The 2024 ULC Annual Leadership Forum will center around the pivotal theme of "Trust, Transformation and Tomorrow," addressing the crucial aspects of organizational change and growth for urban public libraries. This year's Forum is designed to cater to library executives, deputy directors, marketing and communications leaders, HR leaders, and foundation and development executives, providing them with invaluable insights and strategies to lead their libraries into the future.
Scroll down for event details, location, and programming updates.
Registration Now Closed
Due to popular interest in the event, we are at capacity, and registration closed on Friday, September 6. If you are interested in attending, please add your name to the waitlist.
Should registration spots become available, we will notify individuals on the waitlist between September 6 and September 30. If you are moved off the waitlist, your registration can be reserved for 24 hours from the time the notice is sent. After this window, the spot will no longer be guaranteed. Please note that ULC's hotel room block at The Notary Hotel is sold out. If you are moved off the waitlist and need accommodations, you will need to arrange your own lodging. If you have any questions about the ULC Annual Leadership Forum, please email us at info@urbanlibraries.org.
Event Details:
- Event Date: Wednesday, October 23-Friday, October 25
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- Hotel: The Notary Hotel, Philadelphia, Autograph Collection
- Please note that ULC's hotel room block at The Notary Hotel, Autograph Collection, has now sold out. If you are registered for Forum and still need hotel accommodations, you will need to coordinate your own lodging at this time. If you have any questions, please contact ULC's Director of Events Amy Weist at aweist@urbanlibraries.org.
ULC looks forward to welcoming you to this annual gathering of library leaders and change-makers. Together, let's build a future where libraries continue to be pillars of trust, transformation, and innovation in our communities.
Schedule-at-a-Glance
Programming will take place at The Notary Hotel, Philadelphia, Autograph Collection (21 North Juniper Street). The below information is subject to change. Please check this page regularly for updates.
Wednesday, October 23, 2024: | |
| 3:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. | Pre-Conference Session | Strengthening Organizational Capacity in Libraries: Tools for Strategic Assessment (open to all registrants) |
| 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | ULC CEO Session | Building Blocks for a Strong and Diverse Executive Team (open to Library & Foundation CEOs) |
| 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Pre-Conference Session | Dropping the Armor: The Power of Embracing Emotions at Work (open to all registrants) |
| 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | ULC Annual Forum Welcome Reception |
Thursday, October 24, 2024 | |
| 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. | ULC Member Networking Breakfast* |
| 9:00 a.m. to Noon. | Panels, Member Activities and Keynote |
| Noon to 1:00 p.m. | ULC Member Networking Lunch* |
| 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. | Panels, Member Discussions and Activities |
| 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Walking Tour to the Free Library of Philadelphia |
| 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | Scavenger Hunt, Tour and Member Reception hosted by the Free Library of Philadelphia* |
Friday, October 25, 2024 | |
| 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. | ULC Member Networking Breakfast* |
| 9:00 a.m. to Noon | Panels, Member Activities and Celebration |
| Noon | Adjourn |
**All food and beverages are included in the registration costs.
Forum Focus Areas
Trust:
Building Internal Trust: Learn how to cultivate a culture of trust within your organization. Internal trust is vital for staff cohesion and productivity, and it translates to the community perceiving the library as a reliable and safe space.
Community Trust: Discover strategies to enhance the library's reputation as a trusted community hub, ensuring that patrons feel welcomed and valued.
Transformation:
Adapting to Change: Engage in conversations about the rapid pace of change affecting libraries today. Explore how libraries are evolving their roles and expanding their services to meet the diverse needs of their communities.
Innovative Practices: Gain insights into innovative practices and successful case studies of libraries that have effectively navigated organizational transformations.
Tomorrow:
Leadership Development: Delve into discussions on the future of library leadership. Understand the qualities and skills needed to lead tomorrow's library systems, and how to nurture the next generation of library leaders.
Workforce Preparedness: Address the critical question of workforce development from within. Learn what steps are being taken to prepare the library field for the future and ensure that staff are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in a dynamic environment.
Why Attend?
The 2024 ULC Annual Leadership Forum offers a unique opportunity for ULC members to:
Network with Peers: Connect with fellow library professionals and industry leaders to share experiences, challenges, and solutions.
Gain Valuable Insights: Participate in sessions led by thought leaders and experts who will provide actionable strategies and innovative ideas.
Shape the Future: Contribute to shaping the future of urban public libraries by engaging in forward-thinking discussions and collaborative problem-solving.
Join us at the 2024 ULC Annual Leadership Forum to be part of the collective experience and to lead your library into a future defined by trust, continuous growth, and visionary leadership.
See photos and a recap of last year's 2023 Annual Forum: People, Power, Place below.
North America's Top Urban Library Leaders Convene in Seattle for the 2023 ULC Annual Forum
In November 2023, ULC convened over 200 library leaders from more than 90 North American public library systems in Seattle, Washington to network, collaborate and learn at the 2023 ULC Annual Forum: People, Power, Place — Today's Urban Public Library.