Pre-conference sessions take place Wednesday, with the full conference continuing Thursday and Friday at the La Vista Conference Center.
We also have Attendee Registration info ready to view. Get your rooms early to lock in the best accommodation and registration rates.
Sneak Peak at Pre-Conference Sessions
Morning Pre-Conference Sessions - Wednesday, October 14 - click to expand
Qualitative Research Bootcamp for Librarians & Archivists
Presented by: Dr. Erin Wahl and Dr. Kristin Kew
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Description: Have you ever wanted to do your own research study but were unsure where to start? Slay this dragon by attending this workshop designed for everyone...from the novice unsure where to start to the experienced researcher who wants a refresher. Publication doesn’t have to be part of your job to attend! Participants will get a crash course in qualitative research. Other topics include choosing and using frameworks, IRB, the publishing process, and co-authoring.
Intro to Anime and Manga: A Cram Session
Presented by: Elizabeth Dukelow and Lyndsey Kopsa
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Description: Hello everyone! Please join us, Liz Dukelow and Lyndsey Kopsa, as we geek out over Anime and Manga! This session is great for newbies or hard-core otakus! We cover a variety of topics including but not limited to: tropes, Japanese visual language, purchasing, reviewing, cataloging practices, age ranges for materials, collectables, censorship, fanmade content, programing ideas, and much much more!
Afternoon Pre-Conference Sessions - Wednesday, October 14 - click to expand
Threading the Needle: Navigating Tough Topics in Librarianship
Presented by: Patty Collins and Maribeth Shafer
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Description: Drawing on the Plains women’s tradition of addressing community issues through conversation at knitting circles and quilting bees, Patty Collins and Maribeth Shafer will facilitate an interactive craft-based discussion on complex challenges in librarianship.
With more than 40 years of combined experience, the facilitators will introduce real-world scenarios to spark meaningful dialogue. Participants are encouraged to bring their own difficult topics, questions, and works-in-progress (WIPs) to keep their hands busy as they contribute to the conversation.
As attendees engage in hands-on crafting, drawing, or coloring they will also engage in thoughtful discussion—creating a relaxed, collaborative environment that supports multiple learning styles. This format lowers barriers to participation, encourages reflection, and fosters authentic connection among peers.
In a time when professional disagreements can quickly become polarized, this session offers a structured yet informal space for constructive dialogue, shared problem-solving, and community building. Participants will leave with new perspectives, practical strategies, and strengthened professional connections.
Advocacy in Action
Presented by: NLA Advocacy Committee
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Description: This dynamic preconference will equip library workers with the knowledge to confidently navigate some of the most challenging issues facing libraries, the skills and media training to communicate most effectively, and awareness of what successful library advocacy has looked like from those involved in the work.
This workshop will include:
Policies in Practice
Policy Review Workshop
Media Training
Panel Discussion
Sneak Peak at Conference Pricing
NLA/MPLA Regular & Student Member Tickets - click to expand
Pre-Conference Session
Wednesday Only
Price: $60.00 Early Bird: $50.00 through July 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM Late Fee: $70.00 beginning October 1, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Full Conference
Thursday and Friday
Price: $300.00 Early Bird: $250.00 through July 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM Late Fee: $350.00 beginning October 1, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Single Day Registration
Thursday Only
Price: $180.00 Early Bird: $150.00 through July 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM Late Fee: $210.00 beginning October 1, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Single Day Registration
Friday Only
Price: $180.00 Early Bird: $150.00 through July 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM Late Fee: $210.00 beginning October 1, 2026 at 12:00 AM
NLA Advocate Member Tickets - click to expand
Pre-Conference Session
Wednesday Only
Price: $70.00 Early Bird: $60.00 through July 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM Late Fee: $80.00 beginning October 1, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Full Conference
Thursday and Friday
Price: $350.00 Early Bird: $300.00 through July 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM Late Fee: $400.00 beginning October 1, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Single Day Registration
Thursday Only
Price: $210.00 Early Bird: $180.00 through July 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM Late Fee: $240.00 beginning October 1, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Single Day Registration
Friday Only
Price: $210.00 Early Bird: $180.00 through July 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM Late Fee: $240.00 beginning October 1, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Non-Member Tickets - click to expand
Pre-Conference Session
Wednesday Only
Price: $100.00 Early Bird: $90.00 through July 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM Late Fee: $110.00 beginning October 1, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Full Conference
Thursday and Friday
Price: $500.00 Early Bird: $450.00 through July 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM Late Fee: $550.00 beginning October 1, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Single Day Registration
Thursday Only
Price: $300.00 Early Bird: $270.00 through July 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM Late Fee: $330.00 beginning October 1, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Single Day Registration
Friday Only
Price: $300.00 Early Bird: $270.00 through July 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM Late Fee: $330.00 beginning October 1, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Join us at Smash Park La Vista for a relaxed evening of food, games, and casual networking with library colleagues from Nebraska and the Mountain Plains region.
