program’s detail page, this most likely means the presenter(s) didn’t upload handouts. After the conference presenters will have until April 22 to upload handouts, with this website updated periodically through the week of April 23–27.
For preconferences: Sorry, but handouts for preconferences are not available to download.
Help Desk
Which sessions should I plan to attend?
Can someone help me use the mobile app?
New at the PLA 2018 Conference is our Help Desk, where attendees can get expert guidance on selecting educational programs and assistance in using the conference mobile app! The Help Desk will be conveniently located outside Hall C (where general sessions and the Big Ideas series will take place) and will be staffed during set hours on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. For help planning your time at conference, or assistance with the mobile app, stop by the Help Desk during any of the following times:
Tuesday, March 20, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00–3:00 PM
Wednesday, March 21, 8:00 AM–2:00 PM
Thursday, March 22, 9:15 AM–10:45 AM, 11:45 AM–2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM–4:00 PM
Friday, March 23, 9:15 AM–10:45 AM, 11:45 AM–2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM–4:00 PM
Hotels
When is the deadline to reserve a hotel room?
Deadline for housing reservations was 5:00 PM Eastern on March 2, 2018. If you need to make a reservation, you may connect with aRes Housing (a business partner that provides alternate housing options) to help you find accommodations in Philadelphia.
Can I reserve a hotel room before I register for the conference?
No. Conference registration is required to book housing.
I’ve already registered, but I forgot to reserve a hotel room. Can I reserve one now?
Deadline for housing reservations was 5:00 PM Eastern on March 2, 2018. If you need to make a reservation, you may connect with aRes Housing (a business partner that provides alternate housing options) to help you find accommodations in Philadelphia.
Whom do I contact about a problem with my housing?
If you need to cancel or change an existing reservation, please contact your confirmed hotel directly starting on Tuesday, March 6. And beginning March 20, PLA’s official housing company, Experient, will be onsite in the registration area in the Pennsylvania Convention Center to provide assistance with housing issues.
Local Transportation
Are there shuttles from my hotel to the convention center?
PLA’s selected hotels are located within walking distance of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
How can I get around the city?
The heart of the city is easy to navigate. The Schuylkill and Delaware rivers border Center City’s 25 blocks on the west and east. Keep in mind that, south of Market Street, streets running east and west are named after trees while north and south streets are numbered. Check out the printable Center City map (PDF) or view our interactive city map for more information.
Philadelphia has been ranked as one of the most walkable cities in the nation, but it also has a top-notch mass transit system, is served by taxis and Uber, and has options for bike/Segway rentals.
How will the March for Our Lives on Saturday affect attendees?
As an organization that openly deplores gun violence, which materially affects the libraries and communities we serve, PLA stands in absolute solidarity with the March for Our Lives movement. Accordingly, we are working to make information available to PLA Conference attendees regarding the Philadelphia demonstration on March 24. All conference activities scheduled for March 24 will continue as planned, and PLA will provide further updates through the mobile app and social media channels. Please allow extra time when traveling in downtown Philadelphia on March 24; prepare for delays in exiting the downtown area and disruption to normal traffic flows.
Membership
How can I join PLA?
When does my PLA membership expire?
ALA and PLA membership is managed by the ALA Membership & Customer Service (MACS) unit. You can join or renew/rejoin/add to your membership using ALA’s secure online form; or you can print and fill out a membership form and fax or mail it in; or call
Photographic Images
Will there be photographers/videographers at the conference?
Yes. Registration and attendance at, or participation in, the PLA 2018 Conference constitutes an agreement by the registrant to PLA’s use and distribution of the registrant or attendee’s image or voice in photographs, videotapes, electronic reproductions, and audiotapes of such events and activities.
Printed Schedule & Mobile App
Will a program book or schedule be mailed to me, or will I receive one onsite?
New for 2018: We’ve replaced the bulky onsite program book and registration handouts with a compact schedule (made from 100% recycled papers!). With this reduction of materials, the conference tote bag has become a thing of the past. If you still enjoy having a tote bag for carrying non-registration items, please plan ahead and bring your own bag or swing through the Exhibits Hall to see which vendors are providing bags. The reduction of printed materials helps PLA to invest in other attendee resources to enhance your conference experience.
Is there a mobile app for the conference?
A printed schedule will be provided at registration and will include event/program schedules, titles, and room numbers. It will also include general attendee information, convention center maps, and exhibitor listings.
For detailed information—including session descriptions, presenters, evaluations, and more—please refer to the PLA 2018 Conference mobile app or website.
Can someone help me use the mobile app?
In-app help is available by tapping the Using This App icon, and you can contact PLA staff at placonfapp@ala.org for additional assistance.
Registration/Attendee Materials Pick-up
When is the deadline for advance registration?
Everyone should register by 11:59 PM Pacific on February 23, 2018, to take advantage of Advanced registration discounts.
Will I receive my badge in the mail?
Your conference badge and event tickets (for preconferences and meal events) have been mailed to you. If you registered recently or didn’t receive your badge in the mail, your badge will be available at registration. A photo ID is required to receive your badge onsite. Your badge must be presented at the Attendee Materials Pick-up counters in the Pennsylvania Convention Center to complete the registration process.
