FAQs

The conference will take place on Fri., January 24 through Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA.

Librarians, authors, publishers, business professionals, educators and students - anyone who is passionate about books, libraries, and eager to learn and shape the future of the industry.

No, you may register and attend the conference at the non-member registration rate. To learn more about membership, go to www.ala.org/membership/joinala

To register for a preconference, you can include it with your initial registration or add it later using the unique link in your email confirmation. If you don't have your registration confirmation handy, you can request a copy by emailing [email protected].

With many registrants in the past waiting until the last minute to register or book their housing, an afternoon deadline allows us proper time to hire adequate staffing and other appropriate resources.

We accept cash, check, MasterCard, Visa, and American Express onsite.

Yes, you will find the Statement of Appropriate Conduct at ALA Conferences posted on our website.

ALA is pleased to offer scooters and/or interpreter services for attendees at the Midwinter Meeting. Please visit the Accessibility page, contact the Conference Services Accessibility Hotline 312-280-3225, or email [email protected] for details.

Meals are not included as part of the registration costs. Although some receptions may offer meals, this is not considered a standard or guaranteed policy.

Yes, ALA and Gale Cengage Learning provide complimentary shuttle services from the official ALA hotels to the Convention Center.  Please visit the Shuttle Services page.

ALA will reimburse the charges expended on childcare in the amount of $25 per day, per child to a maximum of $50 per day, per family to any fully registered parent for each day of the Midwinter Meeting. You must provide a receipt for childcare.  This covers only childcare in the parent’s hotel room or other residence in the meeting city (Philadelphia) and does not include charges for children’s food, transportation, gratuities, or for the sitter. ALA will not reimburse childcare expenses to attendees who live within the Philadelphia area that would be paid to the regular provider whether the parent was attending the Midwinter Meeting or not. Parents may contact their hotel childcare center/babysitting service where it is available or find one online. Reimbursement forms are available at the ALA Conference Services Desk and must be signed by the individual performing the childcare services and presented by the parent to the ALA Conference Services Desk by January 27, 2020. Please note that all reimbursement will be mailed out to the attendee post-conference.

Yes.  The Mothers Room is located in the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Room 309. Also, Mamava pods are located in the Broad Street Atrium and outside Exhibit Hall A in the Convention Center.

Yes, award-winning products can be found at the ALA Store located in the Grand Ballroom at the Convention Center. The ALA Store offers products that meet the widest range of your promotional and continuing education/professional development needs. Plenty of new and bestselling items are available.

Store Hours:

Friday:  8:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday:  8:30am - 5:00pm
Sunday:  8:30am - 5:00pm
Monday:  8:30am - 2:00pm

Yes, the coat/bag check is complimentary and located in the Pennsylvania Convention Center., near Room 107.

Hours:

Friday: 7:30am - 7:30pm
Saturday: 7:30am - 6:00pm
Sunday: 7:30am - 6:00pm
Monday: 7:30am - 6:00pm

Yes, the letter can be accessed through your dashboard from your registration confirmation. An email containing your letter of attendance will also be sent when you pick up your badge at registration.

Yes, non-members who are either registered for the day of a committee meeting or for the full Conference can attend any meeting that is NOT noted as "Closed."

ALA will not be hosting Ignite sessions at the 2020 Midwinter Meeting. 

Yes, attendees who are registered for the full conference are able to attend ALA Awards ceremonies.

Yes. Exhibits Only registrants can attend author signings in the Exhibit Hall on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday only.

Strollers and scooters are permitted on the exhibit floor as long as they are in use at all times.  Wheeled carts, however, are not permitted at any time. If you have a medical condition requiring you to use a cart, please bring a doctor's note to the accessibility booth in the registration area.

Yes, please click on the following link for general Safety Tips to follow while at conference and for general travel. Safety Tips. Make the most of conference, especially if you’re a first-timer. First Timer. Job or employee seekers: Stay in touch with the ALA JobLIST Placement Center.

Beginning January 22, 2018, passengers who have driver’s licenses issued by a state that is not yet compliant with REAL ID and that has not received an extension will need to show an alternative form of acceptable identification for domestic air travel. Please see TSA’s website for a list of acceptable forms of identification. Passengers who have licenses issued by a state that is compliant or that has an extension to become compliant with REAL ID requirements may continue to use their licenses as usual. For a list of states already in compliance or with an extension visit DHS’s REAL ID webpage. DHS continually updates this list as more states come into compliance or obtain extensions.  

Beginning October 1, 2020, every air traveler will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification for domestic air travel. A REAL ID compliant license is one that meets, and is issued by a state that complies with, the REAL ID Act’s security standards.  

Travelers can check DHS’s REAL ID webpage at any time to learn if your state is compliant and can check with your state’s agency that issues driver’s licenses about how to acquire a compliant license. The earlier your state becomes compliant, the more likely you will be able to acquire a compliant license as part of the normal renewal cycle.

Ask using the Contact Us form.

Throughout the conference, you can find information via Conference Scheduler updates, Cognotes, and American Libraries coverage. And don't forget to:

• track #alamw20 on Twitter
• join us on Facebook Events
• follow the Pinterest board
• follow the fun on Instagram