Call for proposals: ALADN Conference 2026

[Susanna Cowan]

[Posted on behalf of colleague members of ALADN]

Call for proposals: Academic Library Advancement and Development Network (ALADN) 2026 conference

ALADN 2026:  Music City Melodies: Libraries and Philanthropy
Embassy Suites by Hilton
Murfreesboro, TN

• Preconference Sunday, April 12, 2026
• Conference Monday, April 13  - Tuesday, April 14, 2026  

Thinking about attending the 2026 ALADN Conference? Looking for an opportunity to share best practices and engage with colleagues committed to library fundraising and communications? The ALADN Preconference and Conference is the perfect place to gather, connect, learn and inspire one another under this year’s theme: “Music City Melodies: Libraries and Philanthropy.”  

The ALADN 2026 Conference Program Committee invites you to submit a proposal to present at the ALADN Conference, taking place April 13-14, 2026, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville SE Murfreesboro in Murfreesboro, TN. 

We are seeking dynamic, original proposals for workshops, discussions, or panels that offer in-depth information on current fundraising trends, best practices, and innovative strategies. Sessions should be accessible to attendees at a variety of experience levels. Proposals may include workshops, round-table discussions, and panel sessions. 

Conference Details & Links: 

• ALADN 2026 Call for Conference Proposals Details
• ALADN 2026 Call for Proposals
• ALADN 2026 Conference Website

Conference sessions run for one hour or more, with the presentation lasting 45 minutes and 15 minutes for Q&A. 

Theme Inspiration: 

Our theme “Music City Melodies: Libraries and Philanthropy” offers a wide range of creative directions, possible session topics include (but are not limited to):   

• How the pandemic has changed fundraising
• How to leverage social media to communicate need and impact
• Crowdfunding during Giving Days
• How academic libraries can build their donor pools
• Facilities projects 
• Prioritizing fundable projects/programs 
• Planned giving 
• Virtual development
• Working with Corporate and Foundation Relations
• Making the case for supporting the library
• Trends in philanthropy 
• Topics related to the conference theme - “Music City Melodies: Libraries and Philanthropy”
• The future of fundraising in the age of AI - panel discussion

We encourage you to bring your voice, your expertise, and your creativity to this important conversation.

Selection process and timeline:

Our submission deadline is Sunday, November 2, 2025. Acceptance notification: December 15, 2025. Full details and links to the conference proposal form are available at: https://www.aladnnetwork.org/call-for-proposals  

This year’s conference will offer unique opportunities for you to learn new ideas and/or approaches, network with colleagues and peers representing a wide array of academic libraries, and engage in professional development opportunities.  

Whether you're a returning conference delegate or a first-timer, please consider the opportunity to discover everything that ALADN 2026 offers by being an active participant in both the preconference session and the full conference. We very much look forward to receiving your proposals and seeing you in Murfreesboro in April 2026!

Posted on behalf of

Annmarie J. Zell

Director of the Law Library
Assistant Dean for Library Services
New York University School of Law