Event Overview
The AMPO Planning Tools and Training Symposium is tailored to the requirements of MPOs as well as the challenges associated with meeting such requirements and structured to meet the needs of small, medium, and large MPOs. The symposium brings together MPO staff and practitioners to share information on a variety of MPO technical issues and provides peer-to-peer training for the MPO community to discuss challenges, opportunities, and implementation strategies with regard to current planning tools and applications. The goal of the symposium is to share good practices; provide practical training; and develop materials that can be shared across the MPO community.
The symposium takes place over the course of two and a half days and consists of multiple roundtable sessions. Attendance is capped to allow for smaller sessions and greater ease of networking. The sessions are divided into two tracks: MPO 101 and MPO Deep Dive.
- The MPO 101 track is aimed at staff with less experience at MPOs or who are interested in a refresher. Sessions focus on MPO core products, operations, and engagement with key stake holders.
- The MPO Deep Dive track is for seasoned MPO professionals and provides peer-to-peer exchange and training opportunities to discuss the state of the practice, innovation, the thorny issues that MPOs often encounter.
The Planning Tools & Training Symposium occurs every other year. The next scheduled event will be April 20-23, 2026, in Lexington, Kentucky.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
The AMPO Planning Tools and Training Symposium brings MPO staff and practitioners together to share information on various MPO technical issues and provides peer-to-peer training for the MPO community to discuss challenges, opportunities, and implementation strategies regarding current planning tools and applications. The goal of this symposium is to identify and share good practices, provide practical training, and develop materials that can be shared across the MPO community.
Registration
All fees in U.S. Dollars. You acknowledge that by registering for and attending this AMPO event, you agree to adhere to the cancellation policy noted below, the AMPO Event of Conduct and Anti-Harassment Policy, and Liability Waiver/Be Well Statement.
| CATEGORY |
EARLY REGISTRATION On or before Friday, March 6, 2026 |
REGULAR REGISTRATION After Friday, March 6, 2026 |
| Member | $685 | $725 |
| Non-Member | $785 | $835 |
| Speaker | $635 | $635 |
Non-Members include: Non-AMPO Member MPOs, and public and private sector partners.
Optional Add-On Events and Fees
Please note: Pre- and post-conference mobile tours have limited capacity and may sell out prior to the conference. After registering for the conference, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to sign-up for these add-on events.
- Monday, April 20, 2026: Town Branch Commons Corridor Tour: $15
- Tuesday, April 21, 2026: TBD: $15
Pre-and post-mobile tour: Pre- and post-conference mobile tours include tour content and if applicable, transportation. Attendees may register for only one mobile workshop tour due to limited capacity.
Program
Sponsor Opportunities
Exhibitor Program Sponsor
| Exhibitor Program | $2500 |
|---|---|
| Technical Symposium Sponsorship Tabletop exhibit space at the bi-annual AMPO Planning Tools & Training Symposium | 1 – Table Top Booth |
| AMPO Technical Symposium Comp Attendee Registrations | 1 – Complimentary Registration |
| AMPO Technical Symposium additional registration discounts | 10% discount Up to 1 additional registration |
| Advertisement on the AMPO website and event materials or mobile app | Logo only |
| Tech. Symposium attendee list (Attendance is mandatory to receive benefits) | 1 – Post Event Attendee List |
Additional Sponsor Opportunities
| Free Night Gift Card* | $7500 | Share brand awareness through sponsorship of the ‘free night’ by providing a gift card to a local establishment for all attendees to offset the cost of a meal. Include a personal note with the gift card. | 1 AVL |
| Opening Reception* | $5000 | The Opening Reception marks an opportunity for attendees to network with colleagues and visit booths within the exhibit area. Food and beverage stations were placed throughout, creating a lively space after exhibit hours. Sponsor recognition includes on-site signage, recognition in collateral materials, and on the AMPO website. Additionally, branded cocktail napkins with sponsor logo will be provided. | 1 AVL |
| Conference Lanyards* | $1500 + Cost to produce 300 lanyards | Keep your company name front and center on our eco-friendly conference lanyards. Each attendee will receive this item with their badge to display their name for all conference related events. Single-color print. Lanyards developed and supplied by AMPO. | 1 AVL |
| Water Bottles* | $1500 + Cost to product 300 Water Bottles | Customized and co-branded with your logo and the AMPO conference logo. These branded sustainable and reusable water bottles will be available for all attendees. Recyclable water bottle selections will be offered to sponsor to select from. AMPO staff will coordinate water bottle selections with sponsor and coordinate production. | 1 AVL |
| Branding Opportunities | Email for pricing & details | Place your message on a column, an overhead banner, digital sign or more. If interested in on-site branding opportunities, please email Kelly Coates directly at kcoates@ampo.org for more details and pricing information. | TBD |
| *You do not need to purchase a booth with this opportunity | |||
Venue Details
Hilton Lexington/Downtown
369 W Vine Street
Lexington, KY 40507
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 $209 per night plus applicable taxes. Booking within the AMPO group block includes complimentary guest room Wi-Fi, complimentary airport shuttle service between Lexington Bluegrass Airport and Hotel and complimentary self-parking. 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.
The Hilton Lexington/Downtown offers a prime downtown location with easy access to Rupp Arena, Central Bank Center, and the University of Kentucky, making it an ideal home base for events, campus visits, and city exploration. Guests enjoy a well-rounded suite of amenities, including an indoor pool and a fully equipped fitness center, along with multiple on-site dining options such as Triangle Grille, the Big Blue Martini Bar, and a Starbucks for quick mornings or casual meetings. With flexible meeting and event spaces, complimentary airport shuttle service, and walkable proximity to downtown dining and entertainment, the hotel is a reliable and comfortable choice for both business travelers and leisure guests visiting Lexington.
MEETING VENUE
Unless otherwise noted, all AMPO 2026 sessions will take place at the Hilton Lexington Downtown. Mobile tours will depart from the hotel lobby.
Sponsors
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
EXHIBITORS
