Planning Across Scales, Building Resilient Places – Irish Planning Institute Annual Planning Conference 2026

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Event Date: 16/04/2026
Location: Athlone, Co. Westmeath
Event type: Conference

Our Annual Planning Conference 2026 takes place in the Radisson Blu, Athlone on Thursday 16 and Friday 17 April 2026 with a welcome drinks reception the evening of Wednesday 15 April.

This year’s conference will be chaired by broadcaster and journalist Shane Coleman.

The conference programme is continuously being updated with new speakers and sessions. Please check back regularly for the latest information.

Annual Planning Conference 2026 Programme

DateSessionsSpeakers include
Wednesday 15th AprilWelcome Reception
Thursday 16th AprilNational and local priorities and international trends
Jan Bessell, RTPI President

Sue Schwartz, APA President
Future proofing Community, Social and Cultural Infrastructure
Developments in policy and practice
Drinks Reception and Gala DinnerPresentation of IPI Student Award
Friday 17th AprilPlanning across scales: Looking ahead to the Irish EU Presidency panel discussionNiall Cussen FIPI, OPR

Ciaran Mullooly MEP
Delivering climate action and housing: Building sustainable placesMartin Whelan MIPI, Housing Agency
Afternoon Tours

Registration

In personMember*€395
Non-Member€635
Intermediate**€515
Student IPI Member€195
OnlineMember*€200
Non-Member€250
Intermediate**€225

Booking will open soon.

*Rates for retired IPI members are also available, contact us for details.

**Intermediate rate is only available to the following: TD/MLA/Senator/Councillor/Member of ECTP-CEU member association or institute with proof of membership/Member of American Planning Association with proof of membership/eNGOs – contact the office for more information.

Registration fees have been held at 2025 rates.

A 10% discount off all in-person bookings for groups of 5 or more will be applied, contact the Institute for details. Please note members must be paid up to avail of member rates. Bookings for members who are not paid up at time of booking will be cancelled.

In person delegate rate includes:

  • Access to all conference sessions and tours
  • Lunch, light refreshments, drinks receptions and gala dinner
  • Delegate welcome pack
  • Delegate list (without contact details and with attendee permission)
  • Copy of presentations post-event (where speaker permission is granted). A recording of the conference will not be available.
  • Opportunities to network with 100s of attendees from across the sector
  • CPD Credits: 15

Online delegate rate includes:

  •  Access to live-streamed conference sessions
  • Copy of presentations post-event (where speaker permission is granted). A recording of the conference will not be available
  • Please note, online attendance does not include access to breakout sessions or the opportunity to ask questions in Q&A sessions
  • CPD Credits: 10

All bookings are subject to our terms and conditions. In particular please refer to the section on Cancellations, Substitutions and No-Shows. Please note members must be paid up to avail of the members’ rate. Bookings for members who are not paid up at time of booking will be cancelled.

Sponsorship and Exhibition Opportunities

Sponsorship opportunities exist across the conference. If you have sponsorship ideas and would like to work with us to create a unique opportunity or event please contact us – [email protected]. Sponsorship is considered with reference to our sponsorship policy.