The American Planning Association (APA) is bringing its National Planning Conference to Detroit in 2026 (April 25–28, 2026)!

There are a number of ways for planners to be involved in the development of conference content, including participating in or co-chairing one of three committees related to mobile tours; the orientation tour; and destination activities (fun stuff!). 

See details below:

The Mobile Workshop Committee will identify, select, and recommend mobile workshop proposals to APA for its final selection of mobile tours.  This committee will consider both those submitted via a Call for Mobile Workshops and those identified by the committee. All proposals must be submitted through an official form provided by APA.  In the past, APA has selected 50-60 mobile workshops at previous conferences. 

The Orientation Tour Committee will develop an itinerary for the Orientation Tour. The Orientation Tour provides conference attendees with an overview of planning and development activities in the City.  Traditionally the tour is 3 hours long and is scheduled 6 times during the conference).  Orientation tour participants should gain a general overview of the City of Detroit; a deeper understanding of its history, successes, and challenges; and uplift areas where planning has made a difference.

The Destination Activities Committee will select a range of fun activities to be programmed during the conference.  In Denver, there are 5 destination activities.  They may include sporting events, museum tours, a fun run or yoga, longer road trips that may last all day, and other fun activities. 

Before saying yes to being considered for a committee, know that committee work will involve a significant time commitment over a period of months.  You must be able to contribute several hours a week to committee assignments. 

Before saying yes to being considered for co-chair, know that a co-chair will convene committees, facilitate working sessions with committees, and be responsible for deliverables and meeting deadlines on behalf of the committee.  Co-chairs will also serve on the NPC Destination Advisory Group.  You must be able to contribute many hours a week to committee assignments. 

Also, we expect interest to be extremely high and it is unlikely that all who wish to serve will be accommodated. 

If you are interested in serving on or co-chairing one of these three committees, please follow the link below to complete the form.  

NPC Host Committee Form

We are looking forward to a great national conference in 2026! 

Sincerely, 

Dara O'Byrne, AICP, NPC 2026 Host Committee Chair

Andrea Brown, AICP, Executive Director of the Michigan Chapter APA