Imagine the Possibilities

Getting Around Philadelphia

Philadelphia has been ranked as one of the most walkable cities in the nation, but it also has a top-notch mass transit system and more.


Philadelphia March for Our Lives on Saturday, March 24: PLA Conference attendees should allow extra time when traveling in downtown Philadelphia on March 24. Those with flights departing from Philadelphia International Airport should prepare for delays in exiting the downtown area and disruption to normal traffic flows.


  • Get oriented: Thanks to founder William Penn’s smart and simple grid street design, 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.

  • Walking: World-class dining, arts and entertainment, famous historic sites, and tax-free clothing and shoes shopping are within steps of Center City hotels. As you walk, you’ll notice color-coded directional signs that let you know what district you’re in and point you toward area attractions. And look for Center City District’s goodwill ambassadors, dressed in teal uniforms and equipped with maps, who are happy to give directions and answer questions.

  • Public Transportation: Base cash fare for the SEPTA bus, trolley, and subway system is $2.25; transfers are $1.00. The best travel value is the Individual Independence Pass for $13 or a Family Independence Pass (good for one family of up to 5 people traveling together) for $30. Both provide unlimited travel on all SEPTA modes of transportation for a full day.

  • Taxi: There are more than 1,600 licensed and trained taxis in Philadelphia. Or download the Uber app to order a town car to your location.

  • By Bike/Segway: Check out Wheel Fun Rentals for more information, or participate in Philly’s bike share program, Indego. With more than 70 stations located throughout the city, go for a ride and explore Philadelphia, then return your rented bike to any station location.

For questions about…

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.

Attendee Cancellation Policy

Written cancellations, requests for refunds, and/or changes will be accepted until February 23, 2018, and are subject to a $30 handling fee. 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.

Exhibitor Cancellation Policy

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.

Advertising

Print and electronic advertising opportunities are available to reach PLA members and attendees both before and during the conference.

Exhibits

Interested in exhibiting at PLA 2018? Contact Carly DiVito, Corcoran Expositions, at 312-541-0567 or carly@corcexpo.com.

Media

Contact Macey Morales, Deputy Director, ALA Public Awareness Office, 312-280-4393 or mmorales@ala.org. Please review our conference media policy.

Membership

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 800-545-2433 and press 5. Direct your membership questions to MACS at customerservice@ala.org or 800-545-2433 and press 5. MACS representatives are available Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM Central.

Registration & Housing

Problems or questions regarding registration or housing? 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.

Sponsorships

To discuss PLA 2018 sponsorship opportunities, contact Corcoran Expositions, Mary Michalik at 312-265-9650, mary@corcexpo.com; or Matt McLaughlin at 312-265-9655, matt@corcexpo.com.

Thank You PLA 2018 Conference Sponsors!

Other Questions

Many commonly asked questions are answered in our FAQ. If you don’t find the information you’re looking for, please contact PLA at 800-545-2433 x5PLA (x5752) or pla@ala.org. Or the PLA Staff directory may help you find just the right person to ask.


PLA 2016 Archive

Looking for handouts and other information from the PLA 2016 Conference, which took place April 5–9, 2016 in Denver, CO? The PLA 2016 Conference website has been archived at http://2016.placonference.org.

View the list of past PLA Conferences from 1983 to present.