2026 Western Planner Conference: "Urban Vibe, Rural Charm"

Start
August 26, 2026
9:00 AM
End
August 28, 2026
12:00 PM
Location
Downtown Canopy by Hilton, 120 4th Place, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Registration

(depends on selected options)

Base fee:

2026 WP Conference Sponsor
This ticket type is for sponsors only and requires a unique code provided by the event organizer.
Early Bird Registration – $375.00
Register early to get the best price. Registration includes the entire conference plus lunch and snacks on Wednesday and Thursday.
Mobile Tours are an additional cost.
Full Conference Student Ticket – $100.00
Registration includes the entire conference plus your food for provided lunches. All Mobile Tours are an additional cost. You must have your student ID.
Late Registration - Starts July 27 – $450.00
Starting July 27, 2026 - Late registration includes the entire conference plus lunch and snacks on Wednesday and Thursday.
Mobile Tours are an additional cost.
North Dakota Planners Association (NDPA) – $225.00
This ticket type is for NDPA Members Only. Membership will be verified.
ONE DAY ONLY - Thursday, August 27th – $175.00
One day Only includes all conference sessions, snacks, and meals.
ONE DAY ONLY - Wednesday, August 26th – $175.00
One Day Only includes all conference sessions, lunch, and snacks.
STUDENT - Thursday, August 27th – $65.00
STUDENT - Wednesday, August 26th – $65.00

Register

Urban Vibe, Rural Charm - 2026 Western Planner Conference

August 26–28, 2026 | Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind planning conference experience in the heart of the Upper Midwest.

Planners, practitioners, and community leaders from across the region will gather in Sioux Falls for a joint conference hosted by the South Dakota Planners Association, Western Planners Association, and American Planning Association – Tribal & Indigenous Division.

With the theme Urban Vibe, Rural Charm, this conference celebrates the places we plan – from thriving urban centers to small towns and Tribal communities – while tackling the real-world challenges shaping the future of the Western United States.

More than 13 states will be represented, bringing together diverse perspectives at a pivotal moment for community planning. The conversations, connections, and ideas sparked here will influence how our communities grow, adapt, and thrive for years to come.

Early Bird Registration Is Now Open

Secure your spot and save!

$375 Early Bird Rate (available through July 26)

$450 (after July 26)

This is a conference you won’t want to miss – register early!

Stay Where It All Happens

A stunning, centrally located conference hotel makes it easy to connect, explore, and enjoy everything Downtown Sioux Falls has to offer. Cut off date is July 30th.

Conference Hotel Code: WPA26
Book online: Canopy by Hilton
Book via phone: 605-275-4120

If the block is full we have other walkable options to the conference site. Check out the Hotel on Phillips, Holiday Inn City Center, or the Catlin (previously downtown Hilton Garden Inn).

The Draft Agenda has been released! Check it out now!

2026 WP Conference Schedule - DRAFT (Pres Long).pdf

Mark your calendar. Pack your walking shoes as a rental car is not needed; everything is very walkable! Bring your ideas. We can’t wait to welcome you to Sioux Falls for an unforgettable planning experience where urban and rural energy meet at the gateway to the West!

South Dakota Planners Association

c/o Adam Roach

Address: 231 N. Dakota Ave

Sioux Falls, SD 57104

southdakotaplanners@gmail.com

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