Northern New England Planning Conference

The Northern New England Planning Conference is an upcoming multi-day event set to take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown in Manchester, United States. This conference aims to foster opportunities for engagement, collaboration, and the re-establishment of partnerships among planning professionals across New England. As preparations for the 2026 conference begin, the Conference Committee invites attendees to contribute by submitting session proposals that will enhance the program and provide valuable insights to participants. The focus is on a wide range of planning issues relevant to New England communities, encouraging innovative ideas and sharing hard-won wisdom from experienced planners.Proposals are welcomed on diverse topics, including economic development, community engagement, leveraging AI technologies such as ChatGPT and Copilot, and the incorporation of new land uses like solar arrays and battery storage. The Committee seeks to highlight solutions-based approaches that inspire new ways of thinking about planning work. Sessions can be presented in various formats, including presentations, panel discussions with Q&A, on-site or mobile workshops, and rapid multi-part presentations. Each session is expected to last between 45 to 75 minutes, allowing for a dynamic exchange of ideas. The Conference Committee will review all submissions to create a program that reflects feedback from previous conferences and offers a variety of options for attendees. It is important to note that due to the limited budget, the conference cannot cover travel expenses, honorariums, or lodging for session speakers, and selected presenters will be responsible for their own attendance costs. The event also recognizes its sponsors, including Platinum and Gold Sustaining Partners, who play a crucial role in supporting the conference.