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 How to not starve to death at the ALA conference?

Kristin Bandy's profile image
Kristin Bandy posted May 26, 2026 12:35 PM

I was looking through the extensive schedule of events during the ALA annual conference happening soon in Chicago, and I didn't see any schedule gaps or information on how to get lunch/dinner/snacks, or recommendations for nearby options. Issue is, I found something interesting happening at almost all hours and I don't know what to skip so I can go get sustenance.

I can adopt a vulture-like mindset to find food whenever possible but It would be good to know what's typical for this event.

The map I found of the convention location shows a food court in the South building, and some convenience store options in a lower level, but if there's some secret buffet happening elsewhere in the building while I'm rushing to the food court that would be...sad.

Veteran ALA conference-goers please advise!

Amy Kilkenny's profile image
Amy Kilkenny

Hi Kristin,

There's a cafeteria AT the conference, just above the Marketplace, so you should at least have the time to quickly run up, grab a sammie or snack, and head to your next event.  Food is pretty good there as well, at least it was last time the conference was in Chicago!