Annual Conference FAQ
TLA 2025 A-Z & Frequently Asked Questions
ADA: The Texas Library Association is committed to ensuring accessibility for all individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require auxiliary aids or services to participate in the TLA Conference, we will provide vendor information for scooter arrangements (see SCOOTERS). Please indicate any special hotel room requirements on the housing request form.
APP: The TLA 2025 conference app will be available in the Apple App Store and Google Play in early March. Search ‘TLA 2025’ to download. Registered attendees can log in to create their schedules. Due to separate systems for registration and the app, ticketed event details cannot sync automatically. However, your ticketed events will be visible on your badge upon arrival for a smooth experience.
ASSISTANCE: If you need assistance while attending the conference, stop by the Information Counter. You can also email us.
AUTHORS AREA: Meet your favorite authors and get autographs in the Authors Area at the TLA Exhibit Hall. Attendees may bring up to three items per author, per visit. Books will also be available for purchase at the TLA bookstore. Signing schedules will be posted on our conference microsite.
BADGES: Conference attendees can print badges at kiosks in the registration area. You’ll receive an email with a QR code to scan on-site at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas. If you don’t have the code, a TLA volunteer can assist. Lanyards will be provided, and volunteers will be available for assistance. Please note that badges cannot be printed ahead of time. (Speakers should check in at the speaker counter to receive their badge.)
A conference name badge is required for access to all TLA meeting rooms, sessions, ticketed events, and the exhibit hall.
BAG CHECK/RENT-A-BOX: Wheeled carts are not permitted in the Exhibit Hall, for your convenience, there will be a bag check next to Hall E Entrance.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations received on or before March 18, 2025, will receive a refund, less a 20% administrative fee. Registrations made after March 18, 2025, are non-refundable. Exhibits Only registrations are non-refundable. Refunds will be processed within 60 days following the conclusion of the conference.
All registration cancellations, including meal events, must be made in writing (email) to TLA by March 18, 2025. No phone requests can be accepted.
TRANSFERS
Substitutions of registrations to another individual, including meal events, must be made in writing (email) by March 25, 2025, to TLA. No phone requests can be accepted. The individual submitting the substitution request is responsible for all financial obligations (any balance due) associated with that substitution.
GENERAL CANCELLATION INFORMATION
TLA reserves the right to cancel all or part of this event. If TLA must cancel the event, TLA will transfer the registration to a similar virtual or in-person event(s) of equal or greater value than the original registration price paid within the 2025 calendar year. TLA will not be responsible for any indirect, special, or consequential damages (including transportation, lodging, and meal costs) incurred by the registrant.
Registrations are not refundable after March 18, 2025, for any reason, including and without limitation lack of participation (no show), failure to use registration due to illness, travel-related problems, loss of employment, and/or duplicate purchases.
The event’s operating hours, guests, and speakers are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
CONCESSION STANDS: Menu TBD
CONFERENCE PROGRAM ONLINE: The 2025 Conference Program will be available on the microsite by mid-December.
CONFERENCE EVALUATION: The online Post-Conference Survey will be sent to all conference attendees after the conference. We appreciate your feedback!
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION CREDIT: TLA is utilizing a self-reporting form for event attendees to claim professional development education (CPE) credit.
The Texas Library Association is an approved provider of professional development by the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) and the Texas State Library & Archives Commission in the state of Texas. The individual is responsible for working with their employer to determine if sessions meet their professional development needs. Learn more
EXHIBIT HALL HOURS:
Tuesday, April 1: 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Wednesday, April 2: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday, April 3: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Also located in the exhibit hall are the Authors Area and Exhibitor Showcases.
FIRST AID: In case of an emergency, call 911. For minor first aid needs, we will have a First Aid room.
FOOD: There are several restaurants within walking distance of the convention center. Visit Dallas offers lists of places to eat and things to do in the Dallas area.
HOTEL RESERVATIONS: TLA has contracted with several downtown hotels near the convention center to accommodate conference attendees. Book your room through our official hotel provider, onPeak. Detailed information on hotels, rates, room reservations, and locations are included on the conference website.
