Missouri Library Association Annual Conference
September 25th - 27th, 2024
KCI Expo Center
11730 N Ambassador Drive
Kansas City, MO 64153
The 2024 Missouri Library Association Annual Conference is coming to Kansas City, September 25th to 27th. The Missouri Library Association is a diverse and growing organization. MLA serves librarians, support staff and library supporters throughout the entire state and in every type of library. MLA members work in academic, public, special and K–12 libraries.
The Missouri Library Association Annual Conference provides vendors the opportunity to engage with potential and existing customers in the Missouri library community. More than 400 individuals from Missouri’s academic, public, school and special interest libraries attend our annual conference.
This year’s conference is focused on the future, with the theme of “Innovate, Integrate, & Inspire: Crafting the Future Library Experience”! MLA knows that the world is changing rapidly, with humans more connected than ever before, and libraries must always be exploring new and innovative ways to keep connecting with our communities while providing amazing service.
Please explore all the ways we can help put you directly in touch with Missouri librarians. We invite you to consider joining us as a vendor, sponsor or both.
Please note: Vendors will only be able to select ONE item per form. If you would like to sign up for multiple booths, sponsorships, or a demo spot please fill out an additional form PER ITEM. If you have any questions, please send a message to MLA@amigos.org.
EXHIBITION BOOTH SPACE
Early bird registration (by August 2nd, 2024)
- $550 for businesses, $450 for non-profits
Regular registration (after August 2, 2024)
- $650 for businesses, $550 for non-profits
Registration closes August 30th, 2024.
Your booth space includes a 10' x 10' exhibit booth. A standard setup includes a 10' x 10' pipe and draped area, one 6-foot skirted display table, two chairs, one wastebasket and one professional ID sign. Registration includes space for two vendor staff representatives per booth. Additional staff representatives can be added at a cost of $85.00 for each additional staff member.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, including in the exhibit hall. Electrical outlets, power strips, and other amenities and services are available at an additional charge.
Additional amenities, including electrical outlets, power strips, and other amenities and services are available for an additional charge. Instructions for ordering those amenities will be provided 90 days before the event to registered exhibitors.
Vendors are guaranteed at least 4 hours of non-compete time during this conference. Table talks and poster sessions will also take place in the exhibit hall. Attendees will also be provided with an interactive game to encourage them to visit vendor booths throughout the conference.
PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE of EXHIBIT HALL ACTIVITIES
Wednesday, September 25th
Exhibitor Set-up 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Exhibitor Hall open 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Exhibitor Reception 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 26th
Vendor Breakfast 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Exhibitor Hall open 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Friday, September 27th
Exhibitor Hall open 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Exhibitor Breakdown 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
HOTEL RESERVATIONS
The Missouri Library Association has negotiated a special conference rate of $119 per night at the Holiday Inn Executive Center.
Book here!
Sponsorship Opportunities
This conference would not be possible without the support of our generous sponsors. We welcome all vendors to consider an additional sponsorship in recognition of the important and ongoing work of Missouri librarians. Preferred events will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.
All sponsors will receive:
● Acknowledgement at the sponsored event or service
● Logo on signage at event or service
● Sponsor will be featured across all MLA social media channels
Platinum Partner $2,000 (4 available)
Exclusive, highly visible opportunities to spotlight your business or organization.
ALL CONFERENCE SOCIAL EVENT
The MLA Award Ceremony will feature live music and dancing, a fun night for all, complements of your company or organization.
Opening KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Help us kick off this year's conference with a message of from the President-Elect of the American Library Association, Emily Drabinski.
VENDOR RECEPTION
Attendees gather to socialize with vendors and see what is new and exciting in librarianship. Attendees at this event will enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres courtesy of your company.
Conference Bags
Your logo on bags that will be carried throughout the conference and beyond.
Gold partner $1,500 (7 available)
Reach just the right audience with these exclusive sponsorship opportunities.
CLOSING KEYNOTE SPEAKER
The very last event of the conference, the closing keynote leaves a lasting impression with attendees.
MACRL LUNCHEON
Support the gathering of Missouri higher education institutions and independent research libraries.
YOUTH SERVICES MEAL EVENT
This event is designed specifically for librarians with an interest in developing and promoting library service to children and teens.
REFRESHMENT STATIONS (4)
These stations will offer attendees a chance to recharge and refuel between sessions courtesy of your company or organization.
Silver PARTNER $500 (5 available)
Get your business or organization in front of librarians with these fun sponsorship opportunities.
tABLE TALKS & pOSTER SESSIONS
High interest, interactive, timely information sessions held in the exhibit hall.
MLA NEW MEMBER MEET & GREET
This event welcomes new members of MLA to dive in and discover what MLA can do for them and their professional growth.
BOHLEY TRIVIA NIGHT
This event brings librarians together for an energetic night of fun and friendly competition.
FRIDAY MORNING YOGA
This fun literary themed yoga session will energize librarians for the final day of the conference.
LANYARDS
These ever-present items will be worn by every conference attendee and serve as a reminder of your support long after the conference is over.
DEMO SPOTS
A conference breakout room will be reserved for 15 minute demonstration sessions at $150 each. Limit one demo per vendor. We have the ability to sell up to 10 demo sessions. Available to exhibitors or sponsors. Demo spots will be taken on a first-come first-served basis and vendors will be informed of the time and location for their demo spot in advance of the conference.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Vendor registration is open now and closes August 30th, 2024.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
- MLA will assign booth spaces in the order purchased.
- Exhibitors will not sublet or appropriate booth space to any other business.
- Parent and subsidiary businesses are not considered other businesses.
- Contractors are other businesses and require their own booth space.
- Exhibits should not project beyond the space allotted and should not obstruct the view or interfere with traffic to other exhibits.
- The wings of an exhibit should not project more than three (3) feet from the back wall.
- Permission to exhibit equipment of abnormal heights must be obtained from MLA.
Cancellations should be made in writing by email to MLA@amigos.org by August 30th, 2024, and are subject to a 50% cancellation fee. No refunds shall be paid as a result of subsequent booth sales. No refunds will be made after August 30th, 2024. All cancellations are final. MLA may resell cancelled booths as opportunities allow.
CODE OF CONDUCT
The Missouri Library Association (MLA) hosts professional events and communication outlets to enable its members to receive continuing education, build professional networks, and discover new products and services for professional use. To provide all participants the opportunity to benefit from MLA events, the Missouri Library Association is committed to providing a safe and harassment-free environment for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, physical appearance, ethnicity, religion, or other group identity.
The Missouri Library Association follows the American Library Association's Statement of Appropriate Conduct regarding harassment or other inappropriate behaviors. If any MLA member ever feels uncomfortable or harassed, or it they witness any violations of these policies, they should reach out to an MLA event planner, an MLA board member as designated by name badge, or to conference security, if applicable. Individuals may also email conference@molib.org. All reports will be directed to the MLA Board for further action. Anyone working in a college or university setting may also be required to contact their Title IX officer.
For more information or to discuss opportunities please contact:
conference@molib.org
Conference Coordinators: Stephanie Shade & Michael Engelman
Trade Show Chairs: DaMonica Davis & Samantha Faulkner