We’ve been shaking up professional development for library workers since 2014. Celebrating our 10th anniversary in 2024 reminded us that the future of learning in libraries should be bold, playful, and community-driven. We believe professional development isn’t just about skills—it’s about creativity, resilience, and joy. That’s why we’re venturing into new territories, from conferences at sea to other unexpected adventures, always seeking fresh ways to gather, learn, and thrive together.

Our next Collective at Sea departs May 2, 2026 from Galveston, Texas for 5 nights with visits to Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico.

So plan on packing your bags and embarking with us because conferences shouldn’t feel like homework!

The Collective at Sea combines our innovative and award winning approach to learning with unparalleled opportunities to build connections, exchange ideas, explore, and recharge!

This is not your typical conference experience. Instead, our Collective at Sea gathering has three main features:

Awesome events while at sea! Two full days of all-attendee plenary sessions, meaningful workshops, and creative social gatherings.
Opportunities to learn, explore, and recharge! Take advantage of port visits to reconnect with nature, visit an archeological site, learn about local culture, or relax on a beach.
Affordable and inclusive cost! One low price that covers registration fees, food, lodging, and access to a wide assortment of activities and experiences for five nights.

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THE COLLECTIVE AT SEA:

ACTIVE LEARNING: No “CV filler” or “sage on a stage” presentations here! We emphasize skill-building, tangible takeaways, and networking.
EVEN FOOTING: Everyone who attends is an active participant. Celebrity culture is for tabloids, not conferences.
PRACTITIONER-FOCUSED: We believe in providing content that has real-world applications. Theory and hypothetical situations have their place but we’re focused on providing front-line workers with training, tools, and support they actually can use.
AFFORDABLE: We’ve negotiated very competitive rates that include all registration, lodging, meals, fees, and gratuities. Reservations can be made with a deposit and paid for over time.
PARTNERSHIPS, NOT SALES: We think developing relationships with vendors and content creators is far more effective than hard sales, so we program real discussions rather than sales pitches.
NONPROFIT: Our events are put on by volunteers who give their time in service to the profession. We do not profit off of registration fees; in fact, attendance costs are subsidized for all participants thanks to our generous sponsors.