Dates

    22–24 Oct 2026

    City / country

    Tucson, USA

    Venue

    Casino Del Sol

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    Event overview

    Overview

    The AzLA conference & Expo is a premier event for library professionals, educators, and advocates. Taking place at Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Arizona, from October 22-24, 2026, this conference will feature keynote speakers, networking opportunities, and a showcase of exhibitors.

    Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Arizona Library Association and engage with peers to discuss the future of libraries. AzLA conference & Expo takes place in Tucson, USA.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Dates and Venue: October 22-23, 2026 at Casino Del Sol, 5655 W Valencia Rd, Tucson, Arizona.
    2. 2Milestone Edition: The 2026 conference marks the 100th anniversary of the Arizona Library Association.
    3. 3Audience and Focus: Arizona library professionals gather for peer sessions, awards and library-sector vendor conversations.
    4. 4Programme Anchors: Adelita Grijalva delivers the closing keynote and book signing; the AzLA Awards Gala is a separately ticketed event.
    5. 5Registration: Full-conference rates are listed at USD 275 for AzLA members and USD 350 for non-members; check the September 21, 2026 advance-pricing cutoff before paying.

    Why visit

    Attendees will gain insights from industry leaders, network with peers, and explore innovative solutions for library services. Dates and Venue: The AzLA conference & Expo will take place from October 22-24, 2026, at Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Arizona. Buyer Authority: Attendees include librarians, library staff, educators, authors, and publishers, all with purchasing influence. Session on the agenda: PM- AZLA Awards Gala (paid ticketed event) Friday, October 23,...

    Why exhibit

    Exhibiting at the AzLA conference & Expo provides a unique opportunity to connect with decision-makers in the library sector. Showcase your products and services to a targeted audience of library professionals and gain visibility in the Arizona library community. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Publishers and book distributors, Library technology providers, Educational resource suppliers. Position your offer across books and educational materials, library.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Librarians from public, academic, and school libraries
    Library staff and administrators
    Educators and teaching professionals
    Authors and publishers
    Friends of libraries and trustees
    Library technology vendors

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Publishers and book distributors
    Library technology providers
    Educational resource suppliers
    Furniture and equipment manufacturers
    Consultants for library services
    Non-profit organizations supporting libraries

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Library management systems and discovery software
    eBooks, audiobooks and digital content licensing platforms
    RFID, self-checkout and automated materials handling equipment
    Shelving, seating and library furniture
    Cataloguing and metadata tools, including MARC records
    Literacy and early-learning print collections
    Database and research subscriptions
    Makerspace, STEM and assistive-technology kits for library programmes

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Casino Del Sol

    Tucson, USA

    Facilities

    Parking

    Casino Del Sol in Tucson typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.

    Food options

    On-site catering

    On-site dining

    Parking: Casino Del Sol in Tucson typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.

    Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Casino Del Sol for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    • AzLA Member Full Conference

      Advance rate until September 21, 2026.

      275
    • Non-member Full Conference

      Standard rate after September 21, 2026.

      350
    Register

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    Arizona Library Association

    What's on

    Programme

    2

    Seminar

    1

    Event days

    6:00–8:00

    Typical time

    Thursday, Oct 22, 2026

    6:00 – 8:00

    PM- AZLA Awards Gala (paid ticketed event) Friday, October 23, 2026 9:00 AM - Adelita Grijalva Closing Keynote & Book Signing ... Arizona Library Association Building Strong Libraries Together

    Seminar
    8:00

    AM (MST) - Friday, October 23, 2026 5:00 PM (MST) Location: Casino Del Sol, Tucson

    Seminar

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Last edition

    2025

    Completed

    Next edition

    Not announced yet

    Edition recap

    The 2025 AzLA Conference was documented in an ArcGIS StoryMaps reflection titled "A Reflection of the 2025 AzLA Conference." AzLA published a 2025 conference page, exhibitor and sponsorship information, and exhibitor registration details on azla.org. The full program schedule and a 2025 conference brochure were also made available.

    New this edition

    • 1

      S2 Storytime Bootcamp

      Source
    • 2

      S4 The VR Roadshow

      Source
    • 3

      Bottoms Up: How Early-Career Librarians

      Source

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    The 2025 AzLA Conference was documented in an ArcGIS StoryMaps reflection titled "A Reflection of the 2025 AzLA Conference." AzLA published a 2025 conference page, exhibitor and sponsorship information, and exhibitor registration details on azla.org. The full program schedule and a 2025 conference brochure were also made available.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    The 2025 AzLA Conference was documented in an ArcGIS StoryMaps reflection titled "A Reflection of the 2025 AzLA Conference." AzLA published a 2025 conference page, exhibitor and sponsorship information, and exhibitor registration details on azla.org. The full program schedule and a 2025 conference brochure were also made available.

