Detroit, Michigan | April 25–28, 2026
Online | May 27–29, 2026
Submit Bold Planning Ideas for NPC26
Are you passionate about shaping the future of planning? Do you have insights and ideas to share on pressing topics? We invite you to submit your proposal to become a speaker at NPC26.
We are seeking engaging and thought-provoking sessions that delve into the complexities of climate change, housing, technology, and navigating the political landscape. If you have groundbreaking research, innovative solutions, or inspiring case studies related to these areas, we encourage you to submit your proposal.
Submitting a proposal for the National Planning Conference offers you the exciting opportunity to present your insights and expertise either in person in Detroit or at our online conference.
Sign up to review proposals: August 20, 5 p.m. CT
Submit a proposal: August 20, 5 p.m. CT
Important Dates to Know
| Proposal submission preparation | July 7-29, 2025 |
| Proposal submission portal open | July 30–August 20, 2025 |
| Proposals Peer review | August 29–September 12, 2025 |
| Program curation | October–December 2025 |
| Notification of session acceptance | January 2026 |
| Registration opens | January 2026 |
Submission Guidelines
You must be an APA member to submit an education session, a mobile workshop, or to volunteer as a peer reviewer; however, non-members are welcome to present or serve as guides within a proposal. We encourage you to gather a diverse group of experts to create a dynamic presentation.
If your session or mobile workshop is accepted, you will receive a 50% discount on the registration rate for the conference where you'll be presenting.
Proposals are welcome in various formats, including presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions.
Ensure your proposal aligns with at least one of the following focus areas:
- 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
NPC26 Session Formats
Lightning Talk
Share your success story or innovative idea in a Lightning Talk. These presentations are delivered in-person by a single speaker in a 5-minute time slot. Talks will be grouped and presented back-to-back, with each speaker offering concise, impactful insights in a fast-paced format.
Innovation Snapshot
Help planners innovate by presenting a trending topic in a 30-minute, single-speaker presentation. Demonstrate a novel method, tool, or lesson learned, and offer practical tips for planners to overcome challenges today, tomorrow, and in the future.
Slide Presentation (In-Person or Online)
Deliver a 45-minute slide-driven presentation that explores and analyzes planning projects. Take the audience on a journey from idea conception to lessons learned, highlighting practical application methods, tools, and innovative approaches. Up to three presenters will share insights that help attendees apply these tools and solutions in their work. A maximum of 10 minutes should be reserved for Q&A.
Present in person or virtually as part of NPC Online.
Panel Discussion (In-Person or Online)
A 45-minute moderated discussion featuring multiple panelists with diverse backgrounds, viewpoints, and organizational affiliations. Panelists share perspectives on a central topic through facilitated conversation. Panels may include up to four presenters (including the moderator) and should reserve at least 10 minutes for audience Q&A.
Present in person or virtually as part of NPC Online.
AICP Mandatory Credit (In-Person or Online)
A 60-minute session, with up to four presenters, that addresses one of the four mandatory topics required of AICP-certified planners: Law, Ethics, Equity, or Sustainability and Resilience. Proposals submitted under this format will undergo an additional review to ensure alignment with the specific AICP mandatory credit requirements, including both content and speaker qualifications. Review the full criteria.
Present in person or virtually as part of NPC Online.
Learning Lab
These in-person, 90-minute collaborative sessions are designed to generate ideas, plan strategies, and identify potential solutions to address specific challenges or opportunities. Up to five presenters will engage attendees through a mix of brief presentations, facilitation, and problem-solving group exercises. Handouts, collaborative breakouts, group exercises, and/or other hands-on components are required.
How to Submit
You're invited to contribute to NPC26 by choosing one, two, or all three options — submitting an Education Session, proposing a Mobile Workshop, or applying to be a Volunteer Reviewer. We're excited to review your submission and showcase your expertise!
Using our identified list of the top drivers of change and key disruptors affecting the planning profession and the communities we serve, propose a session that addresses and responds to the evolving needs of planners.
We need you to help us build an outstanding NPC program! Unique perspectives and diverse, new voices are key to building a representative program. Become a proposal reviewer to evaluate and select the sessions.
Mobile workshops offer a unique, hands-on opportunity for attendees to explore completed or in-progress planning projects by visiting key locations across the host city and surrounding region, gaining real-world insights.
Resources
Peer Review Volunteer Opportunity
Guide to Submitting a Strong Proposal
For any inquiries or further information, please contact education@planning.org.