2026 SPE West Chapter Conference
Sacramento
Sacramento State University - Sacramento, CA |
November 05 - November 08, 2026
Shared (Un)realities: Photography, Truth, and Meaning in 2026
In 2026, photography exists within a fractured public sphere. Artificial intelligence generates images at scale. Politicians and public figures circulate demonstrably false visual and verbal narratives. Social media platforms algorithmically shape perception, while audiences increasingly inhabit parallel information ecosystems with few shared reference points.
The 2026 SPE West Fall Conference invites artists, educators, scholars, students, and technologists to examine photography's evolving relationship to truth, meaning, and quality.
How do photographs construct meaning today? What does photographic "truth" mean when images are endlessly shared, manipulated, and generated? And what constitutes quality, formally, ethically, and politically, when belief itself appears increasingly polarized?
Through artist talks, panels, workshops, technical demonstrations, and community gatherings, Shared (Un)realities brings together critical discourse and hands-on engagement with contemporary photographic practice.
Keynote Speaker: Louie Palu
We are incredibly excited to welcome Louie Palu as the keynote speaker for SPE West 2026.
Louie will be traveling from Washington, D.C. to join us in Sacramento, and we're especially thrilled that he plans to spend the full conference with our community, not simply come in for his keynote. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from him on Saturday and to connect with him throughout the conference weekend.
His presence is one of the things we are most looking forward to as we bring photographers, educators, artists, and students together for four days of conversation and exchange.
Conference Schedule at a Glance
Thursday, November 5Opening evening meet-and-greet
Friday, November 6Interactive workshops, demonstrations, and Tech Day programming
Saturday, November 7Artist talks, presentations, panels, and keynote with Louie Palu
Sunday, November 8Student portfolio reviews in the morning
Full conference schedule and individual session times will be announced soon.
Conference Registration
Early-bird registration is available through October 5th.
SPE Member: $240 early-bird / $300 regular
Contingent Faculty / Part-Time: $160 early-bird / $200 regular
Student: $40 early-bird / $50 regular
Non-Member Regular: $425
Non-Member Student: $105
Day Pass: $150
Food, Community & Connection
Community is an important part of the SPE West conference experience. Approximately $80–$100 of each registration fee supports the food provided during the conference, allowing attendees to stay together between sessions, continue conversations, network, and build connections throughout the weekend.
Supporters
Our conference is made possible through the support of:
Sony Alpha Imaging
Freestyle Photo
Mike's Camera
Conference Hotels
A limited number of rooms are available at conference rates at two adjacent hotels near Sacramento State. Attendees are encouraged to reserve early.
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Sacramento at CSUS$150/night + taxParking: $11.50/day1875 65th Street, Sacramento, CA 95819Complimentary breakfast included
To book your stay at HAMPTON INN
Home2 Suites by Hilton Sacramento at CSUS
$155/night + taxParking: $11.50/day1865 65th Street, Sacramento, CA 95819Complimentary breakfast includedSuite-style rooms with kitchenettes and additional spacewww.home2suites.com/sacramentoatcsus
To book your stay at HOME 2 SUITES
Conference Location
Sacramento State University6000 J StreetSacramento, CA 95819
We can't wait to welcome you to Sacramento for four days of photography, conversation, learning, and community.
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