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Tucson, USA

    Why it matters

    Attending AzLA conference & Expo on 2026-10-22 to 2026-10-24 in Tucson lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Digital buyer journeys

    What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    02

    Sustainability in procurement

    What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    03

    Automation and labour efficiency

    What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    04

    Regional supply-chain resilience

    What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    05

    Hybrid engagement models

    What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    Market news

    Latest updates from across the market.

    Industry News - Library Journal

    Read

    News and Press Center | ALA - American Library Association

    Read

    Technology - Library Journal

    Read

    Library Technology News Service: Library Technology News Service

    Read

    PDF The State of U.S. Academic Libraries - American Library Association

    Read

    PDF 2025 Library Insights Report

    Read

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · USD

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    Casino Del Sol Resort

    on-site resort
    Casino Del Sol, 5655 W Valencia Rd, Tucson

    USD 115–175 / night

    Resort hotel at the venue campus; confirmed address on the Casino Del Sol location page.

    source

    Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Tucson Airport, AZ

    budget
    Tucson Airport area

    4.3

    Google Hotels listing near Casino Del Sol (124 results); free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, pools, hot tub, fitness center.

    Hilton Garden Inn Tucson Airport

    midscale
    Tucson Airport area

    4.3

    Google Hotels listing; breakfast for a fee, free Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool, bar; listed about 9.5 mi from Casino Del Sol.

    La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tucson Airport

    budget
    Tucson Airport area

    4.1

    Google Hotels listing; free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, airport shuttle, outdoor pool.

    The Alice Hotel

    midscale
    Tucson

    4.6

    Google Hotels listing; free Wi-Fi, free parking, breakfast, smoke-free property.

    Flamingo Suites

    budget
    Tucson

    3.7

    Google Hotels listing; free Wi-Fi, parking, outdoor pool, kitchen in rooms, pet-friendly.

    LivAway Suites Tucson

    budget
    Tucson

    Google Hotels listing, shown as 24% below its usual rate; free Wi-Fi, free parking, fitness center, breakfast, kitchen in rooms.

    Tucson Marriott University Park

    midscale
    University of Arizona district

    4.5

    Google Hotels listing; pet-friendly with parking, close to the university area rather than the venue campus.

    The Leo Kent Hotel, Tucson, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

    upscale
    Downtown Tucson

    4.2

    Google Hotels listing; 4-star property, pet-friendly, parking.

    JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa

    luxury
    Starr Pass, west Tucson

    4.5

    Google Hotels listing; 5-star resort with spa and pool, suited to visitors combining the conference with a longer stay.

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    Public bus (Sun Tran)

    Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
    Best forSun Tran route 29 via the Casino del Sol Park & Ride

    Transit app and busmaps list a Sun Tran stop at Casino del Sol Park & Ride S, useful for delegates avoiding resort parking.

    Ride-hailing or taxi from downtown Tucson

    Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forDowntown Tucson to Casino Del Sol, 5655 W Valencia Rd

    The resort sits southwest of downtown near the Tucson Airport corridor; allow extra time around conference opening hours.

    Airport transfer

    Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from TUS to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
    Best forTucson International Airport (TUS) to Casino Del Sol

    The resort is about 8.8 miles from TUS; private transfer services and several airport hotels with shuttles serve the area.

    Car or resort shuttle

    Estimated costCheck current resort parking rates
    Best forOn-site parking at Casino Del Sol

    Delegates driving in should use the resort parking; Arizona Wildcats parking information for the adjacent Casino Del Sol Stadium shows the venue is served by managed lots on event days.

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa not required
    ATA Carnet: check with organiser

    Weather

    Tucson in October is post-monsoon desert weather: warm days, cool evenings and low rainfall. Check the National Weather Service Tucson normals page for current averages before packing, and note that desert afternoons can still be hot inside sun-exposed meeting rooms.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    US mobile networks use GSM/LTE/5G; visitors should confirm roaming with their home carrier or buy a prepaid US SIM or eSIM on arrival. Wi-Fi is standard in Tucson hotels and conference venues - confirm whether the Casino Del Sol conference centre provides attendee Wi-Fi or only guest-network access in your hotel room.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Business dress

    Library-sector conferences in Arizona run business casual; October days are warm, so light layers work better than heavy suits.

    Tipping and payments

    Prices are quoted in US dollars (USD); tipping 15-20% is customary in restaurants and bars, and card payment is accepted almost everywhere.

    Arrival and badge pickup

    Register at the Casino Del Sol conference centre on the first morning; the venue is a resort campus, so allow extra time to walk from parking or hotel rooms.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Tucson; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.

