Register Now for the 2026 GPA Fall Conference
September 23 – 25
Marriott Augusta at the Convention Center
Fall Conference
Join the Georgia Planning Association (GPA) for the 2026 Fall Conference, Masters of Transition: Driving Sustainable Growth. We invite planning professionals, community leaders, students, elected officials, and industry partners from across the state to gather for three days of learning, collaboration, networking, and inspiration.
This year’s conference will explore how planners can successfully navigate change while creating resilient, connected, and thriving communities. Nestled along the scenic Savannah River, Augusta’s rich history, vibrant downtown, Southern charm, and world-renowned golf tradition provide the perfect backdrop for an engaging conference experience.
Whether you are an experienced planner, an emerging professional, a student, or a community leader, the GPA 2026 Fall Conference offers fresh perspectives, meaningful connections, and practical ideas to help drive sustainable growth in your community.
Registration is Open
Hosted at Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center in beautiful Augusta, Georgia, the conference will showcase an action-packed lineup of 30 educational breakout sessions, a student-focused session, AICP Exam Prep Workshops, and five mobile workshops highlighting innovative planning initiatives throughout the Augusta region. The conference also offers valuable networking opportunities and discussions on the trends shaping communities across Georgia.
Registration Fees
| Rates | 9/1 - 9/13 | 9/14 - Onsite |
|---|---|---|
| GPA Member | $345 | $395 |
| GPA Non-Member | $400 | $425 |
| Planning Official | $200 | $220 |
| Retired/Unemployed/Student | $200 | $220 |
Daily Registration Fees
| Wednesday, 9/23 Only | Thursday, 9/24 Only | Friday, 9/25 Only |
|---|---|---|
| $150 | $200 | $150 |
| Access to all Wednesday sessions, breaks, Welcome Reception and Keynote Address Dinner | Access to all Thursday sessions, breaks and Awards Luncheon. | Access to Friday sessions and breaks. |
Note: If cancelled by August 28, a full refund is provided less a $50 administration fee.
Conference Schedule Overview
Download and View the Full Schedule Here
Wednesday, September 23
| 11:00 am - 5:00 pm | Onsite Registration |
| 1:00 - 2:15 pm | Breakout Sessions 1 |
| 2:15 - 2:30 pm | Networking Break |
| 2:30 - 3:45 pm | Breakout Sessions 2 |
| 2:30 - 4:30 pm | Mobile Session 1 |
| 3:45 - 4:00 pm | Networking Break |
| 4:00 - 5:15 pm | Breakout Sessions 3 |
| 6:00 - 9:00 pm | Welcome Reception and Keynote Address Dinner |
Thursday, September 24
| 7:30 - 9:00 am | Registration and Continental Breakfast |
| 7:30 - 11:45 am | Mobile Session 2 |
| 9:00 - 10:15 am | Breakout Sessions 4 |
| 10:15 - 10:30 am | Networking Break |
| 10:30 - 11:45 am | Breakout Sessions 5 |
| 10:30 am - 12:30 pm | Mobile Session 3 |
| 12:00 - 1:30 pm | Lunch, Awards, and Business Meeting |
| 2:00 - 3:15 pm | Breakout Sessions 6 |
| 2:00 - 3:30 pm | Mobile Session 4 |
| 3:15 - 3:30 pm | Networking Break |
| 3:30 - 4:45 pm | Breakout Sessions 7 |
| 5:30 - 7:30 pm | Planning After Dark Social at Solé Augusta |
Friday, September 25
| 7:30 - 9:00 am | Continental Breakfast & Registration |
| 9:00 - 10:15 am | Breakout Sessions 8 |
| 9:00 - 11:30 am | Mobile Session 5 |
| 10:15 - 10:30 am | Networking Break |
| 10:30 - 11:45 am | Breakout Sessions 9 |
| 12:00 - 1:30 pm | GPA Board Meeting |
Mobile Sessions
Choose from five interactive mobile tours highlighting innovative planning initiatives throughout the Augusta region. Register for one or multiple mobile sessions. Each session is an additional registration fee. Register early to secure your spot as capacity is limited. Please wear comfortable walking shoes for any of the mobile sessions. Learn more below. Please note: No refunds will be issued for the Mobile Sessions.
Mobile Session 1
Augusta Canal Heritage Boat Tour
Wednesday, September 23, 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Capacity: 36
Travel through the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area aboard a Petersburg Boat while learning how a nineteenth century infrastructure project shaped economic development, recreation, environmental stewardship, and historic preservation.
Transportation: Bus and Walking
Attire: Casual and comfortable clothing and walking shoes
Fee: $50
Mobile Session 2
Beyond the Green Jacket: Public Investment Meets Community Recreation
Thursday, September 24, 7:30 am – 11:45 am
Capacity: 20
Explore the transformation of Augusta’s municipally owned golf course through strategic investment and partnerships. Participants will learn how the redesign, supported by Augusta National Golf Club, enhances recreation, tourism, economic development, and community pride while demonstrating the value of investing in high-quality public amenities.
Transportation: Bus and walking
Attire: Athleisure, Golf attire
Fee: $50 (use own clubs); $55 (rent clubs)
Mobile Session 3
Revitalizing Laney-Walker
Thursday, September 24, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Capacity: 30
Experience one of Augusta’s most significant historic neighborhoods while exploring ongoing revitalization efforts rooted in preservation, equity, and community identity. The tour includes the Lucy Craft Laney Museum and highlights neighborhood reinvestment, affordable housing initiatives, cultural preservation, and partnerships that continue to shape the future of the Laney-Walker community.
Transportation: Walking
Attire: Walking shoes
Fee: $25
Mobile Session 5
Return of Manufacturing: Augusta Corporate Park
Friday, September 25, 9:00 am – 11:30 am
Capacity: 30
Explore Augusta Corporate Park and discover how strategic planning, infrastructure investment, and public-private partnerships attracted global employers such as Aurubis and Starbucks. Participants will examine site selection, permitting, workforce development, and the planning decisions that positioned the park for advanced manufacturing and international investment while supporting long-term economic competitiveness.
Transportation: Bus and walking
Attire: Walking shoes
Fee: $50.00
Mobile Session 4
Adaptive Reuse: Lofts at King Mill
Thursday, September 24, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Capacity: 30
Explore the transformation of the historic John P. King Mill into a vibrant residential community through adaptive reuse. Participants will examine how preservation, historic tax credits, and strategic redevelopment converted one of Augusta’s most significant industrial landmarks into modern housing while preserving its architectural character. Discussion will focus on adaptive reuse as a catalyst for housing, economic investment, and neighborhood revitalization.
Transportation: Bus and walking
Attire: Walking shoes
Fee: $50
Welcome Reception & Keynote Address Dinner
Wednesday, September 23, from 6 – 9 pm
Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center
2026 APA Trends Report
Join us for a Welcome Reception and Keynote Address Dinner at the close of the first day of the conference. Featured keynote speakers, Petra Hurtado, PhD and Ben Hitchings, FAICP, CZO, will present the 2026 APA Trends Report, sharing insights on how communities can strengthen their readiness and resilience in a rapidly changing world.
Meet the Keynote Speakers
Planning After Hours
Thursday, September 24, from 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Solé, 1033 Broad Street
The Emerging Planners of Georgia (EPG) are hosting a Planning After Hours social at Solé, located in the heart of historic downtown Augusta. This full-service bar and restaurant offers a memorable experience with thoughtfully crafted cocktails, friendly staff, and delicious meals. All attendees are welcome!
Become a Fall Conference Sponsor
It’s time to reserve your spot and support our Fall Conference.
