Call for Speakers
American Planning Conference 2026 · Sunday, November 8, 2026 – Tuesday, November 10, 2026 · Bartlesville, OK
We invite planning professionals, public officials, consultants, academics and community leaders to propose sessions for this year's conference. Proposals are welcome from both chapter members and professionals outside the chapter.
The committee is looking for sessions that are practical and useful to people doing planning work in Oklahoma — case studies, lessons learned, technical guidance, policy discussion, and hands-on workshops. Mobile tours of local projects are also welcome.
Submission deadline
Friday, October 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Conference theme
Planning Communities, Building Connections, Preparing for Change
The theme reflects the broad and evolving role of planning in Oklahoma communities. “In Focus” gives the conference a clear identity while leaving room for a wide range of topics — rather than centering on one single issue, it invites speakers and attendees to examine the full range of challenges and opportunities facing communities today.
Session categories
Every session sits in one of five categories. Choose the one that best fits your proposal — the committee uses these to build a balanced program, and will move a session if another category suits it better.
Communities in Focus
Sessions exploring comprehensive planning, land use, downtown development, public engagement, placemaking, governance, and strategies for building stronger, more connected communities.
Housing in Focus
Sessions addressing housing supply, affordability, neighborhood development, zoning barriers, missing middle housing, rehabilitation programs, and local tools for expanding housing options.
Infrastructure in Focus
Sessions focused on transportation, utilities, stormwater, capital improvement planning, public facilities, infrastructure funding, and coordination between planning and public works.
Rural Oklahoma in Focus
Sessions highlighting the unique needs and opportunities of rural communities, including economic development, population change, grant funding, regional cooperation, main street revitalization, and local capacity building.
Innovation in Focus
Sessions featuring new tools, technologies, partnerships, funding models, data practices, engagement strategies, and creative approaches to solving community challenges.
How proposals are reviewed
Every submission is reviewed by the conference committee against the same criteria:
- Relevance to the conference and to planning practice in Oklahoma
- Quality and clarity of the proposed content
- Practical value to attendees — what they can use afterwards
- Qualifications and experience of the presenter
- Overall fit and balance within the conference program
Submitting a proposal does not guarantee selection. The program has a limited number of session slots, and final decisions rest with the conference committee. Presenters are responsible for their own registration, travel and accommodation unless otherwise agreed — a discounted speaker registration rate is available.
Submit a proposal
Presenter
Session
Logistics and disclosure
Submitting a proposal does not guarantee selection. You will receive an email confirming receipt.