2026 ULC Annual Leadership Forum
In Demand: The People and Power of Public Libraries
Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV
Hosted in partnership with the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District
Public libraries are in demand because people make them powerful: the teams who deliver the work, the communities who rely on them, the partners who strengthen them and the leaders who carry the message forward.
The 2026 ULC Annual Leadership Forum, In Demand: The People and Power of Public Libraries, will bring ULC members together in Las Vegas for a high-energy, highly interactive gathering focused on relevance, leadership, communication, staff strength and community value.
Hosted in partnership with the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, this year’s Forum will create space for ULC members to sharpen the message, strengthen the teams behind the work and make library value impossible to miss.
Participants will engage in bold conversations, practical strategy sessions, peer exchange and short stories from the field, all designed to help them return home with stronger language, deeper connections and clear ideas they can use with their teams, boards, funders, partners and communities.
This is where ULC members come together to think bigger, build momentum and carry forward the people-powered strength of public libraries.
Registration Information
- ULC Library Member Early Bird Rate (Closes July 10): $895
- ULC Library Member Regular Rate (Begins July 11): $995
- Non-ULC Member Library Attendee: $1,250
- ULC Corporate Partner Sponsor: $1,500
Registration closes on August 21, 2026. ULC will be unable to process cancellation and/or refund requests after September 1.
Hotel Information:
2026 ULC Annual Leadership programming will take place at the AC Hotel Las Vegas Symphony Park (330 S Grand Central Parkway), where ULC has secured a room block for booking.
Rooms are available for $129/night + fees.
Registration Guidance
Please select the rate that best matches your organization.
ULC Library Member — Early Bird Rate For staff from current ULC member libraries.
Non-Member Library Attendee For library professionals whose organizations are not current ULC members.
ULC Corporate Partner Attendee For attendees from current ULC Corporate Partner organizations.
Corporate registration is limited to current ULC Corporate Partners. If you are not a ULC Corporate Partner but are interested in attending the ULC Annual Leadership Forum, please contact Colleen Morsli.
Audience:
Whether you lead an organization, a department, a campaign or a program, the ULC Annual Leadership Forum is designed for ULC members who want to strengthen their impact.
This year's Forum is especially relevant for library directors, deputy directors, managers, and communications leaders, while welcoming professionals at all levels who are focused on advancing their library’s relevance, strengthening teams and communicating value to the communities they serve.
Why Attend?
The ULC Annual Leadership Forum is designed for members who want more than ideas. It is built for people who want language, strategy, peer connection and practical takeaways they can use immediately.
Participants will leave with:
- Sharper ways to communicate library value to staff, boards, funders, civic partners and communities.
- Practical ideas for strengthening staff alignment, internal communication and team confidence.
- Peer-tested strategies for staying visible, relevant and connected.
- Stronger relationships with ULC members facing similar opportunities and responsibilities.
- Clearer language for public value, community impact and the people behind the work.
- Renewed momentum around the people-powered strength of public libraries.
Agenda-at-a-Glance
Wednesday, September 30, 2026: | |
| Noon to 1:00 p.m. | Registration Open, Beverages & Light Bites Available |
| 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | Pre-Conference Sessions |
| 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | ULC CEO Session |
| 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | ULC Annual Forum Welcome Reception* |
Thursday, October 1, 2026 | |
| 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. | Registration Desk Open |
| 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. | ULC Member Networking Breakfast* |
| 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. | Welcome & Opening Remarks |
| 9:30 a.m. to Noon | Morning Programming |
| Noon to 1:00 p.m. | Member Lunch* |
| 1:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | Afternoon Programming |
| 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Open Time for Breaks, Reset, Meetups |
| 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Member Reception and Tour at the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District* |
Friday, October 2, 2026 | |
| 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. | ULC Member Networking Breakfast* |
| 9:00 a.m. to 9:10 a.m. | Welcome Back |
| 9:10 a.m. to Noon | Morning Programming |
| 11:50 a.m. to Noon | Closing Reflections |
| Noon | Adjourn |
**All food and beverages are included in the registration costs.