Fall Conference
2026 Fall Conference
The time has come again for communities across the region to exchange ideas, build connections, and plan for what comes next.
The 2026 TAPA Fall Conference will be held October 12–14 in Downtown Chattanooga. Hosted by TAPA’s Chattanooga Section, the conference will bring together planning professionals, community leaders, students, and emerging professionals from across Tennessee and the surrounding region.
Attendees can look forward to keynote speakers, AICP credit opportunities, engaging sessions and mobile workshops, opportunities to connect with fellow attendees, time to experience Downtown Chattanooga, evening social events, and a taste of the city’s unique local food scene!
We look forward to welcoming you to Chattanooga this October!
Join us for the 2026 Fall Conference in Chattanooga, TN!
Call for Sessions is now open!
Submit your proposal by August 31, 2026 for presenting a session - share your projects, research, case studies, or practical lessons with attendees.
Session topics may include housing, economic and community development, equitable planning, transportation, rural & small town planning, parks and public spaces, downtown revitalization, resilience, sustainability, arts, culture, placemaking, public engagement, planning law, technology, GIS, and related subjects.
Registration
Conference Registration is now open here! Register by September 18 to secure the Early Bird pricing. Sponsors with complimentary registrations will receive a specific registration link. Please contact tennesseeapa@gmail.com if you do not have this link.
Lodging
To reserve a room in the TAPA 2026 Fall Conference hotel block at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chattanooga Downtown, book here by September 18. The conference is scheduled to begin at 1pm ET on Monday, October 12.
Nominate an Award Winner
Help recognize outstanding planning work, leadership, innovation, and service across Tennessee.
Submit a nomination by 10pm ET on September 16, 2026 for a person, project, plan, program, or organization that has made a meaningful contribution to planning and community development.
Mentor Match Coffee & Connections
Start your morning with coffee and conversations!
Coffee & Connection is a fast-paced networking session designed to bring together planning students, emerging professionals, and experienced mentors. In a series of short, rotating conversations, participants will exchange insights about career paths, project experiences, and the skills needed to thrive in the planning profession.
Sign up here by September 25, 2026
Student Opportunities
Students are invited to join planners, community leaders, and professionals from across Tennessee for three days of learning, networking, and new ideas.
Whether you are studying planning, engineering, public administration, geography, architecture, environmental studies, or a related field, the TAPA Fall conference is a great place to explore the profession and see where your interests could lead. Students can expect engaging sessions, practical career insights, opportunities to meet professionals in the field, and plenty of chances to connect with other students and emerging planners.
Student Registration - $100.00
Or Apply for a Scholarship (Priority consideration will be given to University of Tennessee at Chattanooga students)
Academia Scholarship for the 2026 Fall Conference: We are excited to announce an Academia Scholarship is now available to students! This scholarship provides full coverage of the $100 student registration fee for selected recipients and is brought to you by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Geography in partnership with the Tennessee Chapter of the American Planning Association (TAPA).
The scholarship is intended to support university students in Tennessee interested in urban planning and related fields, including students studying Urban Studies, Environmental Science, Geography, Sociology, Political Science, GIS, and other related programs, by helping them attend the 2026 Tennessee Planning Conference in Chattanooga. Priority consideration will be given to University of Tennessee at Chattanooga students, but all planning students are eligible to apply.
The deadline to apply for this scholarship is October 2, 2026.
Student Showcase Sign up by October 6th
- Students are invited to share projects such as:
- GIS or mapping projects
- Urban design concepts
- Community engagement projects
- Capstone or thesis work
- Posters, boards, digital presentations, or models
Mentor Match Coffee & Connection Sign up Form
A fast-paced networking session designed to bring together planning students, emerging professionals, and experienced mentors. In a series of short, rotating conversations, participants will exchange insights about career paths, project experiences, and the skills needed to thrive in the planning profession.
We are no longer accepting student volunteers, as all available spots have been filled.
Sponsor the Fall Conference
Your support helps make the conference welcoming, engaging, and accessible while positioning your organization as a partner in building stronger communities.
- Connect with TAPA’s 500+ professional members, students, community leaders, and future planners
- Reach planning professionals and community leaders from across Tennessee and the surrounding region
- Highlight your services, expertise, and community investments
- Build your network of connections
- Receive recognition in conference materials and signage
- Access complimentary conference registrations, depending on sponsorship level
Conference sponsorship levels range from $500 to $10,000. Organizations may choose a Semiannual Sponsorship, which includes the Fall Conference, or an Annual Sponsorship, which includes both the Fall Conference and the Spring Retreat. Please see the linked sponsorship information above for available levels and benefits.
Have questions or need more information?
Questions regarding sponsorships, conference benefits or invoice needs can be directed to the attention of the Sponsorship Committee by sending an email to tennesseeapa@gmail.com and rthompson@sedev.org with the subject 2026 Fall Conference Sponsorship.
To help us plan accordingly, please declare your interest by August 28, 2026.