APA's National Planning Conference is a first-class event that brings together thousands of planners, planning commissioners, appointed and elected officials, and students. Whether your goal is to contribute expertise and help drive change in the field of planning, learn from your peers and adopt new practices, or connect with like-minded planners who are solving everyday challenges similar to yours, make plans now to join APA April 13-16, 2019, in San Francisco.

You are invited to submit a conference session proposal. The submission portal opens on June 1 and will close at noon (CT) on June 25. (NOTE: The submission period is different for poster proposals. See Important Datesbelow.)

Who May Submit

Only members of the American Planning Association may submit proposals for NPC19. Nonmembers are encouraged to join APA and enjoy the year-round benefits of membership in APA's worldwide community of planners. Alternatively, nonmembers may partner with an APA member who will submit the proposal. Members and nonmembers alike are welcome to participate as conference speakers.

Proposal Review

All proposals will be peer reviewed to ensure that sessions chosen for the NPC19 program reflect innovation and diversity in planning research, practice, education, and professional development.

Important Dates

June 1, 2018 Submission portal opens for session and mobile workshop proposals
June 25, 2018 Submission portal closes at noon (CT) for session and mobile workshop proposals
June 26-October 31, 2018 Proposal peer reviews
December 10, 2018 APA notifies proposers and speakers of proposal acceptance or rejection
December 12, 2018 NPC19 registration opens for APA members only
December 12, 2018 Submission portal opens for general and student poster proposals
January 4. 2019 Submission portal closes at noon (CT) for general and student poster proposals
January 9, 2019 NPC19 general registration opens
February 13, 2019 Speaker and early-bird registration deadline

How To's

APA recommends preparing a draft of your proposal, using the appropriate instructions below, before beginning the online proposal submission process.

Forthcoming information will include:

  • Conference registration and session participant policies
  • What's new for NPC19
  • Proposal submission FAQ