SAVE THE DATE
AMPO and conference host, State of Rhode Island Division of Statewide Planning, invite you to save the dates of September 15-19, 2025, to experience the AMPO Annual Conference set in charming Providence, Rhode Island—the Creative Capital! This captivating city perfectly blends the warmth of a small town with the rich culture of a big city. With its thriving arts scene, diverse neighborhoods, exceptional hotels, and renowned culinary offerings, Providence is the ideal backdrop for AMPO 2025. For more information, view the GoProvidence Convention and Visitors Bureau dedicated website for AMPO 2025 attendees. The main conference days are Tuesday, September 16 through Thursday, September 18. Pre- and post-conference mobile tours will be held on Monday, September 15, and Friday, September 19.
The AMPO Annual Conference is where MPOs gather to spark innovation and build meaningful relationships. Participants can engage in a dynamic program filled with enlightening sessions, thought-provoking main-stage presentations, and hands-on mobile tours designed to elevate their expertise and influence. But the conference is about more than just learning—it’s about networking! Each evening provides the opportunity to connect at exclusive events where valuable partnerships are forged and ideas come to life.
Be a part of this extraordinary event where inspiration meets action, and the future of transportation is shaped. Join us at the AMPO Annual Conference and embark on a transformative journey filled with discovery and growth!
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
OVERVIEW
Update: The call for proposals has closed.
We invite passionate and innovative individuals to contribute to our event by submitting proposals for breakout session presentations, panel discussions, and workshops.
The AMPO Annual Conference is the premier in-person event for MPOs to learn and network. It provides the opportunity to meet with hundreds of MPO directors, transportation planners, and elected officials from across the country. (And it is likely the only national event where you do not need to explain what an MPO is when you introduce yourself!)
Unlike the AMPO Planning Tools and Training Symposium, the Annual Conference has a much larger attendance of up to 600 attendees. As a result, the sessions are run in 3 simultaneous tracks over multiple days, providing a wide range of topics. Matching this range is the audience, which tends to include MPO staff of all levels, DOT and Federal liaisons, private partners and elected officials.
WHY PARTICIPATE?
- Showcase your expertise to a diverse audience.
- Network with industry professionals and like-minded individuals.
- Contribute to meaningful discussions within the MPO community.
SMALL MPO MEMBER SUBMISSION INCENTIVE
AMPO recognizes the unique budgetary challenges faced by smaller MPO members (population under 200,000). To incentivize submissions from small MPOs who are AMPO members, AMPO is pleased to offer the following:
- Travel Stipend: Small MPO staff members whose proposals are accepted (or who are part of a successful proposal submitted by another agency) will receive a travel stipend to cover all travel expenses or $1,000, whichever is lower.
- Half-Price Registration: Small MPO members whose proposals are accepted will also receive a 50% discount on their conference registration.
- Please note: The travel stipend and half-price registration are available for up to 10 presenters from small MPOs that are AMPO members. If more than 10 presenters from small MPOs are accepted, the incentives will be available based on which application were received first.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
View the Three P’s (Purpose, People, and Process) of a proposal submission. All proposals must be submitted through AMPO’s online submission portal, Catalyst by OmniPress. To assist in preparing your submission, please review the list of required fields you’ll need to complete.
TIMELINE (Submission deadline extended to February 12)
- December 11 – February 12: Submit proposals.
- February 12: Submission deadline. Last day to submit proposals. AMPO is unable to accept late submissions.
- February 13 – May 7: Proposal review process and program development
- May 8 – June 2: Rolling email notifications to submitters of status
REVIEW PROCESS
The AMPO Technical Committee coordinates with AMPO staff to score and prioritize proposals for inclusion on the program. While competition for space on the agenda can be tough, if you follow the guidance we have provided on how to put together a good proposal and fully explain how your proposal addresses the 3Ps, you will stand a good chance of being selected. To further help with your proposals, here are excerpts from successful proposals for the 2024 Annual Conference.
All proposals will undergo a thorough review by our expert panel. Rolling notification of acceptance will be sent between May 8 through June 2. If your proposal is accepted, then be advised that all sessions are to be moderated by an AMPO committee member.
QUESTIONS?
Email events@ampo.org for assistance.
STUDENT PRESENTATION COMPETITION
The Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO) is pleased to announce a student presentation competition during the 2025 AMPO Annual Conference, September 15-19, in Providence, Rhode Island. The competition encourages students to share research related to the planning of safe and reliable multi-modal transportation networks accessible in urban communities. The competition is also an opportunity for students to practice their presentation skills and network with a national audience of metropolitan planning organization (MPO) directors, transportation planners, elected officials, and business partners from across the country. Up to three winners may be selected. The submission deadline has passed. Thank you for your project submissions!
