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Frequently Asked Questions 

Find the Answers Here…

Many commonly asked questions are answered below.

 

Accessibility

Is the conference/convention center accessible?

PLA has put in place features to ensure the conference is accessible to all. These include, but are not limited to: captioning of the Opening Session, Closing Session, and Big Ideas Series; accessible sleeping rooms; ASL interpreters; and mobility assistance like scooters and wheelchairs.

How do I request a scooter, wheelchair, or other special accommodation?

Please contact Melissa Faubel Johnson at mfaubel@ala.org no later than Monday, January 31, 2022, to reserve a scooter/wheelchair or request an ASL interpreter. If you reserved a scooter, you can pick up your scooter at the special assistance counter at registration. When booking your hotel room, you can request specific aids or services needed for your stay; Maritz staff will contact you to confirm your needs. Please be sure to reconfirm your requests with your hotel prior to arrival.

Are scooters/wheelchairs allowed in the Exhibits Hall?

Scooters and wheelchairs are permitted on the exhibit floor as long as they are in use at all times. Wheeled carts, however, are not permitted at any time. If you have a medical condition requiring you to use a cart, please bring a doctor's note to the special assistance counter in the registration area.

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Appropriate Conduct

Does the conference have an appropriate conduct policy?
Whom do I contact to report harassment at the conference?

All participants are expected to observe the rules and behaviors described in the Statement of Appropriate Conduct in all conference venues, including online venues, and conference social events. The statement includes contact information to report incidents of harassment.

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Attire

What is the conference dress code?

There is no formal dress code at the PLA Conference. You’ll see attendees in everything from blue jeans to business suits, with “business casual” as the most common style. What’s most important is to dress for comfort.

  • Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking—across a very large exhibit hall, from convention center to hotel and back again, as well as all over the host city; and
  • Dress in layers: Convention centers and hotels are notorious for hot and cold spots, so layers are essential.
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Cancellation Policy

The PLA 2022 Conference is offered on a cost-recovery basis. PLA reserves the right to cancel all or any part of this event if there is insufficient registration or for other reasons. Neither ALA nor PLA is responsible for cancellation charges assessed by the airlines or travel agencies, or other losses incurred due to the cancellation of the workshops. The event’s operating hours, schedules, guests, and speakers are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Can I cancel my conference registration?
Can I get a refund of my conference registration?

All registration cancellations and refund requests for the event, including preconferences and meal events, must be made in writing by Friday, February 18, 2022. At this time, we can no longer accept requests for refunds. Refunds that were requested before Friday, February 18, 2022, will be processed by Monday, April 18, 2022.

Substitutions of registrations, including preconferences and meal events, are permitted prior to the conference and must be made in writing. Please submit any substitution requests by email to pla@maritz.com. No telephone substitution requests can be accepted. The individual submitting the substitution request is responsible for all financial obligations (any balance due) associated with that substitution. Badge sharing, splitting, reprints, and sharing of login credentials are strictly prohibited. No meal tickets will be sold onsite.

Please see our full cancellation policy.

May I switch my registration from the in-person conference to the virtual conference?

Yes, if you are not feeling well or decide you are not comfortable with air travel due to changing health and safety requirements, please contact pla@ala.org to discuss switching your registration to attend PLA’s virtual conference. Refunds will not be provided to those who request a change in registration.

I'm an exhibitor; can I cancel my booth space?

All booth space cancellation requests must be received in writing by Show Management (Corcoran Expositions). Kristy Wagner, Corcoran Expositions, 312-265-9667 or pla@corcexpo.com.

Please see our full cancellation policy.

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Canvassing

Can my organization solicit signatures from conference attendees?

Canvassing of PLA Conference attendees during programs and at the conference venue (outside of the areas approved by PLA for exhibitors) is strictly prohibited. If this activity is discovered, violators will be directed to cease immediately. PLA provides many opportunities for representatives from for-profit and non-profit organizations to make conference attendees aware of their services and products. These include exhibiting, advertising, sponsoring, and, as approved by PLA, program planning. For information on participating in PLA Conferences and professional development events, contact the PLA office at 800-545-2433 x5PLA (x5752) or pla@ala.org.

Can I canvass on behalf of a candidate running for PLA/ALA office at the conference?

