MOMENTUM

MWSPE Regional Conference

The Ohio State University - Columbus, Ohio   |   October 15 - October 17, 2026

The Midwest Chapter of the Society for Photographic Education invites artists, educators, students, and scholars to its 2026 Regional Conference, Momentum, in Columbus, Ohio October 15-17th. Momentum is not only about speed or progress. It is what carries us forward, what stays with us as we move, and what resists or redirects our motion. It builds through repetition, collaboration, and sustained attention. Momentum can mean moving forward while looking back, building from history while questioning it. It emerges from pressure, collective effort, and the slow accumulation of work over time. Momentum is not only shaped by what precedes it, but also by what it makes possible ahead, how present actions shape what comes next. Photography is shaped by movement and change, but also by persistence. Images circulate rapidly, technologies evolve, and ideas build upon one another. At the same time, histories, institutions, and habits continue to shape how and why we make work. Momentum exists in this tension—between acceleration and pause, between being pulled forward and pushing against. This conference offers an opportunity to consider how momentum appears in your practice, teaching, and community. Where does energy build in your work? Where does it slow, shift, or redirect? What are you responding to, and what are you trying to carry forward? Please join us in Columbus to share work, exchange ideas, and consider how we build, sustain, and challenge momentum in photography today! Be sure to book your room at The Blackwell Inn, OSU's only on-campus hotel, by September 15th. Reserve your room here! Members and Student Exhibitions Calls for Entries - Deadline September 4th The exhibitions will be held in the Hopkins Hall Lobby and 146 Project Space on The Ohio State University campus.  This year's juror is Ardine Nelson, Professor Emerita OSU. She says:  "Serving as your juror for the regional 2026 members and student exhibitions is both a pleasure and honor.  Being able to view submissions from so many working artists with diverse approaches aesthetically and technically is something I expect will show ideas that both surprise and excite me.  I hope to make selections that will do the same for all conference attendees.This year's regional SPE conference's theme is Momentum.  Momentum is not only shaped by what precedes it, but also by what it makes possible moving forward.  My question will be how does your visual expression situate itself within this continuum." Submit your work for consideration by September 4th! Click here to Submit

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Visual Currents

2026 SPESC Photography Conference

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock - Little Rock, Arkansas   |   October 23 - October 24, 2026

We're thrilled to announce that the University of Arkansas at Little Rock will host the 2026 SPE South Central Chapter Conference! Join us for two days of talks, exhibitions, and community events celebrating photography and education in the region. This year's conference will feature acclaimed photographer Todd Hido as keynote speaker, along with an exhibition of his work and that of Angela Strassheim, plus a juried members and student exhibition at UA Little Rock. Student Award Application  Portfolio Reviewer Signup Portfolio Review Signup 

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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 September 30. 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. 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 includedwww.sacramentoatcsus.hamptonbyhilton.com HAMPTON BOOKING LINK 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 HOME2 SUITES BOOKING LINK 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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