Often cited among conference highlights, the ILA 2018 Exhibit Hall connects attendees with cutting-edge classroom tools, technologies, and solutions. Those joining us in Austin, TX, July 20–23, will have access to more than 130 vendors, book signings, giveaways, photo ops, product demonstrations, and more education than ever before.

A short walk from the Exhibit Hall, in the first-floor atrium, lies ILA Central, your one-stop shop for all things ILA.

To ensure you make the most of your time, review the list of offerings in both locations and create your plan of attack beforehand. Here are some we recommend.

• Take advantage of the Friday preview: Stop by the Exhibit Hall on Friday, July 20, from 3:00 PM–6:00 PM for a special preview of the space.
• Shop ILA merchandise: Show your ILA pride with the latest collectible ILA 2018 Conference T-shirts, notebooks, water bottles, tote bags, and more.
• Explore your ILA membership: Membership staff will be on hand to help you sign up to be an ILA member or to renew or update your current membership. Take advantage of our conference-only special: a free, one-year subscription to an online ILA journal of your choice.
• Get involved: Learn about ILA's literacy projects from the ILA staff members who lead them, including Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals 2017, the What’s Hot in Literacy report, and the Choices project.
• Meet your favorite authors: Browse a broad selection of titles and get them signed by attending authors, such as Megan McDonald, Carole Boston Weatherford, and Peter H. Reynolds.
• Stock up on swag: Leave extra room in your suitcase for the endless free books, classroom supplies, and “swag bags” from vendors such as Scholastic, Fountas & Pinnell, and American Reading Company.

This year’s Exhibit Hall will feature more than 30 PD sessions on topics such as emerging digital literacy strategies, effective phonics instruction, and creating inclusive learning environments.

For full Exhibitor Session descriptions, visit the iPlanner or download the ILA 2018 Conference app. View the Exhibit Hall floor plan and full list of vendors here.

Register for the ILA 2018 Conference at ilaconference.org and receive Standard rates through July 18. 

Alina O’Donnell is the communications strategist at ILA and the editor of Literacy Daily.