HOUSING: A representative from onPeak, TLA’s official housing management company, will be available during registration hours to answer hotel questions. Please notify an onPeak representative of any housing issues ON SITE so they can be addressed and resolved.
INTERNET ACCESS: Wi-Fi is available in the common areas of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas.
LOCAL INFORMATION/PHONE NUMBERS:
- onPeak – TLA Conference Housing: 800-243-1205
- Texas Library Association Headquarters (Austin):
- 512-328-1518;
LOST AND FOUND: At the Information Booth.
MEAL FUNCTIONS: Tickets for all conference meal functions must be purchased during preregistration; they will not be sold onsite. Conference registration is not required to attend these events, so feel free to purchase tickets for friends, family, and colleagues. Ticket prices reflect menu selections, catering, room setup, speaker fees, and other expenses. Please indicate any special dietary needs (Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Lactose-Free) during registration. Tickets are not transferable and the deadline to purchase is March 18, 2025
MEDIA: The Texas Library Association is not offering media credentials for the TLA Annual Conference.
NOTICE OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Photographs and/or videos may be taken by event organizers, event sponsors, event speakers and/or those persons retained by event organizers to document the TLA 2025 Annual Conference, held in Dallas, Texas. Texas Library Association (TLA) assumes permission to use images. Images, photos and/or videos may be used to promote similar events in the future, highlight the day’s event and exhibit the capabilities of TLA. No compensation will be provided to the subjects of the images, photos and/or videos. The ownership of images, photos and/or videos are retained by the persons taking the photos and/or videos. Photos may be shared in electronic, social, and print media.
OPEN MEETINGS: Unless otherwise noted in the Conference Program, all meetings are open to all registered participants. Exhibits-only badges have full access to the exhibit hall including the Exhibits Grand Opening.
PARKING: Parking at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas. Information about parking is located here.
REGISTRATION: The Conference Registration Area is located at Lobby O of the Kay Baliey Hutcheson Convention Center on the second floor near the entrance to the Omni hotel.
SAFETY: Report damage to or theft of your personal property or vehicle to the Information Counter. For your own protection, especially at night, please walk or ride with a friend. Walking at night between the convention center and distant hotels is not recommended. Check with your hotel about procedures for securing your valuables. Carefully read the fire-safety information furnished by your hotel.
The Texas Library Association adheres to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas policy related to firearms. TLA ensures that all policies are compliant with local, state, and federal laws.
SCOOTERS: More information coming.
SMOKING: No smoking is permitted in any area of the convention center.
SOCIAL MEDIA: Receive the most up to date conference news through X (formerly known as Twitter)@txla and #txla25 and like/follow the TLA Facebook page for updates. TLA is also on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
SPEAKERS: Opinions expressed in sessions at the TLA 2025 Conference are those of the presenters and are not necessarily endorsed by TLA.
TRANSPORTATION: New this year! TLA is going green and offering a more flexible transportation option for attendees staying at official TLA conference hotels more than 0.1 miles from the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. All registered attendees staying at specified hotels booked via onPeak will receive $30 in Lyft credits to use during the conference. Download the Rideshare flyer
A unique code for up to $30 credit towards Lyft rides will be sent to each eligible attendee; directly to the email address used when booking the hotel reservation. The email will come from Lyft. Credits will be valid during 2025 conference dates (April 1-4, 2025) only in downtown Dallas to and from your hotel and official conference events. Unused credits will expire at 3:00 PM on April 4, 2025.
If you are sharing a hotel room at conference, please follow these instructions when booking your room through onPeak to make sure all eligible attendees can receive their Lyft credits:
- Select the correct room occupancy (double/triple, etc.) when choosing your room type,
- Include the full name and email addresses of all roommates.
- Only registered conference attendees will receive credits.
If you are not staying at an official conference hotel, and/or did not book through OnPeak, we are unable to offer Lyft credits for conference. Learn More
VOLUNTEER COUNTER: Located in Lobby O of the Kay Bailey Hutcheson Convention Center on the second floor near the entrance to the Omni hotel. Attendees who have registered as volunteers check in there, or who are interested in volunteering, should inquire about open volunteer positions there.
