All of the Content, None of the Travel: Spring/Summer Virtual PD

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Last spring, I decided virtual conferences were a silver lining to a socially distanced and anxiety-ridden time. The endlessly creative library and book world was just a click away, and all the conferences I’d dreamt of participating in were suddenly coming right to the safety of my desk (AKA the dining room table)! And while I love the energy and spontaneous meet-ups of a face-to-face conference, I’m excited for another summer of safely connecting online while the world recovers from this pandemic. Check out this roster of fabulous upcoming events for your professional development delight. And perhaps we’ll meet in a virtual happy hour—cheers!

SLJ Day of Dialog
May 20, 2021 9:00am-6:00pm EST
Free with registration.

Come hear about the latest and most exciting forthcoming titles for children, tweens, and teens, from picture books and nonfiction to graphic novels and YA, and engage in Q&A sessions with authors and illustrators. There will also be opportunities to visit the virtual exhibit hall to network with leading publishers, enjoy additional author chats, and download digital galleys and other free resources.

Publisher’s Weekly: US Book Show
May 25-27, 2021 9:00am-4:00pm CDT
Registration required—librarian ticket $35

Attendees will enjoy a wide array of book and author panels; programming geared to publishing professionals; and exhibitor booths available on a sliding scale meant to attract displays from a range of vendors, from small presses to midsize imprints, university presses, sideline producers, distributors, library data providers and the largest publishers. Special programming for librarians will put forth thought-provoking discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing libraries now.

Indigenous Voices: Authentic Children’s Literature in the Classroom & Library
May 25-26, 2021 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm PDT
Free with registration by May 25th 

San Diego County Office of Education is hosting this two-day event featuring Debbie Reese, Traci Sorell, Anton Treuer, Arigon Starr, Dawn Quigley, Naomi Bishop, and Darcie Little Badger. The webinar is free and open to the public.

Bologna Children’s Book Fair
June 14-17, 2021
Combination of free and paid events with registration required.

Visit the BCBF page for events (with registration details) ranging from a Virtual Illustrators Wall, to Awards Ceremonies, Master Class sessions, and licensing events.

ALA Annual Conference and Exhibition
June 23-29, 2021
Registration required, fee based on membership category.

Join your community online at the leading library event of the year with more than 200 educational sessions, 250+ exhibitors, 25+ Featured Speakers, and more than 140 authors — and the best part you’ll have access to the conference content for a full year!

London Book Fair
June 7-10 and June 29-July 1
Registration opens soon.

This series of publishing and rights related events delivers quality content, exciting keynote speakers, future-gazing presentations, heated debate and unrivalled networking opportunities. Full conference programs will be posted soon.

American Booksellers Association The 2021 Children’s Institute
August 30-September 1, 2021
Registration opens June 15th

Attendees can expect all their favorite events from Children’s Institute, including keynotes, author appearances, education sessions, rep picks presentations, social events, and more, but with a twist only available to booksellers in a virtual world.

What events are you attending this summer? Drop us a note if there is another can’t miss event you’d love to share and we’ll help spread the word.