For candidates running for PLA/ALA office, PLA will provide a table for campaign literature in the Exhibits Hall at the convention center. Candidates must inform PLA Executive Director Mary Davis Fournier at mfournier@ala.org, no later than December 17, 2021, if they will require a table for campaign literature. No on-site requests will be honored. The candidates are responsible for shipping, delivering, and replenishing materials at this table. The designated table is the only location in the convention center where campaign materials may be distributed. Materials found in any other location will be discarded. Candidates are not required to provide campaign materials.

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Coat/Bag Check

Will I be able to check my coat or luggage when I'm at the convention center?

Coat/bag check will be in the Oregon Convention Center. Hours are:

Wednesday, March 23, 7:00 AM–6:30 PM
Thursday, March 24, 7:00 AM–8:00 PM
Friday, March 25, 7:00 AM–2:00 PM

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Continuing Education Credits

Will I earn continuing education credits or a certificate of completion for attending the PLA Conference?

Full-conference registrants have the opportunity to attend educational programming during eleven (11) hours of scheduled programs (time slots reserved for educational programming only; this does not include preconferences, receptions, social events, opening/closing or other general sessions). However, PLA does not document or verify the hours that attendees spend in educational sessions, either in-person or virtual, and as a result is not able to offer CEUs or certificates of completion for general PLA Conference attendance. We do provide certificates of completion for our preconferences, which require separate registration and payment.

CPLA graduates attending the conference will earn eleven (11) continuing education hours to apply toward their re-certification.

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Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Social Justice (EDISJ)

How will the PLA Conference advance equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice (EDISJ)?

As always, the PLA Conference will be an inclusive event that highlights innovative work and ideas and addresses the current challenges facing public libraries and their communities. PLA 2022 will be an opportunity for attendees to come together with the Portland community to advance equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice (EDISJ) in the public library field and beyond. We aim to accomplish this via our intentional planning process, including: selecting programs with the most diverse topics, groups, and points of view; featuring diverse speakers and authors whose voices amplify EDISJ issues and ideas; partnering with local EDISJ organizations to provide immersive, community experiences for attendees; and using our presence in Portland to highlight in the media the important role public libraries play in advancing EDISJ in their communities.

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Exhibits

Where are the exhibits and what hours are the exhibits open?

The Exhibits Hall is located in Oregon Convention Center.

Hours will be:

Wednesday, March 23, 3:00 PM–6:00 PM for the Exhibits Opening Reception
Thursday, March 24, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Friday, March 25, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM

Are wheeled carts, etc., allowed in the Exhibits Hall?

Strollers and scooters are permitted on the exhibit floor as long as they are in use at all times. Wheeled carts, however, are not permitted at any time. If you have a medical condition requiring you to use a cart, please bring a doctor's note to the special assistance counter in the registration area.

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Families

Is there childcare available for attendees' children?

Childcare is not provided by PLA during the conference.

Is there a place I can use my breast pump?

The Oregon Convention Center provides two Mamava nursing suites. These private and secure suites are located near the A and E Meeting Rooms on Level 1.

May I bring my family member to the convention center?

Exhibits-Only badges will be available for purchase onsite. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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Health & Wellness

Do I need to wear a mask indoors?

The PLA 2022 requirements for masking and vaccination/negative test will remain in effect. PLA is taking this approach out of an abundance of caution. As requirements and recommendations continue to change, we felt it was best to set and maintain health and safety requirements well in advance of travel. The safety and wellbeing of our attendees, exhibitors, and staff is our highest priority. Thank you in advance for your adherence to PLA’s indoor masking requirement. Hotels, restaurants, and other venues may have different policies.

Do I need to show proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test to attend the conference?

PLA is partnering with Safe Expo to manage key elements of the onsite health and safety plan, including COVID-19 vaccination credentialing and testing. To enter the OCC and participate in the PLA 2022 Conference, you must provide one of the following:

  • Physical vaccination card, presented to Safe Expo staff onsite
  • A negative COVID-19 PCR or Rapid test administered within 72 hours of your first day of the event, presented to Safe Expo staff onsite. Testing reports must come from an official medical facility, clinic, or pharmacy. Self at-home tests are not permitted.

Vaccination credentialing will be managed by Safe Expo during the PLA 2022 conference. Negative COVID-19 tests will have to be verified on-site.

If you uploaded your proof of vaccination in advance, then your vaccination verification will be a PDF attachment with a purple screen. You must show the vaccination verification (either printed or on your phone/tablet) to the Safe Expo team. Once vaccination has been verified, Safe Expo will provide you with a sticker to put on your PLA Conference badge. Once verification has been received, you will not need to provide proof of vaccination or testing again.

