Detroit, Michigan | April 25-28, 2026
Online | May 27-29, 2026
Connect, Learn, Network, Explore
NPC26 is the premier event in the planning profession. This is your opportunity to make lasting connections with experts who share your passion for community development and gather the latest insights on a wide range of planning topics.
Registration is open now!
Snag Your Spot Get NPC26 Updates
Why Should You Attend NPC26?
Have Real Conversations
Connections at the National Planning Conference go beyond a LinkedIn request. Compare insights on current challenges, find an employer, spark a creative collaboration, or make a new friend! You never know who you'll meet.
Learn From Experts
Dive into the topics that excite you most, such as housing, sustainability, community engagement, and advocacy. Get the latest insights on the biggest trends and topics in planning. Industry experts will share their knowledge in a range of formats, including panel discussions, presentations, and interactive sessions. Who knows, you might even discover a new passion!
Experience the Vibrancy of Detroit
Experience the magic of a city that knows what it takes to innovate. Get up close and personal with Detroit's historic achievements in planning and community investment. Whether on a guided tour or in your personal time, get ready to challenge what you think you know about Detroit.
Letter of Support to Attend NPC26
Below you'll find a "benefits letter" template — a letter to your supervisor explaining the benefits you'll get from attending NPC26, how they will make you a better employee, and how they will help advance your organization. This general template will get you started while allowing you to customize it to you and your organization's particular needs.
Reasons to Attend NPC26 Letter
Conference Schedule at a Glance
Huntington Place Convention Center
Friday, April 24, 2026
| Time | Function |
|---|---|
| 3 – 5 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 3 – 6 p.m. | Speaker Ready Room Open |
Saturday, April 25, 2026
| Time | Function |
|---|---|
| 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Speaker Ready Room Open |
| 8:30 – 10 a.m. | Welcome Session and Opening Keynote |
| 10 – 11 a.m. | Welcome/Networking Break |
| 10 – 6:30 p.m. | HUB Open |
| 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Orientation Tours |
| 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Mobile Workshops |
| 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Education Programming |
| 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Orientation Tours |
| 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. | Lunch Break |
| 1:30 – 3 p.m. | Education Programming |
| 3 – 3:30 p.m. | Networking Break |
| 2:15 – 5:15 p.m. | Orientation Tours |
| 3:30 – 5 p.m. | Education Programming |
| 5 – 6:30 p.m. | Opening Celebration |
Sunday, April 26, 2025
| Time | Function |
|---|---|
| 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Speaker Ready Room Open |
| 8 – 11 a.m. | Orientation Tours |
| 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Mobile Workshops |
| 8:30 – 10 a.m. | Education Programming |
| 10 – 10:30 a.m. | Networking Break |
| 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | HUB Open |
| 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Orientation Tours |
| 10:30 a.m. – Noon | Education Programming |
| Noon – 1 p.m. | Lunch Break |
| Noon – 3 p.m. | Orientation Tours |
| 1 – 2:30 p.m. | Education Programming |
| 1:45 – 4:45 p.m. | Student Orientation Tours |
| 2:30 – 3 p.m. | Networking Break |
| 3 – 4:30 p.m. | Education Programming |
| 3 – 4:30 p.m. | FAICP Ceremony |
| 5 – 6:30 p.m. | FAICP Reception |
Monday, April 27, 2026
| Time | Function |
|---|---|
| 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Speaker Ready Room Open |
| 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Mobile Workshops |
| 8:30 – 10 a.m. | Education Programming |
| 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | HUB Open |
| 10 – 10:30 a.m. | Networking Break |
| 10:30 a.m. – Noon | Education Programming |
| Noon – 1 p.m. | Lunch Break |
| 1 – 2:30 p.m. | Education Programming |
| 2:30 – 3 p.m. | Networking Break |
| 3 – 4:30 p.m. | Education Programming |
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
| Time | Function |
|---|---|
| 7:30 – 10 a.m. | Speaker Ready Room Open |
| 8 a.m.– 11 a.m. | Registration Open |
| 8 a.m.– 2 p.m. | Coat Check |
| 8:30 a.m. - Noon | Mobile Workshops |
| 8:30 – 10 a.m. | Education Programming |
| 10 – 10:15 a.m. | Break |
| 10:15 – 11 a.m. | Education Programming |
| 11 – 11:30 a.m. | Break |
| 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Closing Keynote Session |