Where is onsite registration and what are its hours?
When can I pick up my badge?
Conference registration is located in the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Onsite registration and attendee materials pick-up hours are:
Tuesday, March 20, 7:30 AM–5:00 PM
Wednesday, March 21, 7:30 AM–6:30 PM
Thursday, March 22, 7:30 AM–5:30 PM
Friday, March 23, 7:30 AM–4:00 PM
Saturday, March 24, 8:00 AM–10:00 AM
I’ve already registered, but can I still add a preconference or special author event?
Although registration for preconferences and author events is now closed, limited space in some preconferences may be available onsite. However, tickets for author events will not be available onsite.
Are meals included with my registration?
Although there are several free receptions, as well as coffee breaks in the Exhibits Hall, conference registration does not include meals. Full-day preconferences, which include lunch, and special meal events require a separate registration.
How do I register multiple staff with a single payment?
If your organization needs to register multiple staff with a single purchase order, check, or credit card transaction, please mail or fax your registration forms and provide detailed information in cover letter.
Whom do I contact about a problem with my registration?
Contact Experient at pla@experient-inc.com or 800-424-5249 (U.S. and Canada)/847-996-5829 (all other countries). Experient representatives are available Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM Eastern.
Shipping
Is there a post office or shipping center in the convention center?
There’s a FedEx Office® Print & Ship Center in the Pennsylvania Convention Center for your shipping needs.
Social Media
Where can I find the PLA Conference on social media?
Join the PLA Conference Facebook group to connect with other attendees, ask questions, share resources, and receive updates. We’ll also post about the conference on PLA’s regular social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Is there an official conference hashtag I can use in my social media posts?
The official conference hashtag is #PLA2018.
Venues
Where is the PLA Conference?
Where are official PLA programs and meal events being held?
Most conference events—including all preconferences and concurrent program sessions—will take place in the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Author meal events will be held at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, and other venues as indicated.
Will there be gender neutral restrooms?
Gender-neutral restrooms will be designated in the Pennsylvania Convention Center by rooms 201 and 109.
Is there a map of the convention center?
Floor plans of the Pennsylvania Convention Center and Philadelphia Marriott Downtown are available in the mobile app under “Maps.”
WiFi/Internet
Is there free WiFi in the convention center?
Conference WiFi (sponsored by BiblioCommons) will be available in the common/public areas, meeting rooms, general session room, and the PLA Pavilion (in the Exhibits Hall) of the convention center. In the convention center, connect your device to the
For Exhibitors & Sponsors
How do I purchase exhibit booth space at the conference?
Interested in exhibiting at PLA 2018? Contact Carly DiVito, Corcoran Expositions, at
Where can I get a copy of materials for exhibitors?
Information regarding shipping, booth furniture rentals, and facility services can be found in the Exhibitor Service Manual through the FreemanOnline website. If you have not previously logged in to FreemanOnline for an event, you will need to set up a username and password. If you have any questions regarding the Exhibitor Service Manual or need help logging in, please contact Freeman Customer Service at 888-508-5054 or customersupport@freemanco.com.
- Lead Management Order Form (PDF, 2 pgs.)
How do I access exhibitor registration and housing?
Please visit Exhibitor Registration and Housing.
Can I rent the attendee list?
Contact Carly DiVito, Corcoran Expositions, at
My company wants to become a conference sponsor. Whom do we contact?
To discuss PLA 2018 sponsorship opportunities, contact Corcoran Expositions, Mary Michalik at
How can I advertise to conference attendees?
Print and electronic advertising opportunities are available to reach PLA members and attendees both before and during the conference.
Can my company use the conference logo in its promotional materials?
The custom logos of the PLA 2018 Conference are the property of PLA. Anyone wishing to use the logos in their communications and promotional materials must: 1) seek permission from PLA, and 2) submit communication/artwork incorporating the logo to PLA for final approval. The logo may not be modified and must be reproduced in its entirety (i.e., no outlines, cropping). To request the use of the logo, companies should contact Carly DiVito at Corcoran Expositions at 312-541-0567 or carly@corcexpo.com; all others should contact PLA at
Also, you can use electronic badges to let your customers know you’ll be exhibiting at PLA 2018.
Can I cancel my exhibit booth space?
All booth space cancellation requests must be received in writing by Show Management (Corcoran Expositions). If space is reduced, the net reduction of space will be treated as a cancellation of that space. If Show Management receives a written request for cancellation of space on or before October 31, 2017, the exhibitor will be eligible for a refund less the nonrefundable deposit of $950 per 100 square feet of exhibit space. For cancellations received after October 31, 2017, exhibitors are liable for 100% of the cost of space.
For Press
I’m a journalist; how do I report on the conference for my publication?
I have a personal blog; can I register for the conference as press?
Those requesting media registration must be currently employed by a publication or news organization, as described in our conference media policy. Contact Macey Morales, Deputy Director, ALA Public Awareness Office, 312-280-4393 or mmorales@ala.org, for more information.