More about our COVID-19 safety protocols is available on the PLA Conference COVID-19 Information page.

What should I do if I’m not feeling well and think I might have COVID-19?

First, we encourage you to get tested. If you need a last-minute test, the OCC has partnered with Curative, an essential health services provider, to offer both PCR and rapid antigen COVID-19 testing available via a mobile testing van conveniently located outside the OCC, at no cost. For more information about tests, appointments, and service hours, visit the OCC’s Testing Site page. The mobile testing van is open from Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 AM–2:30 PM Pacific. Walk-ups are welcome, but make an appointment by visiting the Curative website or calling 888-702-9042 to minimalize wait time.

If you have a positive test, please let us know at mfournier@ala.org. We also encourage you to stay in and rest up. You will have access to the Virtual Conference online during and after the conference.

What behavioral health support resources are available in Portland?

  • Multnomah County Behavioral Health Call Center at 503-988-4888 (toll free 800-716-9769; hearing-impaired dial 711) is available 24/7 to support anyone experiencing distress. You can also get help for someone else. Trained clinicians offer support, and provide resources and referral. Services are free and available in any language. All calls are confidential.
  • Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare Urgent Walk-in Clinic, 4212 SE Division St., Portland, to receive immediate, in-person care for a behavioral health crisis. Serves anyone at no cost. Open Monday to Saturday, 7:00 AM–10:30 PM Pacific; Sunday, 9:00 AM–9:00 PM Pacific.
  • Project Respond at 503-988-4888 can provide mobile crisis services if you can’t get to the urgent walk-in clinic, or are trying to get help for someone else.
  • Call to Safety (formerly the Portland Women's Crisis Line) 24/7 crisis line at 888-235-5333 provides sexual assault advocacy, emotional support, education, referrals to other agencies, information about support groups, and helps survivors understand their medical and reporting options. Advocates also provide in-person medical advocacy to individuals who have experienced sexual assault.
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Hotels

Whom do I contact about a problem with my housing?

Please contact the hotels directly to make any new reservations, changes, or cancellations starting on March 14, 2022.

When is the deadline to reserve a hotel room?

PLA housing is now closed. Please contact the hotels directly to make any new reservations, changes, or cancellations starting on March 14, 2022.

Or click here if you are still in need of a room for PLA and would like to explore hotel options. This third party site offers available hotels that may have room rates, deposits and/or cancel policies that differ from the original PLA contracted hotels. Reservations will be made through a 3rd party travel agent, therefore, any questions regarding hotel policies or payments should be directed to the travel agent or the hotel directly. Any changes or cancellations to reservations booked through aRes must be made directly with the hotel.

Does PLA offer a roommate matching service for the conference?

PLA understands that some people may wish to share rooms with one another at the upcoming PLA 2022 Conference. Please note that PLA does not organize or operate any room sharing activities. As such, should you wish to participate in such activities, please understand that you will need to do so directly with one another and at your own risk.

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Local Transportation

Are there shuttles from my hotel to the convention center?

PLA 2022 does not provide shuttle service. Some of PLA's selected hotels are located within walking distance of the Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Portland, OR 97232, while others are located nearby a light rail stop. Portland’s TriMet MAX light rail stops 300 times a day at the front door of the Oregon Convention Center, connecting riders to/from downtown. Travel Portland is providing PLA Conference attendees with a complimentary TriMet pass, which can be picked up during check-in at the Safe Expo counter at the Oregon Convention Center.

How can I redeem my complimentary TriMet pass?

If you are a full conference attendee, you can redeem your complimentary TriMet pass at the Safe Expo counter when you get your vaccine or negative test verification.

How can I get around the city?

MAX has five lines, all of which run through downtown Portland. TriMet offers a downloadable MAX system map with a full list of stops on its website. Visit TriMet’s website for more information on fares and navigating the city.

You can also use a taxi service or a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft to get around the city.

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Membership

How can I join PLA?
When does my PLA membership expire?

ALA and PLA membership is managed by the ALA Member Relations & Services Center. You can join or renew/rejoin/add to your membership several different ways:

  1. Use ALA's secure online form;
  2. Print and fill out a membership form and fax or mail it in; or
  3. Call the ALA Member Relations & Services Center at 800-545-2433.

Direct your membership questions to the ALA Member Relations & Services Center at membership@ala.org or 800-545-2433. Customer service representatives are available Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–1:00 PM Central.

I'm having trouble using my ALA/PLA membership login?

