2026 Annual Conference

October 18-20
Wind Creek Bethlehem

We are pleased to announce that the City of Bethlehem will host the Pennsylvania Chapter American Planning Association Conference on October 18-20, 2026. This prestigious event will welcome more than 500 planning professionals who will engage in comprehensive training, strategic networking, and professional development activities.

Rusty former steel stacks against a brilliant blue sky

This year’s conference theme “Forging the Next 250 Through Preservation, Innovation, and Collaboration” will comprehensively highlight the growth and future of Pennsylvania’s planning profession, underscoring the Commonwealth’s pivotal role in transforming its history through regional development and innovation.

Sessions will focus on critical topics including land use planning, affordable housing solutions, sustainable infrastructure planning, transportation planning, historic preservation, geographic information systems, and economic development strategies designed to strengthen communities across diverse urban and rural settings. Attendees will gain valuable insights from industry leaders on implementing future-focused planning approaches.

500 planners expected

Over 50 classroom sessions

7 mobile workshops offered

Welcome Reception at Hotel Bethlehem

2026 Annual Awards

State of the APA PA Chapter

2026 APA Annual Conference

The largest annual gathering of planners in PA!

Fees

Non-Member

(Out of state APA members are considered non-members. If you’re not a APA member, then you’re considered a non-member.)

Regular Rate (Register by October 7, there is no onsite registration)
Full Registration – $505
Sunday – $200
Monday – $330
Tuesday – $295

Member

(APA members who belong to PA Chapter are considered members.)

Regular Rate(Register by October 7, there is no onsite registration)
Full Registration – $450
Sunday – $155
Monday – $285
Tuesday – $250

Students

Regular Rate (Register by October 7, there is no onsite registration)
Sunday – $95
Monday – $120
Tuesday – $120

Wind Creek Bethlehem

Hotel Details

Address:
77 Wind Creek Blvd.
Bethlehem, PA 18015
Standard Guest Room:
$169
Check-in:
4:00 PM (Check-out at 11:00 AM)

Making a reservation:

The easiest way to make a reservation is online. Rate is good until September 28, but don’t wait to make your reservation. The chapter only has a certain number of rooms in our block and once it’s full, it’s FULL so don’t wait… book now.

Travel

Parking

Self-Parking is free. Valet parking is also available (additional fee).

Getting Here

Wind Creek Bethlehem
77 Wind Creek Blvd
Bethlehem, PA 18015

Wind Creek Bethlehem is within easy driving distance from New York (only 82 miles and a fast 90 minutes), Philadelphia (50 miles and 60 minutes), and everywhere in between – closer than Atlantic City from both locations.