Shifting Gears

College for Creative Studies / Cranbrook Academy of Art / Wayne State University - Detroit, MI   |   October 09 - October 11, 2025

The 2025 MWSPE Conference, Shifting Gears, invites photographers, educators, lens-based artists, and scholars to gather in Detroit—long celebrated as the Motor City—for a critical examination of transformation within photographic practice. Drawing on the city's rich history of innovation, industry, and reinvention, this conference examines how photographers are navigating change across technological, pedagogical, and cultural terrains. Through presentations, workshops, and exhibitions, Shifting Gears provides a platform to engage with the evolving methodologies and conceptual frameworks shaping the future of photographic education and image-making. Shifting Gears is hosted by the College for Creative Studies, Cranbrook Academy of Art, and Wayne State University. It is organized by faculty across Michigan and northern Ohio. Conference goers will be given a complimentary pass to the Detroit Institute of Art.

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Bigger & Better

SPESC 2025 Conference

Tarleton State University - Fort Worth, Texas   |   October 10 - October 12, 2025

Saddle up for three days of photography, education, and community at Bigger & Better—the 2025 SPE South Central Conference! Hosted at Tarleton State University's Fort Worth campus, this year's gathering brings together artists, educators, and students for a weekend of inspiration, connection, and celebration. Alongside our keynote by the legendary Dan Winters and recognition of our Honored Educator Steve Goff, the program features artist talks, workshops, student presentations, and portfolio reviews for both students and professionals that highlight the diverse voices shaping photography today. From zine-making to documentary practice, from experimental landscapes to deeply personal narratives, attendees will experience a wide range of approaches and conversations. Each day will begin with activities designed to bring our community together—starting with a portfolio walkthrough on Friday and a playful "speed-friending" session on Saturday. Throughout the weekend, you'll also have opportunities to connect through digital exhibitions, student and member presentations, and our Saturday night celebration at Billy Bob's Texas. Sunday excursions will take us beyond the conference walls to explore the culture and community of Fort Worth together. We can't wait to welcome you to Fort Worth this fall for a conference that truly lives up to its name: Bigger & Better. Want to support the event? Get involved as a volunteer, reviewer, or donor—or contribute to our raffle! (See details below.) Conference Planning Committee: Michael Mulvey (Chair), Chris Ireland, Lauren Allen, Kim Wasson Eagan, Carol Record, Humna Raza. For questions or more information, contact: southcentral@spenational.org

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Remixed

Rethink, Remake, Reimagine

Tyler School of Art - Philadelphia, PA   |   October 11 - October 11, 2025

This joint conference - hosted by both the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic chapters - seeks to explore the dynamic intersections of contemporary photographic practices and education through the lens of remix — how artists and educators are reinterpreting, reimagining, and remixing photographic works and concepts in innovative ways.   We are accepting work submissions for our members' exhibition until 11:59pm on Monday 9/15/25. We encourage artists, educators, and students to share their contemporary photographic works and projects that embody the spirit of Remix | Re-Think, Re-make, Re-imagine. Please click here to submit!

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Remixed

Northeast Mid-Atlantic Chapter Conference

- Tyler School of Art, Philadelphia, PA   |   October 11 - October 11, 2025

Please see the Northeast Chapter Conference Portal to learn more, see our schedule, and purchase registration!  SPE Northeast and Mid-Atlantic invites submissions for its upcoming regional conference centered around the theme Remixed. This conference seeks to explore the dynamic intersections of contemporary photographic practices and education through the lens of remix—how artists and educators are reinterpreting, reimagining, and remixing photographic works and concepts in innovative ways.   We encourage artists, educators, and students to share their contemporary photographic works and projects that embody the spirit of Remix | Re-Think, Re-make, Re-imagine. Please see the Northeast Chapter Conference Portal to learn more, see our schedule, and purchase registration! 

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2025 SPE West Chapter Conference

UCR ARTS California Museum of Photography

UCR ARTS - Riverside, California   |   November 06 - November 08, 2025

Registration is now open, and the full schedule for the 2025 SPE West Chapter Conference is live. Join us this November at the California Museum of Photography at UCR ARTS in downtown Riverside, California. This three-day gathering will unite educators, students, artists, and researchers for a weekend of connection, creativity, and critical dialogue exploring the future of photographic education and imagemaking. Browse the complete schedule and speaker lineup to start planning your conference experience today. Thursday, November 6 — High School Educators Day The conference opens with programming designed exclusively for high school educators, featuring hands-on workshops, CTE-focused sessions, and opportunities to engage with educational vendors. This day supports and empowers teachers shaping the next generation of image-makers. Host Site: Riverside Unified School District — 4011 14th St., Riverside, CA Preconference Programming Beyond the core sessions, attendees can explore several preconference experiences: Radical Geographies at the Wignall Museum of Contemporary Art Curator Walkthrough with Tamara Cedré at 12:30 PM (gallery open 11 AM – 4 PM) CMP Archives Preview The California Museum of Photography will open its archives exclusively for conference guests from 4 PM – 6 PM. Advance reservations will be required; additional details will be shared soon. The day concludes with an Opening Reception (6:30–8:30 PM) at UCR ARTS, featuring the SPE West Exhibition in the f-stop pedestrian gallery and a Portfolio Walkthrough during Riverside Artswalk. Friday, November 7 — Pedagogy for Educators Day two centers on teaching practices, pragmatic scholarship, and imagemaker presentations. Designed for educators at all levels, these sessions explore innovative approaches to photography instruction, curriculum development, and classroom engagement — equipping attendees with practical tools and fresh inspiration. Saturday, November 8 — Imagemaker and Research Presentations The final day celebrates photography's evolving landscape through talks by imagemakers, workshops, and research presentations. The program culminates in a keynote session honoring photography as a living medium — one that reflects shared experiences, challenges, and creative visions. Don't miss your chance to be part of this dynamic regional gathering of image-makers, educators, and scholars. Registration & Pricing Conference registration includes: Access to all sessions, panels, and workshops Thursday evening Opening Reception Breakfast Morning and afternoon coffee Catered lunch Pricing: Members: $350 Non-Members: $500 (includes one-year SPE membership) Students (Members and Non-Members): $175 We encourage you to register early so we can finalize programming, secure facilities, and confirm catering for all attendees. Register online at www.spewest.org/register or request an invoice for check payment by emailing west@spenational.org.

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