SPE Annual Conference

The Society for Photographic Education (SPE) is hosting its Annual Conference, themed Community in Contrast, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This significant event aims to address the complexities of contemporary community life amidst a climate filled with social, political, environmental, and technological challenges. With a legacy spanning over six decades, SPE is dedicated to nurturing a robust network of photographers, artists, educators, students, curators, critics, and historians who together create a resilient community. The conference, set to take place from March 11-14, 2027, invites current and prospective members to submit proposals that reflect diverse perspectives and experiences within educational spaces. Attendees are encouraged to present visual works, workshops, panels, and other forms of inquiry that delve into themes of belonging, solidarity, equity, and agency. The call for proposals will unfold in two phases: the first will solicit session topics and session chairs, as well as individual presentations and workshops, running from March 30 to May 15, 2026. The second phase will invite session panel participants from June 15 to July 31, 2026. Notably, the conference will also recognize outstanding contributions, awarding the 2027 SPE Imagemaker Award to the highest ranked peer-reviewed individual presentation and the 2027 SPE High School Educator Award to the top proposal from a high school educator affiliated with SPE's High School Educator Caucus. Participants seeking to contribute to this vibrant gathering must renew or join SPE by December 15, 2026, and register for the conference by February 1, 2027. Through this conference, SPE emphasizes the importance of dialogue and critique, reinforcing its mission to foster a community of critical thinkers and image-makers.