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Current Sponsor and Partner Opportunities

Spring Institute for Youth Services 2026

Why Partner with MLA at Spring Institute for Youth Services 2026?

Every year the Michigan Library Association hosts the Spring Institute for Youth Services, Michigan’s premier annual education event for youth library professionals. Children and teen services library professionals from across the state gather together to share, discover and experience best practices at formal sessions. vendor exhibits, and networking activities in a fun and collaborative learning environment. Spring Institute for Youth Services is an annual two-day conference that brings together approximately 250 library professionals, as well vendors, performers, and authors for two days of education, exhibits, networking, special events, and interactive activities.

The 2026 theme is Play It Forward and aims to celebrate the joy and importance of play in our life and work, as well the in the growth of our smallest patrons.

We welcome back our long-time supporters and look forward to engaging with new organizations and partners. There are various ways to be involved, but these packages are not set in stone. If you have ideas, let’s talk possibilities!

View the Spring Institute for Youth Services 2026 Prospectus

Conference Venue and Hotel

L.V. Eberhard Center at GVSU Pew Campus
301 Fulton Street SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Holiday Inn Downtown Grand Rapids
310 Pearl Street NW
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504

Group room rates at the Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown start at $149.00. Call the hotel directly at (616) 235-7611 and refer to the Michigan Library Association Spring Institute to qualify for the discount rate. Reserve your room by February 24, 2026. Room block may sell out sooner. Self-parking for hotel guests is complimentary.

Register to Sponsor or Exhibit at Spring Institute for Youth Services 2026

Exhibit

Exhibiting at Spring Institute for Youth Services gets you face to face with decision makers and youth and teen library workers from across the state of Michigan.

• Ample non-conflict time for conference attendees to visit your exhibit
• Networking opportunities with staff from a wide variety of Michigan libraries
• Contact information for attendees provided before and after the event
• Convenient layout with exhibit space located in pre-function space near meeting rooms

MLA Strategic Partners get 10% off exhibit booth prices!

Exhibition Schedule

Exhibit Booth Fees

Investment Includes:

• 8’ skirted table with two chairs
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Continental breakfast and lunch for one (1) booth personnel

Optional Add-ons:

• Additional personnel meals ($40 per person)
• Electrical connection ($50 per booth)

Register to Exhibit at Spring Institute for Youth Services 2026

Non-Profit Partner Fair

On Friday, March 20, 2026, we will be hosting an exhibition of non-profit organizations and community partners who work with and serve Michigan libraries and/or Michigan youth.

Are you a community partner or 501(c)3 non-profit organization that would benefit from networking with representatives of Michigan libraries? Do you provide services that libraries need? Do you work to help children, teens, or families in your community? If this sounds like your organization, consider joining us in Grand Rapids!

Registration is complimentary but space is limited and offered on a first-come first-served basis. Partners must be registered by March 6, 2026. 

Partner Fair Schedule

Registration Includes:

• 8’ skirted table with two chairs
• Wi-Fi connectivity

REGISTER TO EXHIBIT AT Spring Institute for Youth Services 2026

Sponsor

We will work with you to customize any sponsorship opportunity that best aligns with your goals and objectives and gives the maximum return on your investment for your organization and the conference attendees.

By sponsoring Spring Institute for Youth Services, you can show your dedication and support to Michigan’s youth and teen library staff and leaders. This highly attended event attracts library workers from across the state and is a great opportunity to showcase your brand, products, and services.

All sponsorship opportunities include logo recognition in event app, attendee emails, and on the MLA website and social media.

