The Conference Committee is working to schedule an exciting slate of events for Sunday, October 18 and Monday, October 19. Check back for updates and additional details as we approach the conference dates.

Sunday, October 18

Before the Conference 

Norfolk Queer History Walking Tour
Tour Guide: Cathleen Rhodes, Old Dominion University
Details and time TBD.

Town Point Virginia Fall Wine Festival 

Town Point Park, Downtown Norfolk Waterfront
11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. for wine sampling
Enjoy the region's outdoor wine festival, steps from the conference center. Tickets required.

Glass Blowing Demonstration
Perry Glass Studio at the Chrysler Museum of Art
Noon - 1 p.m.
See how the Perry Glass Studio creates the beautiful works of art in their collection. This demonstration is open to the public. Free. 

Collection Highlights Tour
The Chrysler Museum of Art
2 -3 p.m.
Registration form coming soon.

Conference Kick Off

Award Celebration and Poster Sessions
The VLA Award Celebration will run concurrently with Poster Sessions. Poster sessions are held from 5 - 7 p.m. There will be a break at 6 p.m. for the award presentations. Expect a relaxed party environment, not a sit down dinner, where winners will accept their awards. Book awards will be presented separately during the opening session on Monday, October 19, at 10 a.m. 

Dress is business casual. Cocktails will be served, along with light bites. 

Guests of award winners are welcome to attend; all guests must adhere to the VLA Code of Conduct. Award winners receive a complimentary plus one to the event. Tickets for additional guests are $15/person with a 5 person guest cap. All guests must preregister and check in at the registration desk by 5:50 p.m. on Sunday, October 18. Guest registration is transferable before October 1 and must be received in writing. Contact [email protected] for assistance in transferring your guest registration.

No tickets or additional registration is required for conference attendees. You may check in at the registration desk starting at 2 p.m. to receive your badge. Your badge is your "ticket" to the event.

Monday, October 19

Forum Events

All Forum Events: 5 - 6 p.m.
After the conference sessions wrap up at 4:45 p.m., all attendees can drop in to one of the Virginia Library Association forum events - forum membership not required. Refreshments will be served. 

CaTS in the Library - A Collections and Technical Services Social
Are you a CaTS employee? Join the CaTS Forum for a networking and vent session. What is an average day of work? How do we purchase books? What challenges do we have? Come by and we'll discuss it!

Friends and Trustees Social
Looking to connect with other Friends groups, library trustees, or library board members? Drop in to the Friends and Trustees Social, hosted by the Friends and Trustees Forum, to expand your network. 

Librarians of Color Open Mic
Sign up for a time slot to perform or just enjoy the show! The Librarians of Color Forum is hosting an open mic for stand up, musical numbers, and poetry readings. Begins at 5:15 p.m.

Make Your Own Comic Workshop
Join the Graphic Novels and Comics Forum and learn to create your own multi-panel comic. Bring your own script or choose from provided scripts for practice.

Queer Joy Block Party
The LGBTQIA+ Forum welcomes members of the community and their allies to an hour of drop in fun. Board games, music, and fun!

The Slover Tour
Join the Youth and Family Services Forum offsite for a tour of the renown Slover, home to the downtown branch of the Norfolk Public Library - and so much more.

Conference Social - Trivia Night

8 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Team up with friends (or make new ones!) for a night of trivia. Refreshments and a cash bar provided. Win bragging rights and prizes or just learn something new with your teammates. Hosted by the 2026 Conference Committee.