JOIN US IN SACRAMENTO!
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!
PROGRAM
REGISTRATION
STAY TUNED
Registration information will be coming soon.
Venue & Location
HOTEL
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
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.
2026 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Thank you for your interest in sponsoring the 2026 AMPO Annual Conference. The support provided by our industry partners is critical to our conference’s success.
INFORMATION
For more information regarding our 2026 Annual Conference, please contact our events team.
2026 SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
Awards
The AMPO Conference Awards acknowledge outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations. The winners will be announced at the 2026 AMPO Annual Conference in Sacramento, California on September 14-18, 2026. Nominations are now open! Please review the awards criteria and categories below and submit your nomination by Friday, May 22nd, to be considered.
2026 AMPO AWARDS
OUTSTANDING OVERALL ACHIEVEMENT
The AMPO Award for Outstanding Overall Achievement recognizes Metropolitan Planning Organizations that have significantly advanced the field of transportation planning. This award honors excellence in the development of specific products or projects, as well as innovation within the MPO’s overall operations.
Recipients of this award demonstrate leadership, creativity, and measurable results, navigating the unique challenges of their region to strengthen mobility and community outcomes.
(New for 2026) Award Tiers: To ensure a fair peer-to-peer evaluation, one award will be bestowed in each of the following population-based tiers:
An MPO serving populations over 1,000,000.
An MPO serving populations between 200,000 and 1,000,000.
An MPO serving populations below 200,000.
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.