Call for Proposals
MLA will now be using the Slideroom platform for proposal submission as well as some nominations and applications. This change aims to make it easier to review and organize proposals and applications, shorten the time it takes for applicants to receive a reply, and streamline our internal processes.
MLA’s slide room homepage will list all open programs; just select the application you wish to complete and set up a Slideroom account. You will be able to log in to this account to see updates and submit future applications and proposals. The application form will be very similar to past MLA applications, and full details can be previewed before beginning your application.
Annual Calls for Proposals are issued for our Spring Institute for Youth Services Conference and our Annual Conference. Calls for Proposals for webinars, workshops, and additional resources are issued as needed. Review details of open and upcoming calls for proposals below.
MLA 2024 Annual Conference
The Michigan Library Association invites proposals for breakout sessions at the 2024 MLA Annual Conference to be presented in person, Oct. 16-18, 2023, at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme, Michigan on the outskirts of Traverse City. The Michigan Library Association Annual Conference is the premier professional development and networking event for Michigan library staff, students, and trustees.
We invite innovative thinkers to propose breakout sessions aligned with our theme Press Play. This invitation is open to all library professionals, partners, first-time and experienced presenters, emerging leaders, and subject matter experts from diverse backgrounds to share their insights, experiences, and innovative ideas.
By offering a range of sessions, attended will be able to curate a playlist of ideas to fast forward to the future of libraries, rewind and reflect on the foundations of the profession, and pause for wellness and self-care.
Fast Forward to the Future of Libraries: Delve into emerging trends, technologies, and innovative practices shaping the future of libraries. Share forward-thinking ideas and strategies for adaptation and growth.
Rewind and Reflect on the Foundations of the Profession: Examine the core values, principles, and historical significance of librarianship. Explore how past practices inform present-day approaches and strategies for preserving the essence of the profession.
Pause for Wellness and Self-Care: Recognize the importance of wellness and self-care in the library profession. Offer sessions that provide practical strategies, resources, and techniques for promoting well-being and achieving work-life balance.
Press Play at MLA 2024 as we explore, engage, and inspire each other to navigate a dynamic professional landscape. We eagerly await your innovative proposals and look forward to welcoming you to a collaborative and enriching conference experience
View complete guidelines (pdf).
Session Proposal Guidelines
- Speakers must be able to present in-person at the conference hosted October 16-18, 2024 at theGrand Traverse Resort and Spa, Acme. Sessions may be placed anytime during the conference. Speakers are not required to attend the conference beyond their session.
- Sessions are educational, generative, or inspirational in nature. Sales pitches of products or services will not be accepted.
- MLA reserves the right to edit or combine session proposals before acceptance.
- Contact information must be provided for all speakers.
- You do not need to be an MLA member to submit a proposal.
Evaluation Criteria
The MLA Annual Conference workgroup will use the following criteria in assessing the viability of including a program in the schedule. The work group retains the right to reject, modify, or combine proposals.
- Purpose: Does the proposal clearly identify a goal and takeaways for the audience?
- Audience: Is the target audience clearly identified?
- Practicality: Is the topic appropriate for a conference breakout session in content and target audience?
- Engagement: Will the presentation and presenter(s) keep the audience’s focus and attention through clear speech, engaging visuals, useful and relatable content?
- Timeliness/ Relevance: Is the topic of current interest, bringing new ideas and a fresh perspective to its intended audience and theme
- Qualifications: Does the speaker(s) have sufficient or relevant experience to present on the proposed topic?
Agreements and Selection Notification
- MLA will contact each presenter in writing with the workgroup’s acceptance decision.
- MLA will send all individual presenters a Presenter Agreement indicating the date, time, and details of their presentation. This must be confirmed by the presenters and returned to MLA.
Handouts
- Handouts will be added to the event website and mobile app. Examples of handouts may be, but are not limited to: presenter contact information, a list of additional resources, a copy of presentation slides, or related worksheets.
- Printed handouts are not distributed on-site by MLA. Presenters may provide hard copies of handouts if desired at their own cost.
Deadlines and Due Dates
- Friday, May 10, 2024 — Final day to submit proposals. This deadline is firm and will not be extended.
- Friday, June 14, 2024 — Selection notifications distributed via email from MLA to all presenters.
- Friday, July 26, 2024 — Presenter agreements due to MLA office.
- Monday, September 30, 2024 — Handouts received for posting on MLA website and mobile app.
- Wednesday, October 16 to Friday, October 18, 2024 — MLA 2024 Annual Conference, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, Acme.
Program AV & Room Setup
- All presentation rooms will be supplied with an HDMI-connected projector, screen, and podium with microphone at no cost to the presenter.
- Wi-Fi internet will be in each presentation room however, MLA cannot guarantee the speed and dependability of the services at any given time.
- Remote mouse devices/pointers are the responsibility of the presenter. If presenters chose to bring their own computer that does not connect to an HDMI cable, they will be responsible for providing their own connection cables or adapter.
- Rooms are typically sat theatre style. MLA will take every effort to make sure the presentation rooms are set up according to needs of presentation.