    Visa

    A B-1 temporary business visitor visa (or Visa Waiver Program eligibility) is normally required for international delegates attending a US professional conference. Confirm your nationality-specific rules on the US Department of State business visa page before booking flights.

    Estimated cost: Refer to the US Department of State nonimmigrant visa fee schedule for the current amount; no figure is confirmed in the available captures.

    Processing: Consulate-dependent; check current appointment wait times on ustraveldocs.com well before October 2026.

    Bring the AzLA registration confirmation and, if your consulate asks for it, an invitation from the organiser. B-1 status covers conference attendance and business meetings but not paid employment in the US.

    Official

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Tucson; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Casino Del Sol: Casino Del Sol, 5655 W Valencia Rd, Tucson: Casino Del Sol Resort; Tucson Airport area: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Tucson Airport, AZ; Tucson Airport area: Hilton Garden Inn Tucson Airport.

    Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Tucson; confirm local availability before travel.

    Public transit: Sun Tran operates bus service to the Casino del Sol Park & Ride stop, served by route 29 according to Transit app. Headways and evening service are limited compared with downtown Tucson, so check the schedule before relying on the bus for early sessions or evening events; the resort is about 8.8 miles from Tucson International Airport.

    Parking: On-site parking is available at Casino Del Sol; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: October 2026

    Temperature: Warm desert days and cooler evenings; consult NWS Tucson October normals and WeatherSpark for the exact averages for your dates.

    Seasonality: October follows the end of the Sonoran monsoon, so rainfall is limited but not zero - check the NWS Tucson monthly normals before travelling.

    Packing: Light business-casual clothing, a layer for air-conditioned session rooms and cool evenings, sunglasses, a hat and high-SPF sunscreen for the desert sun; bring a light jacket or wrap for evening events.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)

    Mid-show days at AzLA conference & Expo usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.

    T-1

    Two weeks before: confirm your AzLA 2026 registration and rate. Advance pricing is noted through September 21, 2026, so check whether your invoice reflects the member USD 275 or non-member USD 350 full-conference fee.

    T-2

    Book lodging at Casino Del Sol Resort or an airport-area hotel; confirm the cancellation policy, resort fees and whether breakfast or parking is included.

    T-3

    Arrange travel to Tucson International Airport (TUS) and plan the roughly 8.8-mile transfer to Casino Del Sol; confirm taxi, rideshare or shuttle availability and current fares.

    T-4

    Review the AzLA schedule for the Adelita Grijalva closing keynote and the separately ticketed Awards Gala; budget for any paid events you plan to attend.

    T-5

    Check the National Weather Service Tucson normals for late October: expect warm days, cool evenings and low rainfall, and pack layers for air-conditioned meeting rooms.

    T-6

    If using public transit, download the Sun Tran route 29 schedule for the Casino del Sol Park & Ride and note that evening service may be limited.

    T-7

    If driving, review current Casino Del Sol parking arrangements and allow extra time around opening sessions and the awards gala.

    T-8

    Confirm accessibility needs, dietary requests or session seating with AzLA before departure if the conference offers an accommodations contact.

    T-9

    Pack business cards, a charged laptop or tablet, and a way to capture session notes and vendor follow-ups.

    T-10

    Check your institution's travel approval and receipt requirements for the USD 275 member or USD 350 non-member registration before you pay.

    T-11

    Download the final programme or mobile schedule when AzLA publishes it, and mark any sessions that require advance sign-up.

    T-12

    Leave contact information with your library for urgent coverage and share your travel itinerary with a colleague.

    Sample visitor itinerary

    Route-optimised day
    Day 1 · morning

    Registration and hall orientation at Casino Del Sol

    Day 2 · core sessions

    Supplier meetings and product demos

    Day 3 · wrap-up

    Final negotiations and follow-up

    Networking spots

    2

    AzLA conference & Expo registration concourse

    Casino Del Sol

    Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.

    Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)

    Casino Del Sol

    Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Build your working budget

    Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

    Estimated budget
    Live estimate
    • Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
    • Per diem × 2$150.00
    Estimated total$380.00

    This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    visitor_ticket

    visitor · AzLA Member Full Conference

    USD 275 / per person

    organiser_published

    visitor_ticket

    visitor · Non-member Full Conference

    USD 350 / per person

    organiser_published

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Use this quick check to decide whether AzLA conference & Expo fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.

    QUESTION 1 OF 6

    What is your primary role?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.

    Best for

    Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.

    Min. budget

    $400.00

    Timeline

    4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.

    Risks

    Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.

    exhibit

    You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.

    Best for

    Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.

