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MASSACHUSETTS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
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  • Annual Conference
    • Agenda-at-a-glance
    • Schedule
    • Sessions
    • Featured Speakers
    • Speakers
    • Registration Info
    • Visiting Danvers
    • Hotel Info
    • 2026 Exhibitors
    • 2026 Sponsors
    • Sponsor | Exhibit | Attendee Engagement
    • Committee
    • Save the Date | 2027 Annual Conference
    • Scholarship
    • Conference FAQs
  • PUBLIC STATEMENTS
  • Advocacy + Legislative Breakfast Info
  • RESOURCES
  • About Us
    • Administrative Board
    • Sections + Committees
    • History
    • Contact us
  • News & Events
    • Job Openings
    • Upcoming Events
    • News
    • Member Only Events
  • Membership
    • Sustainable Libraries Initiative
    • Drexel University Partnership
    • Member Login

cONFERENCE FAQs

Answers to common questions

registration questions
I want to become a member first before I register. How do I do that?
Visit this webpage to learn more or view the current member rates here. However, even if you pay online it may take a day or so to activate your membership. Contact the Membership Coordinator with any questions.

When I attempt to register, the registration type appears grayed-out.
You must first log-in for the system to recognize you as that particular registration type.


I’ve logged in but when I attempt to register, the registration type is still grayed-out.
Please contact the Conference Director
 to assist

My town is paying for my registration fee. How do I get an invoice to submit to the town?
The registration system will prompt you for payment method. Select 'bill me later' and your confirmation email will be sent to the email address you used to register, if you LOG IN to the platform before registering. In your platform you can view or pay your invoice there. Here's some additional information about how to print and/or pay your invoice.


I am a speaker, MLA admin board member or a conference committee member and the system is asking for a special code.
Please contact [email protected] or connect with your program shepherd to provide you with the special registration code.


I am a student, retired or unemployed – do I get a special rate to attend conference?
There is a special rate for active members at the Under $39,999 (formerly the Student/Retiree/Unemployed level) or Joint ALA/MLA.
You must be a current member of MLA to obtain to take advantage of this discounted rate. Please log-into the system first and then register. Your member level must be listed as Under $39,999 or Joint ALA/MLA. 
 Contact the Membership Coordinator with any questions.

I would like to just check out the exhibit hall and not attend the conference. Is this possible?
At this time, we do not offer an exhibits-only pass.


How do I go about arranging for a group registration?
All registration must be done online via the event registration. You can register multiple people and pay at once. We are unable to offer group discounted rates at this time and will not be able to create custom invoices except in rare instances.

We’re part of an Organizational Membership, how many comp registrations do we get?
At the 2024 MLA annual meeting, the new membership rates and benefits were rolled out. Current paid-up organizational members will receive the conference member rate. Additional attendees from the same institution also get the member rate even if they are not a member* however, we encourage only one person from the organization (the organization main contact) to complete the online registration form if obtaining one single invoice for all is important to you. Please contact the organizational main contact for more information. 
*Organizational members that wish to take advantage of obtaining the member rate for non-members, please complete this form and follow the instructions there.


I’ve registered already but what if my plans change?
Registration for the conference is non-refundable even if you decide not to go or don't pay prior to conference. However, you may transfer your registration to another party easily at no charge. Please contact the Conference Director to assist with transferring your registration.


Do you allow walk-in registrations?
Yes however, this may change if the conference sells out. We'll put a notice on the event registration page if walk-in registration is not available.

How do I get my badge?
Your name badge will be available at the registration desk. You must wear your name badge at all times during the conference including meals. 


I'm a nursing mother. Will there be a room for me to use?
Yes, please see a staff member at the MLA Registration Desk for more information.
HOTEL AND PARKING QUESTIONS
GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HOTEL + PARKING
I have special assistive requirements
The Conference does its best to accommodate attendees with special needs. All such requests must be made in writing and received by May 1st via the conference registration form. Or you may send your request to the Conference Director.

Is the hotel ADA compliant?
There are elevators to access the meeting space and the hotel is ADA compliant. Some additional information that may be helpful:
  • There are handicap parking spots in the front of the hotel​ as well as on either side of the hotel.
  • Please note that some breakout rooms are located are on a different level than the main level where the ballroom is but there is an elevator to bring you to those rooms.
Our MLA volunteers will assist you at any time during the conference - just let them know.

How is seating managed?
Seating is first-come, first-served basis for all sessions and the evening events, if applicable. 

I’d like to take advantage of the special conference room rate – how long is it available for?
The special conference rate ends on April 24th – please book your room using the link found on our Hotel Info page. If you book after April 24th, the special conference rate will not be available. 

I’d like to come in a day early or leave a day later – do I still get the same special conference rate?
Yes, the special conference rate is available three days prior and three days post conference based on the hotel's availability and assuming you booked your hotel reservation prior to the April 24th deadline.

What's the best way to get to the hotel via public transportation?

Via North Station Take the MBTA Commuter Rail on the Newburyport/Rockport Line toward Newburyport or Rockport. Get off at Beverly Station (about 35–40 minutes) then take a 10–15 minute Uber/Lyft to the hotel.

Is parking free at the hotel?
Yes.


Is there a gender neutral bathroom?
Yes, it's located near the North Shore Ballroom.

Is there a 'quiet room'/mother's room?
Yes. Please see a representative at the MLA Conference Registration Desk.
Questions about meals
GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT MEALS
I heard that meals are included in my registration – is this true?
Yes, meals as indicated on the agenda are included in your registration. 


Will there be gluten-free/dairy-free/vegan/vegetarian/kosher meals available to me?
Yes, please indicate your special request in your registration and we’ll do our best to accommodate. All meals are served buffet style and allergens are noted.


Do I need a meal ticket to get lunch?
Yes, there will be a meal ticket to hand to the hotel staff to receive access to your lunch.


Do I need a meal ticket or is there a fee for the Trivia Challenge (Sun) or the President's Reception (Mon)?
No, there's no extra fee or meal ticket required to attend the Trivia Challenge or the President's Reception.

Is there a fee for breakfast?
No, there is no fee to attend any of the breakfasts.


Will there be beverages and refreshment breaks during the conference?
Yes. They are located in the exhibit hall.
other questions
CONTACT
Will certificates of attendance be sent to attendees?
Certificates will be sent upon request. Please indicate your need for a certificate in your registration or up until May 31st.

When is your program proposal window open?
The proposal window opens in the summer and concludes in the fall. We will make an announcement when it opens again.

I have another question not answered here.
Contact the Conference Director for all other questions! 

Are shuttles provided to the conference?
​No.

Do you have a justification letter to send to my manager to approve me attending your conference?
​Yes, here's one you can leverage.
HELPFUL DOCS
How to register as a sponsor, exhibitor or advertiser.
How to view and/or pay an invoice if you have a profile.
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