For login help, please email loginhelp@ala.org or contact the ALA Member Relations & Services Center at 800-545-2433. Customer service representatives are available Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–1:00 PM Central.

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Mobile App

Is there a mobile app for the conference?

Since information changes daily, we strongly encourage attendees to use the PLA 2022 Conference Mobile App, sponsored by Gale, as their primary source of conference information. The mobile app offers all the essential conference details, including program descriptions, room assignments, special events, speaker profiles, and the Passport to Prizes game. The app is also where you can complete program evaluations, which help PLA staff and committee members make decisions on future PLA conferences and events. All advance registrants will receive an email invitation (sent to the address in your registration record) to download the official PLA 2022 Conference Mobile App. This email will include your login credentials. Contact placonfapp@ala.org for assistance.

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Photographic Images

Will there be photographers/videographers at the conference?

Yes. Registration and attendance at, or participation in, the PLA 2022 Conference constitutes an agreement by the registrant to PLA’s use and distribution of the registrant or attendee’s image or voice in photographs, electronic reproductions, and video or audio recordings of such events and activities.

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Recordings

Will conference programs be recorded?

The Virtual Conference includes eleven programs that are also part of the in-person conference, and recording of those eleven programs will be recorded. However, the remaining in-person conference programs are not included in the Virtual Conference and will not be recorded.

When will on-demand recordings of the Virtual Conference be available?

Virtual Conference program recordings will be available for on-demand viewing typically within hours of their live presentation. Virtual Conference registrants and in-person full-conference registrants will have up to one year of access to the recordings.

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Registration/Attendee Materials Pick-up

Whom do I contact about a problem with my registration?

Contact Maritz Global Events at pla@maritz.com or 864-515-6689. Maritz Global Events representatives are available Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM Central.

When is the deadline for advance registration?

You can register for the live or virtual conference at any time before or during the conference. Once the conference is over, you can no longer register for the conference.

Will I receive my badge in the mail?

If you register before February 18, 2022, your conference badge and event tickets (for preconferences and meal events) will be mailed to you. If you register on or after February 18, 2022, or have a balance due, then your badge will be available at registration. A photo ID is required to receive your badge onsite. Your badge must be presented at the Registration Area in the Oregon Convention Center to complete the registration process.

Please note: Exhibits-Plus and Exhibits-Only badges are not mailed and must be picked up at registration at the Oregon Convention Center.

I've already registered; can I still add a preconference or special author event?

A preconference or author event can be added after registration. If you have already registered for the conference and want to add a preconference or author event, log into your existing registration, or contact Maritz Global Events at pla@maritz.com or 864-515-6689. Maritz Global Events representatives are available Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM Central.

Are meals included with my registration?

Although there are several free receptions, as well as coffee breaks in the Exhibits Hall, conference registration does not include meals. Full-day preconferences with lunch and special meal events require a separate registration.

How do I register multiple staff with a single payment?

If your organization needs to register multiple staff with a single purchase order, check, or credit card transaction, please visit Group Registration and Housing. Note: Please read these instructions on how to register a group (PDF) before you proceed to the group registration site.

For groups of 10 or more attendees, PLA offers a 10% discount on each individual registration and it will be automatically calculated at checkout. If you have any additional questions regarding group registration, please contact Lian Drago at ldrago@ala.org.

What if I need to cancel my registration?

All registration cancellations and refund requests for the event, including preconferences and meal events, must be made in writing by Friday, February 18, 2022. At this time, we can no longer accept requests for refunds. Refunds that were requested before Friday, February 18, 2022, will be processed by Monday, April 18, 2022.

Where is onsite registration and what are its hours?
When can I pick up my badge?

Conference registration will be located at the Oregon Convention Center. Onsite registration and attendee materials pick-up hours are:

Tuesday, March 22, 7:30 AM–5:00 PM
Wednesday, March 23, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM
Thursday, March 24, 7:30 AM–5:00 PM
Friday, March 25, 7:30 AM–2:00 PM

Will PLA be offering a virtual conference?

Registration for the PLA 2022 Virtual Conference is also now open. The Virtual Conference is back—bigger and better than ever—for attendees who are unable to join us in person. The Virtual Conference schedule has been expanded to offer live programming across all three days of the in-person conference, including top-rated programs, inspiring speakers, and virtual networking opportunities.

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Safety

How do I file an incident report if I'm the victim of or witness harassment?

