April 25 - April 28, 2026 | Detroit
April 25 - April 28, 2026 | Detroit
2026 National Planning Conference
What is the National Planning Conference?
The National Planning Conference (NPC) is the flagship event of the American Planning Association. Each Spring, over 5,000 planning professionals gather in a rotating American city to make lifelong connections and share innovations from the forefront of planning. Through education sessions in a variety of formats, mobile workshops across the host city, timely keynote speeches, and experiences with sponsors and exhibitors in the conference Hub, attendees accumulate insights they can apply directly to their work.
In recent years, the in-person National Planning Conference has been complimented by a unique online conference held approximately a month later. An accessible alternative, NPC online features similar but largely distinct programming from the in-person conference.
Detroit | April 25-28, 2026
Huntington Place Convention Center
Online | May 27–29, 2026
NPC26 educational tracks will include sessions on these topics:
• Climate Change, Energy, and the Environment
• Economic Trends and Transformations
• Emerging and Evolving Technology
• Inclusive Planning for Social Change
• Upskilling for the Future
• Housing Challenges and Solutions
• Navigating the Political Landscape
• Transportation and Infrastructure
What is the National Planning Conference?
The National Planning Conference (NPC) is the flagship event of the American Planning Association. Each Spring, over 5,000 planning professionals gather in a rotating American city to make lifelong connections and share innovations from the forefront of planning. Through education sessions in a variety of formats, mobile workshops across the host city, timely keynote speeches, and experiences with sponsors and exhibitors in the conference Hub, attendees accumulate insights they can apply directly to their work.
In recent years, the in-person National Planning Conference has been complimented by a unique online conference held approximately a month later. An accessible alternative, NPC online features similar but largely distinct programming from the in-person conference.
Detroit | April 25-28, 2026
Huntington Place Convention Center
Online | May 27–29, 2026
NPC26 educational tracks will include sessions on these topics:
• Climate Change, Energy, and the Environment
• Economic Trends and Transformations
• Emerging and Evolving Technology
• Inclusive Planning for Social Change
• Upskilling for the Future
• Housing Challenges and Solutions
• Navigating the Political Landscape
• Transportation and Infrastructure
Experience the Energy of the Hub
What's in Store for NPC26?
Maximize Your NPC26 Experience
NPC26 Highlights
Unparalleled Networking
Connect with fellow professionals, thought leaders, and practitioners in an environment designed to foster meaningful interactions. Share ideas, exchange experiences, and build relationships that will enhance your professional journey.
Inspiring Community
Immerse yourself in a dynamic planning community dedicated to making a positive impact. Participate in thought-provoking discussions, collaborative workshops, and interactive sessions that will fuel your passion for shaping a better future.
Exhibitor/Sponsorship
Move the needle and generate business at NPC26 by reaching the largest audience of planning professionals from local, regional, state, national, and international levels at the only event dedicated to improving our nation’s communities and supporting the needs of all citizens. Booths are selling quickly.
Thanks to Our NPC26 Sponsors