Sponsorship Opportunities

All-Conference Sponsor — $5,000
Our MVP! (Most Valuable Partner)

• Logo recognition on all conference signage
• Podium recognition during conference opening and closing remarks and keynotes
• Exhibit space on both Thursday and Friday

Welcome Sponsor — $2,000
Sponsor our big opening bash

• Logo on signage at GRCM door
• Four passes and table space at welcome party
• Exhibit space on Thursday

Lunch Sponsor — $1,500
Please Feed the Librarians

• Logo recognition on lunch buffet signage
• Podium recognition during lunch remarks

Keynote Sponsor — $1,000
Help us get the best headliners

• Logo recognition on keynote signage
• Podium recognition during keynote introduction

Coffee Station Sponsor — $800
People love whoever supplies the coffee

• Logo recognition on coffee station signage
• Podium recognition during opening remarks

Lanyards Sponsor — $750

• Your logo* printed on lanyards given to conference attendees

*Logo must be single color. Lanyard width is 3/8”

Breakfast Sponsor — $650

• Logo recognition on breakfast buffet signage
• Podium recognition during opening remarks

Mobile App Sponsor — $500
We don’t print programs anymore, so 90+% of attendees use the app!

• Logo featured on app splash page and QR code signage on-site

GR Scavenger Hunt Sponsor – $450

• Logo recognition at event
• Add a clue or stop on our downtown adventure!

Trivia Game Sponsor – $350
Trivia is a well loved and expected SI tradition!

• Logo recognition on trivia lunch signage
• Podium recognition by trivia host

Chair Drop Sponsor - $250

• Your provided promotional item placed on all seats during a general session.

Register to Sponsor Spring Institute for Youth Services 2026

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Policies and Guidelines

Cancellation

Cancellations received at least 30 days before the event are subject to a $100.00 cancellation fee. No cancellation refunds can be issued within 30 days of the event.

Code of Conduct

Download the complete Code of Conduct (pdf)

MLA’s vision is to be a highly effective, trusted network of libraries, library employees, trustees, friends and supporters working together to support and promote the highest quality library services throughout Michigan. To fulfill our vision, MLA has built, and is dedicated to maintaining, an inclusive and equitable community where all people can come together to advance our shared vision.

MLA is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all participants and MLA staff. Each participant, including attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, staff, and service providers, is expected to understand and follow MLA policies and report any violations. These expectations apply to all MLA activities (whether virtual or in-person), including but not limited to those held in conjunction with conferences, events, and meetings.Any conduct that is prohibited in-person is also prohibited online, including but not limited to on MLA social media pages and other online platforms. 

Consent

Registration and attendance at, or participation in, MLA meetings or other activities constitutes an agreement by the registration to the use and distribution of the registrants or attendees' image or voice in photographs, videotapes, electronic reproductions of such events and activities by MLA. Please contact MLA at [email protected] if you'd like to be removed from any list.

Statement of Non-endorsement

MLA does not endorse any product, service, or activity of any partner organization, speaker, sponsor, or event exhibitor. Participation in MLA events or provision of goods, services, facilities, or equipment does not constitute endorsement by MLA.

Values

The Michigan Library Association (MLA) is committed to upholding the values of intellectual freedom, inclusion, and integrity. We expect all sponsors, exhibitors, speakers and partners to align with and support these core values. MLA reserves the right to refuse or terminate any sponsorship, exhibition, or partnership if an organization or individual is found to act in opposition to these principles. By participating with MLA, you agree to maintain these standards and contribute to the positive and inclusive environment that our association fosters.

Health and Safety Guidelines

MLA will make every effort to ensure that provided meals are free of any declared allergens. Please ensure you have alerted MLA staff to any allergies you may have. If you have emergency medications, such as an EpiPen, please carry it with you during the conference.

Although we always aim to work with you to provide a safe and comfortable conference, we cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free event or prevent others from bringing potential allergens to the event. Conference attendees and exhibitors are asked to refrain from bringing, distributing, and consuming products containing peanuts and other nuts at the conference.

We ask you to be courteous and conscientious of others while meeting in-person at the event, especially when it comes to health and safety.

Questions? Contact us!

For additional information or questions please contact MLA Event Coordinator Mackenzie Hanfland at [email protected].

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