Disclaimers
All speakers must agree to the following statements:
- I understand I will not be reimbursed or compensated for presentation time, mileage, or any other expense related to my participation in the conference.
- I agree to adhere to MLA's Code of Conduct.
- I will be responsible for registering and paying for the conference if I plan on attending other sessions or events beyond my allotted presentation time.
- I will be required to provide my own computer or tablet during the presentation time.
Questions
Please feel free to contact MLA’s Program and Event Director Amber Sheerin or Conference Chair Wesleyann Johnson with any questions you may have prior to your submission.
Small and Strategic Pre-Conference
The Michigan Library Association Annual Conference is excited to announce the 2024 Small and Strategic Pre-Conference to be hosted ahead of the 2024 MLA Annual Conference. This day of programming is geared specifically to frontline library staff from Michigan’s small and rural libraries, providing an opportunity for these dedicated library workers to network, learn, and discuss the concerns and needs specific to small libraries.
Small and rural libraries are some of the more important and nimble organizations that exist in our state, and they face unique challenges. The Michigan Library Association invites proposals for breakout sessions related to this specific audience at the Small and Strategic Pre-Conference to be presented in person, Oct. 15, 2024, at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Breakouts are 45 minutes in length.
Breakout tracks will focus on Technology, Programming, and Stewardship.
We are looking for proposals that elevate the ideas of intellectual freedom, equity, and collaboration, with a focus on digital literacy, de-escalation, underutilized resources, capital improvements, making a difference on a limited budget, passive programming, and more. Share the joys and wins of what our small and rural libraries can accomplish!
This invitation extends to all library professionals and partners - from first-time to experienced presenters, as well as professional speakers and subject matter experts.
View complete guidelines (pdf).
Session Proposal Guidelines
- Speakers must be able to present in-person at the conference hosted Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.
- Sessions may be placed anytime during the conference. Speakers are not required to attend the conference beyond their session.
- Sessions are educational, generative, or inspirational in nature. Sales pitches of products or services will not be accepted.
- MLA reserves the right to edit or combine session proposals before acceptance. Contact information must be provided for all speakers. The submitter may or may not also be the presenter. Either is acceptable. You do not need to be an MLA member to submit.
Evaluation Criteria
The MLA Small and Strategic workgroup will use the following criteria in assessing the viability of including a program in the schedule. The work group retains the right to reject, modify, or combine proposals.
- Purpose: Does the proposal clearly identify a goal and takeaways for the audience?
- Audience: Is the target audience clearly identified?
- Practicality: Is the topic appropriate for a conference breakout session in content and target audience?
- Engagement: Will the presentation and presenter(s) keep the audience’s focus and attention through clear speech, engaging visuals, useful and relatable content?
- Timeliness/ Relevance: Is the topic of current interest, bringing new ideas and a fresh perspective to its intended audience and theme?
- Qualifications: Does the presenter(s) have sufficient or relevant experience to present on the proposed topic?
Agreements and Selection Notification
- MLA will contact each presenter in writing with the workgroup’s acceptance decision.
- MLA will send a Presenter Agreement indicating the date, time, and details of their presentation. This must be confirmed by the presenters and returned to MLA.
Handouts
- Handouts will be added to the event website and mobile app. Examples of handouts may be, but are not limited to presenter contact information, a list of additional resources, a copy of presentation slides, or related worksheets.
- Printed handouts are not distributed on-site by MLA. Presenters may provide hard copies of handouts if desired at their own cost.
Deadlines and Due Dates
- Friday, June 7, 2024 — Final day to submit proposals. This deadline is firm and will not be extended.
- Friday, June 28, 2024 — Selection notifications distributed via email from MLA to all presenters.
- Friday, July 26, 2024 — Presenter agreements due to MLA office.
- Friday, October 4, 2024 — Handouts received for posting on MLA website and mobile app.
- Tuesday, October 15, 2024 — MLA 2024 Small and Strategic Pre-Conference, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa Program.
AV & Room Setup
- All presentation rooms will be supplied with a PC laptop, HDMI-connected projector, screen, and podium with microphone.
- Microphone use is required.
- Wi-Fi internet will be in each presentation room however, MLA cannot guarantee the speed and dependability of the services at any given time.
- Remote mouse devices/pointers are the responsibility of the presenter. If presenters choose to bring their own computer that does not connect to an HDMI cable, they will be responsible for providing their own connection cables or adapter.
- Rooms are typically sat theater style. MLA will take every effort to make sure the presentation rooms are set up according to the needs of the presentation.
Disclaimers
All speakers must agree to the following statements:
- I understand I will not be reimbursed or compensated by MLA for presentation time, mileage, or any other expense related to my participation in the conference.
- I agree to adhere to MLA's Code of Conduct.
- I will be responsible for registering and paying for the conference if I plan on attending other sessions or events beyond my allotted presentation time.
Questions
Please feel free to contact MLA’s Program and Event Director Amber Sheerin with any questions you may have prior to your submission at [email protected].
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