Stage Descriptions
Stage Sessions
You must be a contracted exhibitor or part of an ALA Unit to participate. Note: all stages are now SOLD OUT.
Stage Sessions are 50 minutes in length and held in various spots around the perimeter of the exhibit floor. Exhibitors may use the full 50 minutes for their reading, discussion, presentation/panel with Q&A, or plan for a 30-minute reading, discussion or presentation including Q&A, followed by a 20-minute book signing. Exhibitors traditionally give away copies of featured books and a book signing area will be available within each branded Stage Session area.
Proposals are reviewed by show management, and submission does not guarantee a time slot. All accepted Stage and Book Buzz Sessions have a $500 fee per time slot, and you will be invoiced after acceptances have gone out. No refunds will be given for sessions that are cancelled after May 29, 2026. NOTE: Accepted submissions may be assigned to a different stage than what was originally submitted due to topic, availability, etc.
Book Buzz Theater
Publishers present the latest “Buzz” about your newest titles and emerging authors. These sessions are usually conducted by publishing company marketing reps to feature upcoming new releases. Limit of one Book Buzz per exhibitor/imprint.
Book Buzz Theater sessions are available in 30- and 45-minute time slots.
📣 Most popular 2025 session: Penguin Young Readers Book Buzz Featuring Chanel Miller!
Chapter One Stage
Featuring panels of new and emerging authors with each presentation focusing on a single genre. Hot topics will also be featured as a jumping-off point for new issues impacting libraries and publishing.
📣 Most popular 2025 session: Cli-Fi Panel: Exciting Forthcoming Environmental Fiction, and New Voices in Young Adult
Diversity in Publishing Stage
This stage features diverse authors from any genre and highlights diverse voices across the industry.
📣 Most popular 2025 session: A Conversation with Award-winning Children's Authors Derrick Barnes and Erin Entrada Kelly
Graphic Novel/Gaming Stage
Feature emerging and well-known authors and creators of games and graphic novels. Presentations can cover story inspiration, the influence of gaming on creativity and social interaction, and how comics in the library and classroom can inspire reluctant readers.
📣 Most popular 2025 session: Humor and Graphic Novels: The Perfect Pairing for Reluctant Readers
The Look of Books Stage
The art, illustration and photography of books and graphic novels.
📣 Most popular 2025 session: SHH! We're Telling Picture Book Secrets!
PopTop Stage: Popular Topics, Every Day
The PopTop Stage features favorite book genres, including mystery, humor, romance, technology, and travel with readings, discussions, panels, and presentations.
📣 Most popular 2025 session: Horror in Comics and Graphic Novels
Indie Day on the PopTop Stage
Looking to find your niche and get your books to librarians? Designed for the independent publisher and author, the Indie Day on the PopTop Stage offers sessions on how to promote your book, get published, establish your brand, marketing, and selling your titles to libraries.
📣 Most popular 2025 session: Discovering Content from Independent and Self-Published Authors for Librarians
A Real Page-Turner Stage
Presentations on this stage will highlight fast-growing genres flying out of the stacks in local libraries. Authors will be telling their stories and announcing their latest titles that will surely draw more patrons to your library. Exciting panels and give-aways await.
📣 Most popular 2025 session: The Power of the Picture Book: A Conversation with National Ambassador for YPL, Mac Barnett
Tech Talk Stage
The Tech Talk Stage is the place to showcase new technologies making their way into libraries and how technology impacts our work and personal lives. Topics range from using new tools to engage with our co-workers and patrons to deliver services, to learning ways to deal with the benefits and shortcomings of those opportunities.
📣 Most popular 2025 session: Bias, Misinformation, and AI Chatbots: How Can My Students Find Anything on the Internet?
What’s Cooking @ ALA Stage
The What’s Cooking Stage offers chefs, restaurant owners and food personalities an opportunity to share the hottest recipes, cooking secrets and autograph their latest books. Presenters can bring pre-prepped food samples for demonstration during scheduled sessions.
📣 Most popular 2025 session: B. Dylan Hollis: Baking Across America with the Bestselling Author and Social Media Star
Subject to change.
