2026 ILA Conference Program Committee

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Illinois Library Association announces Key committee Members for 2026 Conference

The Illinois library Association (ILA) is preparing for its annual conference, and the dedicated individuals shaping the event have been announced. This conference, a cornerstone for library professionals across the state, will take place October 6-8, 2026, at the Peoria Civic Center. The ILA Conference Program Committee plays a crucial role in curating a well-rounded and educational experience for all attendees.

ILA Conference Program Committee: Shaping the Future of Illinois Libraries

The Committee is charged with coordinating program planning for the ILA Annual Conference. Working closely with the vice president/president-elect, the committee defines the conference theme, secures keynote speakers, and organizes program sessions. They evaluate proposals from ILA forums, committees, and professionals from diverse library settings to ensure comprehensive and relevant content.

The committee’s composition includes up to 13 members and two co-chairs, representing a mix of public and academic libraries. These individuals serve sixteen-month terms, ending on October 31. Ideally, at least one co-chair has prior experience on the ILA Conference Program Committee. The committee strives for a balance of library types, locations, sizes, and positions, with portrayal from trustees, non-supervisory staff, and system positions. Attendance at a previous ILA Annual Conference is preferred for most members. The Executive Board liaison is the incoming vice president/president-elect.

Meet The Committee Members

Here Are The Dedicated Professionals Who Will Be Shaping The 2026 ILA Conference:

What specific criteria will the 2026 ILA Conference Program Committee use to evaluate paper proposals, presentations, and workshop submissions?

2026 ILA conference Program Committee: Shaping the Future of Literacy

The International Literacy Association (ILA) is already laying the groundwork for its highly anticipated 2026 Conference. A critical component of this event’s success is the 2026 ILA Conference Program Committee. This dedicated group of literacy experts and educators play a vital role,curating the conference program,reviewing paper submissions,and ensuring a dynamic and insightful experience for all attendees. For those interested in becoming involved or presenting, understanding the committee’s role and timeline is crucial.

Key Responsibilities of the 2026 ILA Conference Program Committee

The ILA Conference Program Committee is responsible for a multitude of essential tasks, all geared toward delivering a world-class learning experience.Understanding these responsibilities is key for anyone considering applying or participating in the call for papers. The core duties generally include:

• Reviewing Submissions: Evaluating paper proposals, presentations, and workshop submissions based on criteria such as relevance, originality, and clarity. This includes evaluating the use of literacy progress strategies.
• Curating the Program: Selecting and organizing the sessions and workshops into a cohesive and engaging program. This involves careful consideration of topics, speakers, and audience interests.
• Ensuring diversity and Inclusion: Striving for a diverse program that reflects the global nature of literacy and the varied experiences of learners and researchers.
• Communicating with presenters: Providing feedback to presenters,offering support,and ensuring thay are prepared for their presentations. This involves clear and effective communication regarding conference guidelines.
• Providing Feedback: Offering valuable insight to the ILA on how to improve future conferences based on the current feedback and presentations.

Call for Papers: Your Opportunity to Present at the 2026 ILA Conference

A significant event in the conference timeline will be the call for papers. The call for papers is the official invitation for literacy professionals, researchers, and educators to submit their work for consideration at the conference. Potential presenters might include teachers, librarians, specialists in early literacy education, and experts in topics like reading comprehension strategies, or multilingual learners. To prepare for the call for papers:

• Stay Informed: Regularly check the official ILA website and social media channels for announcements related to the call for papers. Set up alerts for significant dates.
• Prepare Your Proposal: Start brainstorming potential presentation topics, research ideas, and workshop concepts early.
• Review Submission Guidelines: Carefully read all submission guidelines to ensure your proposal meets the criteria. Focus on the ILA Conference’s themes.
• Practice your presentation: Time your presentation and prepare to answer questions that the judges may have.

Important Elements of a Successful Paper Submission

Submitting a strong paper is key to getting accepted into the conference program. To boost your chances of acceptance, all submissions should have the following:

• Clear Focus and Objectives: Define the central argument of your research or the specific learning outcomes of your workshop.
• Relevance to the ILA’s Mission: Align your work with the ILA’s mission to promote literacy for all, regardless of background.
• Originality and Innovation: Include new ideas, approaches, or findings in your work.
• Strong Data or Evidence (Where Applicable): Use supportive evidence to present your findings or results.
• Well-Written Submission: The written submission should be clear, and free of errors.

timeline and Important Dates (Tentative) – 2026 ILA Conference

While specific dates are subject to change, understanding the general timeline is important for planning. note that the following dates are estimates and for illustrative purposes only; always refer to the official ILA website for confirmed deadlines and announcements. Bookmark the ILA calendar for updates.

Name	title	Library	Term End Date
Heather Jagman, Co-chair	Librarian	depaul University Library

Milestone	Estimated Date	Description
Call for Papers Opens	May 2025	The ILA officially announces the call for paper submissions.
Submission Deadline	October 2025	The deadline for submitting paper proposals, presentations, and workshops. No late submissions will be accepted.
Review process	November 2025 – January 2026	The Program Committee reviews all submissions.
Notification of Acceptance	February 2026	Presenters are notified of the status of their submission.
Conference Dates	October 2026	The main event.

These dates are crucial for all parties involved. Knowing the ILA Conference dates, submission windows, and notification timelines is essential for planning and participation. Keep checking the ILA website for the most up-to-date,accurate facts.

Additional keywords: early childhood literacy, adolescent literacy, literacy instruction, literacy assessments, literacy research, ILA journal, ILA membership, conference registration, professional development, reading interventions, writing instruction.