Welcoming Environment and FAQ

Download the APA Rules of Conduct

as of December 2024

Introduction

The American Planning Association (APA) is committed to establishing, maintaining, and protecting a welcoming environment free of discrimination and harassment in any form for everyone. To that end, APA is issuing these Rules of Conduct for all APA functions — both in person and virtual — including its online communities. It is our hope that these Rules will promote a welcoming environment for all who attend APA meetings and other APA functions.

A. SCOPE

The APA Rules of Conduct apply to all participants (members and non-members), guests, sponsors, volunteers, and vendors/exhibitors at all official Association functions, including but not limited to:

1. National conferences and meetings, including meeting breakout sessions, tours, and social events, as well as all meeting-related events that are sponsored by the Association;
2. APA online discussion boards, APA social media groups, and emails addressing APA policies or other APA issues;
3. Meetings, retreats, social events, conference calls, and any online or email communications of the APA Board of Directors, AICP Commission, APA Foundation Board of Trustees, Chapter Presidents' Council, Divisions Council, and Student Representatives Council, as well as meetings, calls, and digital communications of national committees and task forces; and
4. Meetings, retreats, social events, and conference calls sponsored by any APA Division and any online or email communications involving Division policies or issues.

These Rules also apply to all conduct by members of the APA Board of Directors and AICP Commission when acting in their capacity as leaders, regardless of whether such conduct occurs at an APA function. Members of the APA Board or the AICP Commission will be considered as acting in their capacity as leaders when they are attending an event as a representative of the APA or the AICP, and when they are speaking on behalf of the APA or the AICP.

Coverage

If an APA or AICP member experiences, witnesses, or is accused of harassment or discrimination at the member's own or another institution, at a place of work, at a research facility, or online, but not in a context addressed above, APA will not become involved. We encourage members to contact the appropriate officer/official(s) at that location or institution who handles such issues. The APA strongly encourages all of our chapters to adopt their own rules of conduct that apply to chapter-sponsored events and chapter leaders. The APA will not become involved in incidents at the chapter level, but will consult with any chapter that seeks its input as the chapter considers adoption or modification of its rules of conduct. The APA requests that any chapter that takes disciplinary action against a member based on its own rules of conduct advise APA's Welcoming Environment Committee of that action. Planning Student Organizations should comply with the applicable rules of their sponsoring academic institution.

B. PROHIBITED CONDUCT

To nurture a welcoming APA environment, some behaviors are expressly prohibited. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:

1. Harassment or discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, physical appearance, ethnicity, race, religion, nationality, or any other group identity or basis protected by federal law;
2. Sexual harassment or intimidation, including unwelcome sexual attention, stalking (physical or virtual), demeaning gender-based comments, or unwelcome physical contact;
3. Harassment or discrimination based upon any position of influence;
4. Refusing to provide goods or services to a person or group of people based on gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, physical appearance, ethnicity, race, religion, nationality, or any other group identity or basis protected by federal law;
5. Abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, ridiculing, lewd, or demeaning language, conduct, or presentation materials (visual or auditory);
6. Bullying is defined as a pattern of repeatedly and deliberately harming and humiliating another person.
7. Yelling despite being asked to stop, offensive ridiculing, or threats (verbal or physical);
8. Physical violence or threat of violence; and
9. Retaliation aimed at a complainant or anyone who reports an incident or who aids in a complaint investigation.

Final Comments:

It is important to recognize that the APA is not a law enforcement entity. While we are striving to offer a welcoming environment to all attendees at our functions, we are not responsible for the conduct of any individual. We assume no duty to halt, limit, or address any problematic or illegal conduct, and we disclaim liability for conduct between and among any individuals.

Rather, in adopting and disseminating these Rules, APA's purpose is to encourage appropriate behavior and to address allegedly inappropriate behavior in a fair manner. We want to do what we reasonably can to help assure that all participants and attendees at APA functions are treated in a welcoming manner. It is our hope that these Rules will help to result in a welcoming environment for all who participate or attend APA functions.

What are my registration options?

You may register for either the in-person conference in Detroit (online conference registration included) or register for only the online conference. Mobile Workshop and Orientation Tour tickets must be purchased separately. Your registration rate depends on your membership type. Refer to the registration page for registration rates.

Register Early and Save $50

Registration rates will increase after the early bird deadline: March 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT.

Will NPC26 be an in-person conference in Detroit, or is it online?

NPC26 includes two separate, unique events:

• An in-person conference in Detroit, April 25-28, 2026
• An online conference May 27-29, 2026

Aside from the keynote talks and a handful of sessions, the in-person and online conferences offer entirely distinct content.

Where is the in-person conference being held?

NPC26 will be held at the Huntington Place Convention Center.

What time zone is the conference in?

The program and all times listed are in the Eastern Time Zone (ET).

Is there a conference app?

Yes! The app will be available for download closer to the conference. You will receive an email when it is ready.

How do I book a hotel for NPC26 in Detroit?

