ABOS Annual Conference

Each year we offer a unique conference that is completely focused on Outreach Services.
Library staff and advocates are welcomed to join us as this conference designed with practicality and the understanding that professional development and networking are essential parts of your success. 

2026 ABOS Annual Conference

When:        October 12 -14, 2026

Location:  Hyatt Regency Columbus
                           350 N High Street
          Columbus, Ohio 43240

About the Conference

#ABOS2026 is the conference for Outreach Services. Our conference planners and presenters understand the constraints of serving community members beyond the physical walls of the library, as well as the unique opportunities for innovation and collaboration within communities. Our conference is packed full of information you can take right back to serve your communities through Outreach Services.

Libraries are evolving from places of information to hubs of connection, and outreach is at the center of that transformation. 

This year’s conference theme, Outreach Services: Beyond the Stacks to Community Connections, reflects a shift in how we think about service. It calls on us to move beyond the physical library and into the spaces where our communities live, learn, and gather. Through outreach services we make a commitment to expanding our reach, engaging with individuals and groups who may not traditionally access library services. We understand the importance of building lasting relationships rooted in trust, collaboration, and shared goals; and that outreach is not an add-on, but is a core strategy for advancing equity, access, and belonging.

Through this theme, the conference will explore innovative approaches, real-world partnerships, and practical strategies that demonstrate how libraries can create deeper, more meaningful connections in the communities they serve.

We thank all of the 2026 Sponsors for helping make this conference possible, and we encourage you to learn more them.

Conference Timeline   

March 16
Conference Proposals Open
Award Nominations Open

March 23

Conference Theme Announced

April 12

Last day to submit Conference Proposals
Last day to submit Award Nominations

June 1

Early Bird Registration Opens - Lowest Conference Rates Available

June 28

Last day to receive Early Bird Registration Rates

June 29

Regular Registration rates apply

September 25

In-Person Registration Closes
In-Person Registration Fees Due - Any unpaid registrations will be cancelled

October 2

Virtual Registration Closes
Virtual Registration Fees Due - Any unpaid registrations will be cancelled

Vendors and Sponsors

Click here to learn more about being a vendor or sponsor for this year's confernce.

Our annual conference is made possible through the support and generosity of our 2026 Sponsors, and we thank each of them for supporting this conference. These individuals and companies work directly with outreach services staff, and are a vital part in the success of individual outreach programs and our organization. 

Outreach services are some of the most critical, creative, innovative, and community-centered work happening in libraries today. We invite you to submit proposals for Preconference Workshops and Conference Sessions for the 2026 ABOS Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio, October 12-14, 2026.

We are seeking proposals on all topics related to outreach and engagement, including mobile library units, bookmobiles, book bikes, pop-up libraries, services beyond library walls, partnerships, accessibility, equity, and creative approaches to reaching underserved communities. From hands-on how-to sessions to big-picture explorations of the evolving outreach landscape, we want to hear about your programs, services, and successes, and your lessons learned.

Proposals are now being accepted through April 12.

Click here to submit a conference session proposal.

ABOS Awards, Scholarship, and Grant Opportunities

The ABOS Awards recognize professionals who demonstrate excellence and innovation in bookmobile and outreach services. Presented annually at the ABOS conference, the awards celebrate the work of outreach professionals who ensure that library services reach everyone — especially those who may otherwise go unseen or underserved. 

These awards honor individuals and organizations that expand access to library services and build meaningful connections with communities beyond the library’s walls. In addition, ABOS offers scholarship and grant opportunities on an annual basis.

Nominate a colleague or program that demonstrates outstanding commitment to outreach and equitable access to library services.

Click here to submit a nomination for ABOS Awards, Scholarship and Grant Opportunities.

Experiential Exchange Opportunity - New in 2026!

We’re excited to introduce a new opportunity for students at this year’s ABOS Conference!

The Experiential Exchange Program offers students currently enrolled in a library degree program the chance to attend the 2026 ABOS Conference with complimentary registration in exchange for approximately 12 hours of service.

Participants can gain hands-on experience in roles such as:

• Photographer
• Tech Assistant
• Front Desk Support
• Exhibit Hall Support
• Room Wrangler
• Vehicle Wrangler Support

This is a great way to build professional experience, connect with leaders in outreach services, and be part of the conference behind the scenes.

We encourage you to share this opportunity with students and emerging professionals in your network!

Conference Registration Rates 

June 1 Early Bird Registration opens

June 28 Last day to secure Early Bird Registration Rates

June 29 Regular Registration rates apply

September 25 Advance In-Person Registration closes

* Must be a Student or Retiree member of ABOS to receive this pricing. Students must also send supporting documentation verifying their       
   current enrollment status.

# All required paperwork must be sent directly to the designated ABOS staff member by provided deadlines.

+ Virtual conference registration will include access to the conference app's social networking features, vendor booths, contests and on-
   demand sessions until January 2027. General Sessions will not be livestreamed.

Room Rate            $198 + Taxes/Fees (Single and Double Rooms Available)

More information including the reservation link will appear here as it becomes available.

Travel Information

If you will be arriving to the conference by air, the nearest airport is the John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH). The airport is located 8 miles to the hotel, approximately 15 minutes travel time. There is not a hotel shuttle from the airport. Ride share services or taxi are available. 

Starting Feb. 1, 2026, air travelers in the U.S. without a REAL ID or passport will be charged an extra $45, TSA announced. The updated ID has been required since May, but the 6% of travelers without it have so far been allowed to clear security with additional screening and a warning. Click here for more information about TSA identification requirements.

Outreach Vehicles on Display

If you are interested in having your outreach vehicle on display at the Conference, click here to email the following information - where you area located, the year/type of vehicle you are looking display, and the manufacturer.

Conference Schedule 

The conference schedule will be provided in a digital format to allow easy access before and during the conference. Attendees can view the schedule via the Whova app or web version. 

Overview schedule: Available here beginning June 1

Detailed schedule:  Available here beginning August 1

Conference Booklet

The conference booklet will be provided in a digital format to allow easy access before and during the conference. Attendees will have the option to print the booklet on demand if they prefer a physical copy.

The digital conference booklet will be available here beginning September 1.

Check back often for more conference updates.

Continuing Education Units

As each state sets its own requirements for Continuing Education Certification, we are unable to offer credit or certificates. We recommend you visit your state library’s website for information on obtaining credit for national conferences. We also strongly suggest that you keep a copy of your registration receipt, conference program, and a list of sessions you attend as proof of your attendance.

Future Conferences

Click here to learn more about the locations of future conferences.

Past Conferences

Click here to learn more about the locations and themes of past conferences.