Registration
What does my general registration include?
General Registration includes: four days of educational programs and exhibits, three General Sessions, After Hours, and the Exhibit Hall Grand Opening. Meals are not included.
Can I register multiple people at once?
Yes, you can register multiple people from your organization at once if you all have the same “Primary Affiliation” or Institution. On the checkout screen there will be a button that says “Add Another Registration.” If you are the person responsible for registering a group of attendees, email TLA to be set up as the Company Manager for easier management of group registrations.
Can I register online if I am paying by check?
You can register online with an electronic check or credit card payment only. Paper checks are to be mailed with the mail-in registration form available on the conference registration page. Mail-in registration must be postmarked by March 31.
How can I get a receipt for my registration?
You will receive an official receipt upon payment. To find a copy of your order, login to your TLA account and click on “My Orders” or “My Registrations” to view a copy of your registrations.
Is there an early-bird discount?
Yes, early bird rates are available through January 31. Visit the registration page for more information.
What are my payment options?
Online registration requires payment with a credit card or electronic check. We accept mailed registrations with checks or money orders. We do not accept purchase orders as payment. A purchase order can be used to request an invoice. Invoices can be paid with a credit card online or with a check mailed to the address on the invoice.
I am not a TLA member. Can I become one now and get the member rate for conference?
Yes you can! It is never too late to join TLA. Join online (quickest option) or you can print the PDF and mail in the form. Either way, you will then be eligible for the TLA member rate when you register for the conference.
I work as a librarian but I am also a library student. Under which category should I register?
Library employees who are TLA general members should register as general members. Employment status overrides student status. Full-time students who are TLA student members are eligible for the student rate.
I am registering several people for conference. Will I need their TLA passwords to complete their registrations?
No, you will not need their passwords. You will need their names and email addresses. Each registrant must have the same “Primary Affiliation,” or Institution listed on their TLA profile. To add them to your company roster you will need their name and email address.
How will I know that TLA has received my mailed in registration?
You will receive an order confirmation email as soon as TLA has fully processed your registration. Please ensure that you include a unique, valid email address along with your registration, to ensure you receive this notification. Please allow a minimum of 2 weeks from the time the registration and payment are mailed to the time you receive your emailed confirmation.
Do you offer any group discounts?
Group discounts are not available for conference registration.
How can I buy an Exhibits Only pass?
Exhibits Only passes are available through the online registration process .
My district is paying for my basic registration fee, but I need to pay for extra events myself. How do I add ticketed or preconference events to my registration?
You can edit your existing registration by logging into your TLA account (use the same email address they registered you with). Click on “My Registrations” on the left-hand side of the navigation menu. Then click the “Edit” button next to your current registration. You are able to add the ticketed events from your existing registration and pay with a credit card or saved bank account. If you need to pay for your events before your district’s payment has been processed, you can register only for the ticketed events, without choosing the full week’s conference pass and process the payment online for just the ticketed event.
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My employer will pay my conference registration, but won’t pay for my TLA membership. What is the benefit of joining TLA?
There are many benefits of joining TLA, and if you are coming to the conference it just makes financial sense. The average membership dues plus conference registration at the member rate combined is often less than paying the non-member conference registration rate. Membership dues are based on annual income.
General Information
How do I get tickets for the Texas Bluebonnet Award Luncheon?
The Texas Bluebonnet Award Author Session will be held on Thursday, April 3.
Purchase tickets for the luncheon by March 18. Tickets: $59 member, $69 non-member
How do I claim CPE credit for the sessions I attended?
TLA is utilizing a self-reporting form for event attendees to claim professional development education (CPE) credit.
The Texas Library Association is an approved provider of professional development by the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) and the Texas State Library & Archives Commission in the state of Texas. The individual is responsible for working with their employer to determine if sessions meet their professional development needs.
Please use this form as a record of your attendance. More information
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