APA has coordinated nearby hotel room blocks on the Hotel and Transportation page of this site.

Is the full program posted online?

Yes! The NPC26 program is continuously being updated with new events and sessions. Please check back regularly for the latest information.

Does APA provide scholarships, travel, hotel, honorarium, or free full-access registration?

No, travel and registration compensation is not available for APA Members. However, there are volunteer opportunities for registered students that include a stipend.

Will meals be provided for attendees?

Full meals will not be provided for attendees at the conference. Refreshments will be served Saturday-Monday in the Exhibit Hall (Hub) in the morning and the afternoon, check the app for details. There will be other on-site food and beverage options available at the Huntington Place Convention Center.

Login and Registration Instructions

You need to be logged in to your APA account to register for NPC26. To receive the correct member conference rate, you must register using the email address associated with your APA member account.

If you have not logged in since APA's system upgrade in December 2025, you will need to reset your password before logging in. Select "Set Your New Password" on the login screen and follow the instructions in the password reset email you receive. Please note that password reset links are one-time use only.

After registering, you will need to log in to your APA account to customize your conference experience.

Important notes

• APA members should not create a new account. Creating a new account will not be tied to your membership and may result in being charged the nonmember rate.
• We are seeing a high number of password reset emails filtered as spam by institutional or agency email systems. If you do not receive your reset email (including in spam or junk folders), please contact Customer Service.
• If needed, you may provide a personal email address so we can update your account and resend the password reset link.

If you continue to experience login issues, please contact Customer Service for assistance.

Registration Details

Can I register for just one day?

No, one-day registration options are not available.

Is there a way to register several colleagues for without doing it under my non-member account?

Each attendee must register individually using their own APA member account to receive the member conference rate. Group or proxy registration using a non-member account is not available.

How can I update my NPC26 registration details?

Once your registration is complete, you will be able to log in to the program website to access your registration to make updates or purchase additional tickets.

Do I need to pay for my main registration first before purchasing ticketed events?

You can purchase tickets for events when you register for the conference or any time after you register for the conference. You must be registered for NPC to purchase any ticketed events. Ticketed events may not be purchased before registering.

How can I purchase more than one ticket per special event?

Contact registrationchanges@planning.org with the best time and date to contact you, the name of the special event(s), and the desired number of additional tickets.

Can I substitute or transfer my registration to my colleague?

No, registration substitutions and transfers are not available.

Does registration include access to conference recordings?

You will have on-demand access to the recorded sessions from NPC26 for two weeks after the online conference. After this, recordings will be available on Passport, APA's e-learning subscription platform.

What is the cancellation policy for NPC26?

A full refund can be requested online by Friday, April 3, 2026, 11:59 PM ET for the in-person conference and Friday, May 8, 2026, for the online conference. Cancellations will be subject to a $50 administrative fee. Please send a written cancellation request to registrationchanges@planning.org. Refunds for special events or mobile workshops are not available after the deadline.

After the Deadline:

• Any cancellation requests for the in-person conference sent after April 30, 2026, will not be accepted.
• Any cancellation requests for the online conference sent after May 26, 2026, will not be accepted.

I'm a member of the media. How can I get a complimentary media pass?

To request one of our limited number of complimentary media registrations, email APA's Senior Communications Manager, Roberta Rewers.

What is the last date to register for NPC26?

You can register onsite throughout the in-person event. You can register for NPC26 online through the last day, May 29, 2026, 11:59 PM CT, to access sessions online post-conference.

Pricing and Payment Options

Does APA offer any discounted registration rates?

APA does not offer discounted registration rates for any groups, including military, non-profits, AmeriCorps, other associations, etc.

Are there non-profit registration rates?

No, we do not offer non-profit registration rates.

Is it possible to pay through a payment plan?

No, payment plans are not available.

Is it possible to pay with a check?

Yes, you can pay for your registration with a check. Send an email with a tracking number to registrationchanges@planning.org. Make checks payable to the American Planning Association and send them to the American Planning Association, 200 E. Randolph Street, Suite 6900, Attn: Meetings Department, Chicago, IL. 60601. For NPC26 in-person, checks must be received by April 3. For NPC26 Online, the check must be received by May 15. All checks should be mailed via FedEx, USPS, or UPS with tracking information. Any checks after this date will be returned to the sender.

Can I be invoiced?

Please fill out the Registration Invoice Request Form:

• NPC26 In-Person & Online Registration Invoice
• NPC26 Online Only Registration Invoice

Speakers should use the Speaker Registration Invoice Request Form:

• NPC26 Speaker Online Registration Invoice
• NPC26 Speaker In-Person Registration Invoice

Are group registration and discounts available?

No, group registration and group discounts are not available.

As a speaker who will only be attending one session, can I register for a single session?

APA does not offer single-session registration, but speakers can submit a guest registration request by emailing speakerinfo@planning.org. Please note that only one guest registration request may be submitted per session, and being granted a guest registration restricts the recipient from purchasing any ticketed events or attending any other part of the conference.

What is a Mobile Workshop?

