Join us for WAPL 2026

 

 Call For Proposals

Plans are underway for the 2026 WAPL Conference taking place April 27-29, at the Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake, WI.  Hosted by the Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries (WAPL), a division of the Wisconsin Library Association, this annual event brings together members of the public library community to share big ideas and learn from each other through interactive breakout sessions and special events. 

Submit a Breakout Session Proposal

The application for submitting proposals for breakout sessions is now open, and your expertise is needed to make WAPL 2026 the best conference ever!

 Our conference theme is Library as Test Kitchen. This means:

  • Positioning Wisconsin’s public libraries as leaders in the field by showcasing innovative services and programs that can be scaled to libraries of all sizes.
  • Using creativity and persistence to fuel positive momentum for ourselves, our staff, our services, and our communities.
  • Identifying ways to overcome the many different challenges faced by public libraries.

While this is a very broad theme, proposals are not required to fit within it.  We encourage innovative proposals on a wide variety of topics.  

Submit your proposal below or by clicking HERE.

We welcome proposals from libraries of all sizes and from individuals who work in a variety of roles - from front line staff to technical services to programming and more.  We also welcome proposals from vendors, consultants, trustees, friends, and other library partners.  
 

We will accept session proposals through midnight Friday, January 30, 2026.

 

Questions? Please contact the WLA Office at [email protected] or WAPL Conference Chair Roxanne Staveness at [email protected]

 

 

Registration

Coming soon!

 

 

Event Policies & Code of Conduct

Event Policies
Code of Conduct

 Program Schedule

 

Keynote Speakers

 

Conference App

Results at Hand Software LLCWe have chosen the Results @ Hand app for our conference technology needs. Registered attendees will be able to download the Results @ Hand app or access the app from their smartphone, tablet, or PC web browser.

The app will feature our entire conference agenda, speaker handouts, venue maps, community message boards, sponsor information, and tools to interact with other attendees.   Conference attendees will receive additional instructions about how to download the conference app via email a few weeks before the event.  

 

 

Hotel Information

 

Special Events

 

 

Thank you to our sponsors!


 

 

Sponsorship Opportunities

We anticipate two hundred attendees representing a mix of decision-makers including directors, assistant directors, librarians, and library staff working across a wide range of areas including programming, youth services, outreach, reference, and more. Your support for this conference at any level will receive the attention of library professionals and a direct link to those with purchasing power.

Don’t see the opportunity you’re looking for? Contact WLA Executive Director Kara Sullivan at [email protected] to discuss additional options.

 Spon
sor & Adv

Conference Committee

Roxanne Staveness - Conference Chair
Sara Klemann - Programming
Amy Waldman - Programming
Amy Mitchell - Publicity
Jenny Sessions - Technology
Elizabeth Timmins - Registration/On Site Needs
Nanette Bulebosh - Local Arrangements
Holly Selwitschka - Onsite Volunteer Coordinator