NYLA 2026 Annual Conference & Trade Show

Every library story begins with a reason.

The 2026 conference theme, Libraries Because ______, invites you to name yours. There is no single answer to why libraries matter, but rather a powerful range of possibilities. Books and information are probably high on the list, but also access, democracy, community, culture, literacy, belonging, and opportunity.

Libraries are defined by our commitment to these values and the resilience we demonstrate in fighting for them. By naming our specific reasons, we affirm that they guide our decisions, strengthen our advocacy, and connect us to the communities we serve. Individually, these reasons are personal. Together, they form a shared narrative of impact and purpose.

Join us at the 2026 Annual Conference to celebrate the many reasons libraries matter and discover new ones together. The conference is a great opportunity to turn your “because” into action and impact!

EVENT LOCATION

Saratoga Hilton and City Center
534 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

TRADE SHOW DATES AND TIMES

(Exhibitor Move-In) Wednesday, November 4 | 12:00PM – 4:00PM

Exhibitors should check in at the registration desk located in the hotel lobby of the Saratoga Hilton. If your company "opted in" for name badges and/or purchased boxed lunch, reps can pick up this information at the registration desk when they check in. Our Expo Service provider, Great Lakes, will be setup on the trade show floor to assist with any setup needs during this move in period. 

Trade Show Boxed Lunches - 12:30 PM

(Exhibitor Move-Out) Friday, November 7 | 12:00PM – 3:00PM

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

Exhibitors can find all hotel accommodation information on our website beginning in June.  

TRADE SHOW TIMELINE

• Registration Opens - March 1
• Trade Show Map Released & Booth Selection (VIP+) - July 6
• Trade Show Map Released & Booth Selection (VIP) - July 13
• Trade Show Map Released & Booth Selection (All Other Vendors) - July 27
• CANCELLATION FOR REFUND DEADLINE - September 1 (30% fee deducted from refund, No refund for cancellations past this date) 
• FINAL PAYMENT AND REGISTRATION DEADLINE - September 30
• Great Lakes Order Advance Order Deadline - TBD
• Move-In Day - Nov 4
• Move-Out Day - Nov 6

TRADE SHOW PACKAGE AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION

EXHIBITOR INFORMATION (This information will be added when the registration form launches.)

WHY EXHIBIT AT THE NYLA TRADE SHOW? 

The NYLA Annual Conference brings over 1,000 librarians and library supporters from across NYS. Over a four-day period, they enjoy networking, professional development, awards, and more! A key part of our Annual Conference is the Trade Show. Each year attendees walk the aisles looking for the latest and greatest in library products and services. The Annual Trade Show is critical to connect with the New York library community.

Please note the NYLA trade show is not a book fair and does not have elements of a book fair. Our attendees are not looking to purchase large amounts of books at our event and we do not highlight author works within our trade show. While we appreciate the interest companies that market or advertise self published authors have to participate in our event, we no longer allow these companies to exhibit in our trade show.

Self published authors should be aware that in the past there have been scammers targeting authors to provide money in exchange for marketing their work at our conference. These scammer communications often provide false information about our event, use the NYLA logo and provide fake staff positions. NYLA does not solicit self published authors for our events. Accurate event information can be found throughout our website. Questions can be directed to [email protected]. 

WHO ATTENDS THE NYLA CONFERENCE? 

Demographics

• 82% - Public Librarians
• 13% - Academic, Special, & Technology Librarians
• 11% - Library System Representatives
• 8% - School Librarians
• 6% - Other

Purchasing Power

• 38% - Have Final Say in Purchasing
• 42% - Make Recommendations in Purchasing

For more information, please contact [email protected] at (518) 432-6952.