Mobile Workshops are interactive sessions that bring attendees around the host city to experience a particular aspect of the built environment firsthand. They are not included in the cost of registration and must be purchased separately.

What is an Orientation Tour?

The Orientation Tour provides a high-level overview of the city and highlights key planning projects — both underway and recently completed. Led by local planning professionals, the tour offers expert insight and firsthand knowledge of the city's development. Lasting approximately three hours, it's a comprehensive and engaging way to get oriented and better understand the planning initiatives shaping the city. They are not included in the cost of registration and must be purchased separately.

Do you have to be registered for the conference to attend a Mobile Workshop or Orientation Tour?

Yes, you need to be registered for the conference to attend a Mobile Workshop or Orientation Tour. These offerings are additional registration options and have separate fees.

Can I purchase a 2nd Mobile Workshop or Orientation Tour ticket?

No, due to limited capacity and the assignment of CM credit, registered attendees may only purchase one ticket for each Mobile Workshop or Orientation Tour.

Is there a waitlist for sold-out Mobile Workshops and Orientation Tours?

We do not maintain a waitlist before the conference, but we will reopen cancelled spots. Check the registration page regularly for cancellations.

During the conference, we maintain an on-site waitlist to accommodate no-shows. Please visit the Mobile Workshop desk at NPC26 in Detroit to inquire about these lists and complete our online waitlist form. You may only join the waitlist on the day of the activity. Joining the waitlist does not guarantee a spot in the event. Ticketed attendees will board first, and any available spots will be offered to waitlisted attendees, who will be required to make an on-site credit card payment on a first-come, first-served basis.

Is there a waitlist for sold-out special events?

No, we do not maintain a waitlist for sold-out special events.

How can I volunteer at NPC26?

Volunteer opportunities are available to student members who have registered to attend NPC26. Volunteer information will be available closer to the conference and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can I earn CM at NPC26?

AICP members will have the option to earn CM credits during NPC26. General CM and mandatory Law, Ethics, Equity, Sustainability and Resilience credits will be available during the conference.

Will I receive CM credits if I watch the session later, or do I have to watch the sessions as they are scheduled?

Claiming CM credits for watching recorded sessions can only be done through Passport, APA's online learning subscription service. You will be able to claim your CM in Passport at the end of the session recording. Recordings from NPC26 will be available online in Passport later this summer.

Passport is home to on-demand resources and CM-eligible content year-round, including recordings from previous conferences, and is an invaluable resource to the lifelong learner.

Will I be able to obtain CLE/AIA/LA CES credits at NPC?

Sessions at NPC26 exclusively contribute credits toward earning CM. Other credits, such as CLE, LA CES, or AIA, cannot be claimed.

Will any sessions have closed captioning?

We are happy to provide live and recorded closed captioning for the Opening & Closing Keynotes and education sessions held within the convention center. Other live sessions in Detroit are not guaranteed to be recorded. Please include any accessibility needs in your registration form.

Are there exhibit spaces and sponsorships available for NPC26?

APA offers a variety of opportunities for interested partners to become exhibitors/sponsors at NPC26. Review the sponsor and exhibit opportunities in our prospectus today.

Please contact Patty Wanzer at pwanzer@planning.org or 202-277-9394 for further details.

What are the exhibit hall hours?

The Hub (Exhibit Call) floor will be open:

• Saturday, April 25, from 10:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. (the last 90 minutes is our opening celebration)
• Sunday, April 26, from 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Monday, April 27, from 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

How many conference registrations come with my exhibit booth?

Registration and Hub Hall passes vary based on the sponsorship or exhibit package you purchase. Review all the sponsor and exhibit opportunities in our prospectus.

When will we receive our booth number?

You can select your preferred booth location on the floor plan (from the available booths) after you select your sponsor or exhibit level.

When will I receive an invoice for our booth?

You will receive an email confirmation of your sponsor or exhibit level, booth number, and any sponsorship selections with payment received. If you have a balance due, an invoice will be included in the email confirmation.

Do exhibitors get free parking?

The Huntington Place Convention Center does not offer free parking for exhibitors.

What is the booth cancellation policy?

Cancellation of a sponsor or exhibit package must be made in writing to APA. No refunds will be made for any reason, even if the booth is resold. In addition, the sponsor or exhibitor loses the right to use the complimentary full conference registrations or exhibit-only badges granted by the contract. APA reserves the right to terminate the contract immediately and to withhold from the sponsor or exhibit possession of the space and the sponsor or exhibitor shall forfeit all space rental and sponsorship fees paid if, (a) the sponsor or exhibitor fails to pay all fees due upon submittal of the contract online (or make payment via check or wire transfer by the deadline posted) or (b) the sponsor fails to perform any material terms or conditions of the contract or refuses to abide by the exhibit contract Rules & Regulations.

I will be speaking and exhibiting. Can I use my complimentary exhibitor registration in exchange for speaker registration?

We do not allow the use of complimentary exhibitor registration for speakers who will be presenting at our conference.