The Nebraska Library Association social is Thursday, October 15, from 7:30–9:30 p.m. Enjoy free Duckpin bowling, axe throwing, and hors d’oeuvres, with other games, food, and drinks available for purchase.
Smash Park is just across the parking lot south of the conference center, so it’s an easy walk. We hope you’ll add it to your conference schedule and join us!
Support the 2026 NLA Conference in La Vista by becoming a conference sponsor. Sponsorship is a great way to connect with Nebraska library workers and supporters while helping make this event possible. If you are interested in sponsoring a particular event or keynote, please contact [email protected] for more information.
Your business model will determine the exhibitor type and price category, but be sure to register early to lock in the best rates. Booths will be 10’ x 8’ in size, and include one 8’ table, two chairs, a carpeted floor, and pipe/drape between booths. Pricing and additional info is listed below.
Load-in: Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Load-out: Friday, October 16, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Electrical Options - click to expand
Exhibitors will have an opportunity to purchase electrical options directly through the conference center by following a link in the registration portal.
These fees will be separate from the exhibitor booth registration fees.
As an example, a 5-amp, single phase electricity service option will include a 6-plug power strip, extension cord, access to power, and full-service support for $379 for the duration of the full conference.
Kelvin Watson is a keynote speaker for the NLA/MPLA Conference on Thursday, October 15 at 10:00 am - 10:45 am.
Bio: Kelvin Watson is executive director of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, Nevada’s largest library system, where he oversees 25 branches, 600+ employees, and a $77 million budget. A nationally recognized library leader, Watson is known for innovative work in technology, outreach, digital access, and service to underserved communities. His leadership has earned major recognition, including the ALA Library of the Future Award, the RUSA Best Emerging Technology Award, and honors from the Urban Libraries Council. Previously, he served as director of Broward County Libraries, which was named Florida Library Association’s 2020 Library of the Year during his tenure.
Talk Summary: Coming Soon
Alex Kava is a keynote speaker for the NLA/MPLA Conference on Thursday, October 15, 2:15 pm - 3:00 pm.
Bio: Alex Kava is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestselling author of twenty-three novels, including the internationally bestselling Maggie O’Dell series and the award-winning Ryder Creed K-9 mystery thrillers. Known for blending real crimes and facts into her fiction, Kava has earned praise for her suspenseful plots, believable characters, and professional insight into K-9 search work. She is the recipient of the Nebraska Book Award, the Florida Book Award, and the Mari Sandoz Award. Her standalone novel One False Move was selected as “One Book One Nebraska” for 2006. With more than seven million copies sold worldwide, her books have been published in more than thirty-five countries.
Talk Summary: Coming Soon
Jewel Rodgers is the closing keynote for the NLA/MPLA Conference on Friday, October 16th at 3:30 p.m.
Bio: Jewel Rodgers has been a spoken word poet for more than a decade, performing in schools, festivals, community settings, conferences, public events, and other venues. Rodgers is an Omaha Entertainment and Arts Award winner for Best Performance Poet in Omaha and a three-time TEDx speaker. She has received numerous accolades, including being a 2022 Union for Contemporary Art Fellow, a 2023 Andy Warhol Populus Fund Grantee, a 2024 finalist in the Blackberry Peach Poetry Slam, and a 2025 Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellow.
Talk Summary: Over the past nearly two years as Nebraska State Poet, Jewel Rodgers has reached thousands across the state through performances, workshops, and community-based programming. In this keynote, she reflects on what she’s accomplished during her tenure while sharing a selection of both newly written and recognized works. Grounded in themes of growth, resilience, and creativity, her work explores the complexities of human nature with a distinct edge of motivational insight.
