ALA AnnualConference

Join us in San Diego! We'll be in the Indie Pavilion and hosting four stage presentations.

The ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition unites librarians, authors, publishers, and more for the largest library event worldwide. Features top-quality education, key discussions on current issues, evolving library roles, and relevant legislative updates.

ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition

Dates and Times

ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition

Activities and Schedule

The Collective Book Studio will be hosting the following events:

June 29 - July 1

In-Booth Book Signings

Stop by the K1 Indie Pavilion (Booth 1927) for meet and greets & book signings with these incredible authors from The Collective Book Studio!

Sunday, June 30

Micah Siva on the "What's Cooking at ALA" Stage

9:30 AM - 10:20 AM • Booth 214

It's time to nosh! Join author & dietitian Micah Siva in conversation with Michelle Schingler, Editor-in-Chief of Foreword Magazine.

Micah will be discussing modernizing traditional Jewish cuisine with plant-based twists.

From her debut cookbook, Nosh: Plant-Forward Recipes Celebrating Modern Jewish Cuisine, Siva will explore the history of Jewish dishes, preserving their essence, while re-contextualizing these staples with a 21st century lens.

Stick around for a plant-based demo of a Jewish classic, as well as a signing of Micah's children's book 1,2,3 Nosh with Me, cool swag, and the chance to win a copy of her cookbook!

Sunday, June 30

Meet The Collective Book Studio @ Book Buzz Theater

4:00 PM - 4:45 PM • Booth 3027

Step into the realm of imagination and exploration as we introduce you to Publisher Angela Engel and her remarkable vision.


At The Collective Book Studio, we take pride in celebrating diversity, creativity, and authenticity. As a women-owned establishment rooted on the vibrant West Coast, we are committed to showcasing a rich tapestry of voices and stories.

Prepare to be enchanted by our diverse array of offerings, ranging from a fresh perspective on modern Jewish cuisine to Spanish-language picture books and inspiring lifestyle titles. Whether you're a book enthusiast, educator, or simply curious about the literary landscape, there's something for everyone. 

Join us for a series of enriching activities and engaging author appearances that will spark your imagination and ignite your passion for storytelling.

Meet esteemed authors such as Sara T. Behrman who will be in a seahorse costume and singing songs correlating to her book, The Sea Hides a Seahorse, along with other seahorse activities!

Lea Redmond, author of Our Friend Moon and Our Friend Earth; and Audrey Barbakoff, author of The Schlemiel Kids Save the Moon, as they share their insights and inspiration behind their acclaimed works.

Walk away with posters, bookmarks, and other giveaways, along with signed author copies from this Book Buzz event.

From interactive art activities to captivating story times, our event promises to be a delightful blend of entertainment and enlightenment. Discover the magic of literature and the power of storytelling as we delve into the heart of what makes The Collective Book Studio a beacon of creativity and innovation.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, expand your horizons, and celebrate the beauty of literature.

Monday, July 1

Diversity in Publishing Panel

10:30 - 11:20 AM • Booth 2250

Come flex your empathy muscle with authors Phillip D. Cortez & Audrey Barbakoff of The Collective Book Studio.


Cortez discusses the inspiration behind his latest children's book, "I'll Be the Moon: A Migrant Child's Story” (published in both English and Spanish), and Barbakoff shares her insight regarding both the visibility and representation, as well as the educational value of her Jewish Own Voices picture Book “The Schlemiel Kids Save the Moon”.

Author of more than 15 bilingual first-concept books and Co-Founder of Lil' Libros, Patty Rodriguez, shares her vision on children having accessibility to the books she has written and published.

Author and Co-Founder of Bitty Bao Books, Lacey Benard, shares the rewards of having culturally relevant Chinese bilingual board books to aid in literacy and education for the earliest of readers.

Moderated by Monique M. Dupree, a social media influencer and advocate for diversity in children's literature.

Audience Q&A and book signings to follow, along with raffled gift bags and books from the publishers.

Monday, July 1

Write Your Story, Own Your Narrative
How the written word can help women reduce anxiety, set intentions, and reclaim their identity

12:30 - 1:20 PM • Chapter One Stage • Booth 2311

In an age when those who identify as women are told they can and should be all things: professional leaders, successful partners and parents, good actors, trailblazers, peacemakers, and mavericks, preserving our authentic identities can be exhausting and improbable.


After a full weekend of conference-going, join us for an honest conversation about the power of words to explore and heal our bodies, minds, and spirits.

This panel of women writers includes Lisa Mayer, Boss Beauties founder, CEO, and author of the book "Boss Beauty: Inspiration to Be Everything You Want"; Kaitlin Soulé, author of "A Little Less of a Hot Mess"; Angela Engel, founder and publisher of The Collective Book Studio, and will be moderated by Andrea Fleck-Nisbet, CEO of the Independent Book Publishers Association and publishing industry veteran.

In this session, the panel will discuss their writing process, tips for creating space to explore the craft of storytelling as a therapeutic tool and will leave time for you to share your own stories and ideas.

Audience Q&A and book signing to follow.

We hope you will join us.