As per the Statement of Appropriate Conduct, please contact PLA staff in the PLA Office at conference (location and phone number to be provide) if you believe you have been harassed or that a harassment problem exists. All such reports will be directed immediately to the PLA Executive Director, who will determine and carry out the appropriate course of action, and who may consult with and engage other PLA/ALA staff, leaders, and legal counsel as appropriate. Event security and/or local law enforcement may be involved, as appropriate based on the specific circumstances. A follow-up report will be made to individuals who report being harassed.

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Shipping

Is there a post office or shipping center in the convention center?

FedEx will have a shipping location in room E147–148 of the Oregon Convention Center. Hours are:

Thursday, March 24, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Friday, March 25, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM

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Social Media

Where can I find the PLA Conference on social media?

Join the PLA Conference Facebook group to connect with other attendees, ask questions, share resources, and receive updates. We'll also post about the conference on PLA's regular social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Is there an official conference hashtag I can use in my social media posts?

The official conference hashtag is #PLA2022.

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Venues

Where is the PLA Conference?
Where are official PLA programs and meal events being held?

Most conference events—including all preconferences and concurrent program sessions—will take place in the Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Portland, OR 97232. Additional events will be held at the Hyatt Regency Portland at the Convention Center, 375 NE Holladay Street, Portland, Oregon, 97232, and other venues as indicated.

Will there be gender-neutral restrooms?

Yes, gender-neutral restrooms will be designated in the Oregon Convention Center.

Is there a map of the convention center and headquarters hotel?

Floor plans of the Oregon Convention Center and the Hyatt Regency Portland at the Convention Center are available online and will be available in the mobile app.

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Virtual Conference

Will PLA be offering a virtual conference?

Registration for the PLA 2022 Virtual Conference is open. The Virtual Conference is back—bigger and better than ever—for attendees who are unable to join us in person. The Virtual Conference schedule has been expanded to offer live programming across all three days of the in-person conference, including top-rated programs, inspiring speakers, and virtual networking opportunities.

Who do I contact for technical assistance with the virtual conference?

The PLA 2022 Virtual Conference is powered by Pathable. Please review the Pathable Attendee User Guides, which include system requirements for attending a Pathable-powered event. For technical support, or if you didn't receive your sign-in link for the Virtual Conference, contact support@pathable.com. For all other questions, contact plavirtualconf@ala.org.

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WiFi/Internet

Is there free WiFi in the convention center?

Complimentary WiFi will be available in the Oregon Convention Center in all the lobbies and meeting rooms.

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For Exhibitors & Sponsors

How do I purchase exhibit booth space at the conference?

Visit our Exhibitor Reservation Website or contact Kristy Wagner, Corcoran Expositions, 312-265-9667 or pla@corcexpo.com.

How do I access exhibitor registration and housing?

Please visit Exhibitor Registration and Housing.

Can I rent the attendee list?

Contact ExhibitorServices@maritz.com or 877-623-3487 for assistance.

My company wants to become a conference sponsor. Whom do we contact?

For PLA 2022 sponsorship information, please contact Mary Michalik, Sponsorship Director, at 312-265-9650 or mary@corcexpo.com; or Matt McLaughlin at 312-265-9655 or matt@corcexpo.com.

Can my company use the conference logo in its promotional materials?

The custom logos of the PLA 2022 Conference are the property of PLA. Anyone wishing to use the logos in their communications and promotional materials must: 1) seek permission from PLA, and 2) submit communication/artwork incorporating the logo to PLA for final approval. The logo may not be modified and must be reproduced in its entirety (i.e., no outlines, cropping). To request the use of the logo, companies should contact Kristy Wagner, Corcoran Expositions, 312-265-9667 or pla@corcexpo.com; all others should contact PLA at 800-545-2433 x5PLA (x5752) or pla@ala.org.

Can I cancel my exhibit booth space?

All booth space cancellation requests must be received in writing by Show Management (Corcoran Expositions). Kristy Wagner, Corcoran Expositions, 312-265-9667 or pla@corcexpo.com.

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For Press

I'm a journalist; how do I report on the conference for my publication?
I have a personal blog; can I register for the conference as press?

Those requesting media registration must be currently employed by a publication or news organization, as described in our conference media policy. We will begin accepting press registrations on November 1, 2021. Contact Macey Morales, Deputy Director, ALA Communications and Marketing Office, 312-280-4393 or mmorales@ala.org, for more information.

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If you didn't find the information you're looking for, check the conference Contact page or contact PLA at 800-545-2433 x5PLA (x5752) or pla@ala.org.

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