Submission Process
All session proposals for Power Up must be submitted through the proposal form for consideration. Proposals must be submitted by September 7, 2026 11:59 PM CST for full consideration.
Session Formats:
- Lecture presentation: 45-minute presentation + 15 min Q&A
- Panel Discussion: 2-4 presenters focused on one big topic and sharing their experience
- Workshop presentation: 1-hour hands-on learning experience
- Programming lightning talk: 5-8 minute mini presentation about a successful program
Have an idea for a regular session and a lightning talk? You are free to submit multiple session types!
Selected presentation, workshop, and panel sessions will receive one complimentary conference registration. Selected lightning talk presenters will receive a discounted conference rate.
Browse past sessions: 2025, and 2024 You can also preview the proposal form questions.
Topics may include, but are not limited to:
- Strategic planning
- Project management strategies
- Leadership styles & strategies
- Advocacy for staff, children, teens, and families
- Intellectual Freedom, censorship & book challenges
- Mentorship
- Navigating change
- Community engagement, partnerships, and outreach
- Program, services, and staff evaluations
- Culturally relevant programming and collection management
- Innovative or experimental programming
- Interdepartmental collaboration
- Intentional staff development and training
- Staff morale, retention & workplace culture
Roundtable Facilitators
In addition to general session proposals we are also looking for roundtable facilitators to help moderate conversations about:
- Fostering positive teen relationships and engagement in the library
- Welcoming and engaging families in the library
Roundtable facilitators will prepare discussion questions in advance, introduce the topic, and guide the discussion during a conference breakout session.
Selected facilitators will receive a discounted conference registration. Submit your application by September 7, 2026 for consideration.
Proposal Evaluation
The Program Committee will evaluate all proposals submitted by the deadline as individual entries, and how they fit within the balance of conference content as a whole using the following criteria:
- Clarity and completeness of the proposal, particularly having well-developed content, learning objectives, and sufficient speakers to address all relevant aspects of the topic;
- Originality and relevance of the proposed topic;
- Uniqueness of content in relation to other conference presentations;
- A range of speaker experiences and representations
Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Statement
The Program Committee encourages a diversity of presenters representing a variety of personal and professional backgrounds, perspectives, and voices. We encourage submissions from anyone who is interested in presenting, including students, new professionals, first-time presenters, and representatives of allied professions.