Information for Attendees

 

Quick Links to Specific Information

Lunch, Dinner, Food, and Beverages

Coffee & Tea

Coffee and hot tea will be available at the following times in the exhibit hall:

You can re-caffeinate outside of the above times by visiting:

• Starbucks on 141 Granby St (500 feet from the conference center)
• aLatte Cafe on 321 Granby St (.3 miles from the conference center)
• Three Ships Coffee Roasters on 400 Granby St (.4 miles from conference center)

The Virginia Library Association does not endorse these businesses.

Lunch and Dinner

For breakfast, lunch, and dinner options in the surrounding area, please view the Norfolk Guide, courtesy of the 2026 Conference Committee. There are many quick service lunch options located near the conference center.

Accessibility
Attendees with mobility challenges may contact [email protected] for a boxed lunch order form. This option is available at the cost of $43.00 for Monday only. Lunches will not be available on Tuesday.

Meal Breaks

While there will not be meals served during the conference, there are scheduled times throughout the conference that can be used for meal breaks:

Snacks
Feel free to bring protein bars, granola bars, or other small snacks to enjoy throughout the conference. We just ask that you make sure the space is tidy for the next person to enjoy. Do not bring snacks to pass out during sessions as part of an event or presentation; this could cause us to incur fees from our conference center.

Water

Water will be available throughout the day from dispensers and water fountains. They can be found in the halls and inside session rooms. 

We recommend bringing a refillable water bottle with you, to cut down on single-use plastic.

Food at the Conference Center

Refreshments will be available during the following times:

Awards Ceremony and Poster Sessions

Registration & Early Events

Arriving Saturday or Sunday?

Registration and Badge Pick Up

Sunday Early Registration and Badge Pick Up

Monday/Tuesday Registration and Badge Pick Up

Getting to Norfolk and Getting Around

Parking

Local Transportation

You can find information on the Planning Your Visit page.

Navigating the Conference Venue

Directional Signage
We will have signage located on each level to provide general directions for the main areas of the conference venue.

Ask a Human Being
There will be volunteers, Virginia Library Association staff, and 2026 Conference Committee members spread throughout the conference venue that will be able to help. You may also visit the Registration Desk in the Exhibit Hall on the Fourth Floor at any time between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Monday and 8 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday for assistance.

Not near the Exhibit Hall? Be on the lookout for someone wearing a purple VLA shirt (Virginia Library Association staff), a bright yellow lanyard (Conference Committee), or a volunteer button (A way-finding volunteer).

Maps and Schedule
The schedule of sessions will be available digitally through the Sched App, which will be made available 30 days prior to the conference. You can also find a copy of the schedule on the Schedule at a Glance page. We will have a limited number of printed schedules at a glance at the registration desk. 

Packing & Preparation

Dress Code
Business casual, but you will see plenty of jeans and tees. We recommend choosing comfortable, supportive shoes and packing a cardigan or light jacket. Dress as you would for work. 

Packing Recommendations

• Tote bag for your exhibitor swag
• Business attire if you plan on having your headshot taken on Tuesday
• Reusable water bottle
• Chargers
• Printed copies of your resume, cover letter, and/or CV if you are planning utilizing the career coaching services

Temperature in the Conference Center
The temperature will be set to 68 degrees. We recommend bringing layers, like a light jacket or cardigan.

Networking

There are many opportunities for networking during the conference including but not limited to: 

• Introducing yourself to a presenter or attendee during a conference session that you have similar interests
• Waiting in line with somebody at the refreshment station
• Attending a drop-in forum event Monday evening at 5 p.m. - no forum membership required!
• Attending the All-Conference Social for Trivia on Monday evening at 8 p.m.
• Attending the Executive Committee town hall meeting Tuesday afternoon

Other Information

Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs)
ARCs will be distributed at the end of the conference after the Executive Committee’s Town Hall meeting.

Badges
Please wear your conference badge at all times. If you lose your badge, head over to the registration desk and they will be able to assist.

First Aid Station
Visit the Registration Desk in the Exhibit Hall on the Fourth Floor at any time between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Monday and 8 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday for first aid items.

Guests
All guests must register for the conference as their corresponding member type. Guests may attend the Sunday evening award ceremony with an award winner; the award winner must preregister these guests. Guests may not drop in to attend a session or visit the exhibit hall. Attendees without a badge will be directed to the registration desk if they wish to continue participating in the conference and will be subject to in-person registration rates.

How to Get Involved
There are multiple opportunities during the conference to explore ways to get more involved with VLA.

• Stop by a forum table in the Exhibit Hall to learn more about that forum
• Drop in to one (or multiple) forum events happening Monday night
• Attend the Executive Committee town hall meeting Tuesday afternoon to learn more about VLA, this past year’s accomplishments, and be part of the conversation about VLA’s future projects and initiatives
• Fill out an interest form for a committee. The 2027 Awards & Recognition, Cardinal Cup, Graphic Novel Diversity Award, and Scholarship Committees will be recruiting new members during the conference period.
• Sign up to volunteer during the conference

Letter of Attendance
If you require proof of attendance, please contact [email protected] to receive a letter of attendance.

Nursing Parents Room
Contact [email protected] as soon as possible if you require a private space for pumping or nursing, or indicate your need on the registration form.

Photography
Attendance at this event constitutes permission for your photograph or video to be taken at the event and used by the Virginia Library Association.

Virtual Attendance
VLA does not offer a virtual option for the Annual Conference for attendees or presenters. Sessions will not be streamed or recorded. All speakers are required to attend in person.