REGISTRATION
Registration will open in late April 2025 for members and early May for non-members. To guide budget planning, below are the confirmed registration fees for the 2025 conference.
| CATEGORY |
EARLY REGISTRATION |
REGULAR REGISTRATION |
|---|---|---|
| Member | $820 | $875 |
| Non-Member | $930 | $985 |
| Speaker | Moderator | AMPO Committee & Board Members | $765 | $765 |
| Student Member | $350 | $425 |
|
All fees in U.S. Dollars Non-Members include: Non-AMPO Member MPOs, and public and private sector partners. |
||
Venue & Location
MEETING VENUE
Unless otherwise noted, all AMPO 2025 sessions will take place at the Rhode Island Convention Center (RICC), one of New England’s premier venues for meetings and events and conveniently attached to the official conference hotel, the Omni Providence. Nestled in the vibrant heart of downtown Providence, the RICC offers unmatched accessibility to a wealth of restaurants, hotels, shops, art galleries, nightclubs, museums, and more.
HOTEL
Omni Providence
One West Exchange Street
Providence, RI 02903
For your budget planning purposes, the AMPO group rate will be $249 per night plus applicable taxes (currently 15%). Booking within the AMPO group block includes complimentary guest room Wi-Fi and use of the hotel’s health club. A small block of rooms within the AMPO main block at the prevailing GSA per diem rate will also be available. Booking links to secure your room at the group rate will be available in Spring 2025 when registration opens. Beware of unauthorized solicitations from third parties offering you a group rate. These third parties are not affiliated with AMPO.
2025 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Thank you for your interest in sponsoring the 2025 AMPO Annual Conference. The support provided by our industry partners is critical to our conference’s success.
INFORMATION
For more information regarding our 2025 Annual Conference, please contact our events team.
2025 Annual Conference Sponsors
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
Awards
The AMPO Conference Awards acknowledge outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations. The winners will be announced at the 2025 AMPO Annual Conference in Providence, Rhode Island on September 15-19 , 2025. Nominations are now open! Please review the awards criteria and categories below and submit your nomination by Friday, May 30th, to be considered.
2025 AMPO AWARDS
OUTSTANDING OVERALL ACHIEVEMENT FOR A TMA MPO
AMPO honors the efforts of a TMA MPO that has successfully advanced and promoted metropolitan transportation planning as a result of the outcomes from a specific product(s) or project(s) and/or through excellence and innovation in an MPO’s holistic operation.
OUTSTANDING OVERALL ACHIEVEMENT FOR A NON-TMA MPO
AMPO honors the efforts of a non-TMA MPO that has successfully advanced and promoted metropolitan transportation planning as a result of the outcomes from a specific product(s) or project(s) and/or through excellence and innovation in an MPO’s holistic operation.
EXCELLENCE IN MPO COORDINATION & PARTNERSHIP
AMPO honors outstanding efforts in coordination and partnership, recognizing strong collaborative projects and practices among MPOs, transit agencies, state DOTs, etc.
OUTSTANDING ELECTED OFFICIAL LEADERSHIP
AMPO honors outstanding efforts in transportation planning and leadership of an elected official who has served as a champion for their community and has successfully advanced or promoted transportation planning in the public arena. Any member of an MPO Policy Board is eligible to be nominated for this Award.
RISING PROFESSIONAL AWARD
The Rising Professionals Award celebrates the significant achievements of emerging leaders in the MPO world, specifically those who have 8 years of professional MPO experience or less. This accolade honors an individual who embodies AMPO’s core values of Knowledge, Impact, and Collaboration and recognizes a rising professional who demonstrates exceptional expertise in their field, makes significant contributions to the advancement of metropolitan planning, and fosters collaboration within the community. Whether through innovative projects, impactful research, or dedicated service, the recipient of the Rising Professionals Award inspires others and drives positive change in their MPO region.
THE RONALD F. KIRBY LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Ron will be remembered as a leading expert in transportation planning and a key figure in the MPO community. The Ronald F. Kirby Lifetime Achievement Award honors the contributions and advancements that Ron made to transportation planning. With this award, AMPO honors outstanding efforts in transportation planning and leadership from an individual who has served as a champion of transportation planning and advanced or promoted the practice, not only within his or her local community, but throughout the greater MPO community. Any member/former member of an MPO staff is eligible to be nominated for this Award. Please note that while all nominations will be carefully and thoughtfully reviewed, given prestige and meaning of this Award it is not necessarily bestowed annually.
HONORABLE MENTION
Please note that in some cases the AMPO Awards Committee may consider awarding honorable mentions for the categories of Outstanding Overall Achievement for a TMA MPO, Outstanding Overall Achievement for a non-TMA MPO, and Excellence in MPO Coordination & Partnership.