    Min. budget

    $2,500.00

    Timeline

    3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.

    Risks

    Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.

    skip

    Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.

    Best for

    Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.

    Timeline

    N/A

    Risks

    No major risks listed.

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    When and where is the 2026 AzLA Conference & Expo?
    The Arizona Library Association annual conference runs 21-24 October 2026 at Casino Del Sol, 5655 W Valencia Rd, Tucson, Arizona. The venue address is confirmed on the Casino Del Sol location page, and AzLA's site lists a dedicated 2026 conference page at azla.org/2026-conference.
    How do I register as an attendee?
    Registration is handled through azla.org - the 2026 AZLA Annual Conference Registration page (azla.org/event-6684028) is the official route. Check the AzLA events calendar for early-bird deadlines and member rates.
    Where should I stay for the conference?
    Casino Del Sol Resort is on the conference campus, so staying there removes daily transfers. Airport-corridor hotels such as Country Inn & Suites Tucson Airport, Hilton Garden Inn Tucson Airport and La Quinta Inn & Suites Tucson Airport are roughly 9-10 miles out and often cheaper, with free parking and shuttles.
    How do I get to Casino Del Sol from Tucson Airport?
    Tucson International Airport (TUS) is about 8.8 miles from the resort. Options include private transfers, ride-hailing and taxis; Sun Tran serves the Casino del Sol Park & Ride stop. Confirm shuttle availability with your hotel.
    Who exhibits at the AzLA Conference & Expo?
    Exhibitors include library technology vendors, book and ebook distributors, furniture and shelving suppliers, and professional development providers - AzLA publishes the exhibitor and sponsorship list each year on azla.org.
    Do I need a visa to attend from outside the US?
    International attendees normally need a B-1 business visitor visa or Visa Waiver Program eligibility. Check travel.state.gov and ustraveldocs.com for your nationality, and apply early enough to cover consulate wait times before October 2026.

    Glossary

    1
    AzLA
    Arizona Library Association, the statewide professional organization for Arizona library workers; it hosts the annual conference and marks its 100th anniversary in 2026.
    2
    AzLA Annual Conference
    The Arizona Library Association's annual statewide meeting, held October 22-23, 2026 at Casino Del Sol in Tucson; the 2026 edition includes the Adelita Grijalva closing keynote, a book signing and the AzLA Awards Gala.
    3
    Public library
    A library serving a city, county or regional population with lending, reference, programming and digital access; public library staff often attend AzLA to compare vendors and share programming ideas.
    4
    School library
    A K-12 library that supports curriculum, literacy and research skills, usually staffed by a teacher-librarian or library media specialist; school library staff use AzLA to evaluate age-appropriate resources and databases.
    5
    Academic library
    A college or university library supporting students, faculty research and scholarly collections; academic librarians at AzLA compare discovery layers, e-resources and information literacy tools.
    6
    Special library
    A library in a specialized setting such as a hospital, law firm, museum or corporation, focused on a narrow subject collection; special librarians attend AzLA for vendor demos and peer problem-solving.
    7
    MLIS
    Master of Library and Information Science, the graduate credential common for librarian roles; conference sessions and vendor conversations often assume MLIS-level familiarity with reference, cataloging and collection work.
    8
    Collection development
    The process of selecting, acquiring and evaluating library materials to meet community or institutional needs; at AzLA, vendors may present databases, e-books, audiobooks and print jobber services that support this work.
    9
    Information literacy
    The ability to find, evaluate and use information effectively; it is a core instructional focus for school and academic librarians and a common session topic at library conferences.
    10
    Interlibrary loan (ILL)
    A cooperative service that lets one library borrow materials from another for a patron; ILL workflows and resource-sharing platforms are relevant to public, academic and special library attendees.
    11
    Readers' advisory
    A service that helps patrons choose books and other materials for pleasure or learning; public and school library staff often look for readers' advisory tools and programming ideas at AzLA.
    12
    Library consortium
    A group of libraries that share resources, purchasing power, training or technology; consortium representatives often use conferences to compare shared e-resource and automation options.
    13
    Cataloging and metadata
    The work of describing, organizing and making library resources discoverable; metadata standards and cataloging modules are common topics for technical services staff at library conferences.

    Also known as

    Alternate names and search phrases for this event.

    • AzLA conference & Expo 2026
    • AzLA conference & Expo Tucson 2026
    • AzLA 2026
    • AzLA Tucson 2026
    • Tucson USA
    • Conference Tucson 2026
    • Conference Expo Tucson
    • Books and educational materials

    Trust footer

    Sources

    2

    References

    1

    Publishers

    0

    Date checked

    1

    Arizona Library Association

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