MLA 2026 Conference Performer's Showcase

Attention performers and entertainers: 

The Missouri Library Association will be hosting its Annual Conference October 6-7, 2026 in Springfield, MO.  The Performer Showcase Selection Committee is looking for performers to share their offerings for quality programming appropriate for children, teens, and/or families at a reasonable cost to the host libraries. 

All attendees of the MLA 2026 Conference will be invited to attend a Performer Showcase scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Selected performers will be scheduled for a 10 minute demonstration slot between 9:00-11:30 am on October 6th. After the performances, attendees may visit performers’ tables to pick up information and ask questions. This is a great opportunity to present a short sneak preview of your program, distribute promotional materials and speak with librarians from around Missouri. 

This year, we are also trying something new with the Showcase.  Performers are able to submit a 3-5 minute video that would be accessible to MLA members that were unable to attend conference.  As we are trying this out for the first time there would be no additional cost to submit a video this year as long as you register for at least the Directory Ad and Link.

Registration Types (All Registration Types include free video submission this year except the Link Only option.)

●      Performance Time, Info Table, Directory Ad and Link - $130 

●      Info Table, Directory Ad and Link - $100

●      Directory Ad and Link - $60

●      Link only - $30 (does not include video)

(Please understand that if due to space/time restrictions you are not selected to Perform or have an Info Table, you may still have a Directory Ad and Link and will be refunded the difference. You may also choose to not attend and request a full refund.)

To apply:  Performer's Showcase 

Please note the following details before applying:

●      Due to time constraints and with the goal of providing a range of programming choices for our conference attendees, all applicants may not be scheduled to perform during the Showcase.

●      Each performer chosen will be given ten minutes, including set up and take down time, to perform for the conference attendees.

●      Performers will be provided with tables to display and distribute promotional materials.

●      A print and online directory of performers will also be published; the print directory will be distributed to all conference attendees and the online directory will be available on the MLA website. The contents for both directories will be obtained from the information you provide in your Performer Showcase application; please be as complete and accurate as possible.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: August 1st, 2026

ACCEPTANCE NOTIFICATION: August 15th, 2026

FEE PAYMENT DEADLINE:  August 22nd, 2026

Your completed application must be submitted by August 1st, 2026 to be considered for inclusion. Please note the following information regarding the application, invoices, and payment.

●      This application will become a contract only upon electronic submission of this form, acceptance of your application by committee, and subsequent payment in full of all fees.

●      The selection committee will notify all performers of their acceptance status by August 15th, 2026.

●      Placement in the showcase lineup will be considered secure only upon receipt of invoiced fees.

●      Payment of fees will not be accepted after August 22nd, 2026. Cancellations must be made in writing and sent via email to mlac2c@molib.org prior to September 7, 2026. All cancellations are final.

Please feel free to email if you have any questions. We look forward to another great Performer Showcase this year!

To apply: Performer's Showcase Application 

If you have questions, please contact:

Youth Services Committee of Interest – ysci@molib.org