Join AMPO and conference host Sacramento Area Council of Governments September 14–18, 2026, for the AMPO Annual Conference in Sacramento, California—the vibrant capital of the Golden State. Set at the crossroads of history, innovation, and natural beauty, Sacramento offers a unique blend of riverfront charm, dynamic neighborhoods, and a thriving food and arts scene rooted in its farm-to-fork heritage. With its walkable downtown, exceptional hotels, and proximity to world-class destinations, Sacramento provides an engaging and inspiring backdrop for AMPO 2026.

The main conference days will be Tuesday, September 15 through Thursday, September 17. Pre- and post-conference mobile tours will take place on Monday, September 14, and Friday, September 18.

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!

OVERVIEW

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 – in 2025 we had nearly 700 attendees! As a result, the sessions will be run in three or four simultaneous tracks over multiple days, providing a wide range of topics. Matching this wide 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 SUPPORT

AMPO recognizes the unique budgetary challenges faced by smaller MPO members (population under 200,000). To support 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 travel expenses up to $1,000.
• Half-Price Registration: Small MPO staff 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 stipend will be available based on which applications were received first.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Review AMPO’s How to Submit a Good Proposal to get a sense of what we’re looking for. 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.

Please note:

• Presentations that market specific products, vendors, and services will not be accepted.
• Presenters from private companies must be partnered with an MPO and/or public agency presenter. Public agencies include local, state, or federal government agencies as well as educational institutions.
• All of the organizations, activities, and projects mentioned by the proposal must consent to being included in the proposal and potential presentation at the event.
• There are no limits to how many proposals can be submitted from an agency, however, there may be limits to how many are selected for the agenda – so be sure to coordinate internally if your agency has multiple submissions.
• Each individual account in OmniPress can submit up to three proposals. So, if your organization plans to submit more than three proposals, you’ll have to create multiple accounts in OmniPress.

TIMELINE

March 9: This is when proposals are due. AMPO is unable to accept late submissions.

March 11-April 14: Proposal review process and program development.

April 15-May 5: Rolling email notifications to submitters of status of the submission.

REVIEW PROCESS

The AMPO Technical Committee coordinates with AMPO staff to score and prioritize proposals for inclusion in the program. While competition for space on the agenda can be tough, if you follow the guidance we have provided on How to Submit a Good Proposal, you will stand a better chance of being selected.

QUESTIONS?

Attend one of our drop-in Zoom sessions to ask questions of AMPO staff or get feedback on your proposal idea.

• Session 1
  • Date: Feb. 12, 2026
  • Time: Drop in anytime between 2 and 3 PM ET
  • Register here
• Session 2
  • Date: March 3, 2026
  • Time: Drop in anytime between 3 and 4 PM ET
  • Register here

You can also email ezavisca@ampo.org for assistance.

HOTEL

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Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel
1230 J St.
Sacramento, CA 95814

In order to book a room at the group rate, an attendee must be registered first. For your budget planning purposes, the AMPO group rate will be $269 per night plus applicable taxes (currently 16.75%). Booking within the AMPO group block includes complimentary guest room Wi-Fi (with registered free Marriott Bonvoy account). 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 included in your registration confirmation email. Beware of unauthorized solicitations from third parties offering you a group rate. These third parties are not affiliated with AMPO.

MEETING VENUE

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Unless otherwise noted, all AMPO 2026 sessions will take place at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, located across the street from the Sheraton Grand Sacramento and one of Sacramento’s premier venues for meetings and events. The center is located at the epicenter of the city where art, business, and innovation converge. Situated in the heart of downtown Sacramento, the convention center offers exceptional accessibility to nearby hotels, restaurants, cultural attractions, entertainment, and the city’s vibrant creative and business districts—creating a truly unique experience for every conference attendee.