Program

ALIA’s National Conference 2026

The ALIA National Conference is the flagship event for the Australian Library and Information Association, bringing together library and information professionals from all sectors and career stages. Held every two years, this conference is a vibrant in-person forum for knowledge-sharing, networking, and professional growth.

In 2026, we’re taking a fresh approach—there will be no single overarching theme for the conference. Instead, we’re keeping the program open to allow for a wider, richer exploration of the issues, ideas, and innovations shaping our profession. The conference will nonetheless spotlight the many ways the library and information sector continues to create positive impact—by connecting communities, supporting lifelong learning, advancing digital inclusion, fostering innovation, and more.

So join us as we come together to share knowledge, celebrate achievements, and shape the future of our field. Expect engaging keynotes, thought-provoking sessions, hands-on workshops, and meaningful conversations that reflect the strength and diversity of our sector.

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Tuesday 12 May 2026 - Day One

Main Room 1
Room 2
Room 3
Workshop Room
7:30am-8:45am
Welcome Breakfast and First Timer's Exhibition Tour
Welcome Breakfast and First Timer's Exhibition Tour
Welcome Breakfast and First Timer's Exhibition Tour
Welcome Breakfast and First Timer's Exhibition Tour
8:00am-8:30am
Wellness Session
Wellness Session
Wellness Session
Wellness Session
9:00am-9:30am
Welcome to Country & Conference Opening
Welcome to Country & Conference Opening
Welcome to Country & Conference Opening
Welcome to Country & Conference Opening
9:30am-10:30am
Keynote
The State Library of NSW: A living library for now, for the future, for all of us
Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon,
State Librarian of New South Wales
Keynote
The State Library of NSW: A living library for now, for the future, for all of us
Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon,
State Librarian of New South Wales
Keynote
The State Library of NSW: A living library for now, for the future, for all of us
Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon,
State Librarian of New South Wales
Keynote
The State Library of NSW: A living library for now, for the future, for all of us
Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon,
State Librarian of New South Wales
10:30am
Morning Tea
Morning Tea
Morning Tea
Morning Tea
12:30pm-1:30pm
3:00pm
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea
3:30pm
Media literacy and public libraries report with PressReader and ALIA
Exhibitor Talk
Bezi
4:00pm-5:00pm
5:00pm
6:30pm-9:00pm
Film screening - The Librarians
Film screening - The Librarians
Film screening - The Librarians
Film screening - The Librarians
"

Wednesday 13 May 2026 - Day Two

Main Room 1
Room 2
Room 3
Workshop Room
8:00am-8:30am
Wellness Session
Wellness Session
Wellness Session
Wellness Session
9:00am-9:30am
Welcome Day Two
Welcome Day Two
Welcome Day Two
Welcome Day Two
10:30am
Morning Tea
Morning Tea
Morning Tea
Morning Tea
12:30pm-1:30pm
Lunch

1pm - Author book signings
Exhibition Hall

Lunch

1pm - Author book signings
Exhibition Hall

Lunch

1pm - Author book signings
Exhibition Hall

Lunch

1pm - Author book signings
Exhibition Hall

3:00pm
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea
5:00pm-7:00pm
7:00pm-9:00pm
Conference Dinner & Awards Night

Library Design Awards sponsored by IntraSpace

Conference Dinner & Awards Night

Library Design Awards sponsored by IntraSpace

Conference Dinner & Awards Night

Library Design Awards sponsored by IntraSpace

Conference Dinner & Awards Night

Library Design Awards sponsored by IntraSpace

Thursday 14 May 2026 - Day Three

Main Room 1
Room 2
Room 3
Workshop Room
8:00am-8:30am
Wellness Session
Wellness Session
Wellness Session
Wellness Session
9:00am-9:30am
Welcome Day Three
Welcome Day Three
Welcome Day Three
Welcome Day Three
9:30am-10:30am
Keynote
Stan Grant
Award-winning journalist, author, and thought leader
Keynote
Stan Grant
Award-winning journalist, author, and thought leader
Keynote
Stan Grant
Award-winning journalist, author, and thought leader
Keynote
Stan Grant
Award-winning journalist, author, and thought leader
10:30am
Morning Tea
Morning Tea
Morning Tea
Morning Tea
12:30pm-1:30pm
3:00pm
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea
4:30pm-5:00pm
Conference Closing
Conference Closing
Conference Closing