Digipalooza Delivers: A Premier Event for Librarians in the Digital Age

Digipalooza, OverDrive's bi-annual user conference, truly delivered on its promise—and then some. Hundreds of key librarians recently converged for three days of insightful presentations, meaningful engagement, and, dare I say, fun!

The event kicked off at the OverDrive campus, where Steve Potash, CEO, and the incredible OverDrive staff ensured a flawless experience from start to finish. Attendees enjoyed delicious, catered breakfasts, lunches, and snacks, keeping them energized throughout the conference.

A highlight for many was the exhibit hall, where a number of great publishers including HarperCollins, Random House Childrens, Sourcebooks showcased Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) as well as top titles. Librarians flocked to these displays at each and every break, eager to discover new content for their patrons; as well as the software vendors who promised more effective and useful solutions. The conference also benefited from key sponsorships, which helped elevate the overall experience.

Beyond the rich educational content, Digipalooza excelled in its networking opportunities. The truly amazing and well-orchestrated execution of pairing librarians enriched the experience, fostering connections and collaboration among peers from across the country. A particular highlight for many attendees was the unforgettable party at the iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, sponsored by Blackstone, where librarians could unwind, enjoy dinner, dessert, drinks, and live music while exploring the legendary museum.

The main attraction of this exceptional event was the lineup of interesting and keynote speakers, found here: https://www.digipalooza.com/program/. Attendees gained valuable insights from industry experts, authors, and the OverDrive team. Sessions covered a wide range of critical topics, including innovative strategies to connect with underserved audiences, maximizing digital resources, how AI can revolutionize library services, and insights into the future of the streaming video industry. Solid presentations by public librarians showcased practical strategies and proven success stories from the field, offering actionable takeaways.

Whether you're a standalone library, operate with reciprocal agreements, or are part of a larger consortium, librarians with purchasing power will greatly benefit from the diverse programming at Digipalooza. This is a must-attend event if you want to learn how to optimize your digital collection budget, meet other librarians willing to share and collaborate, and explore innovative ways to engage your community.

While we enjoyed the transformative experience of Digipalooza in 2025, and look forward to its next return in 2027, the impact of this conference on the future of digital library services will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.