ULA Annual Conference 2026

Lisa Varga Keynote: "Beyond the Honeymoon Phase: Reflections on 13 months at the ALA Washington Office"

When Lisa Varga assumed the role of Chief Advocacy Officer at the American Library Association, she changed zip codes and stepped into the epicenter of a shifting national discourse. Moving to Washington, D.C., during a period of historic political and social volatility, Lisa faced the dual challenge of ALA’s transformation alongside a competitive advocacy landscape. Thirteen months later, the "honeymoon phase" has ended. In this candid session, Lisa will move beyond the standard highlight reel to share the raw reality of policy in the nation’s capital. Lessons learned, mistakes she won’t make again, and what has given her hope as she has met with legislators and crisscrossed the country engaging with library leaders. 

Jennifer Blair Keynote: "Authentic Grace: Enlisting Gentle Boundaries and Compassionate Resistance by Shifting Motivations Toward Self-Compassion and Empathy"

Libraries are caregivers, providing compassion, and empathy to their communities. We recognize the impact we make, but only primarily as a library representative. As servant leaders, we often fail to recognize that compassion also requires self-application. But by shifting motivations and applying compassionate resistance, we incorporate gentle boundaries to maintain and eventually excel in implementing strategies to be intentionally authentic. In leading by example, we employ the same level of compassion and empathy we give to others. We go beyond surface-level acknowledgement, believing in our individual roles, illustrating authenticity and intentionality in applying grace to ourselves. 

Beth Brower Author Keynote: Striking Matches, Lighting Candles"

The written word plays a role of significant illumination in the human experience. Those who work in the world of books are in a position to enlighten, lift, and encourage. Beth Brower shares a collection of thoughts about the importance of this work—be it only the striking of a momentary match or helping to light a torch that grows into a personal beacon.