West Chapter Conference Overview

2026 SPE West Chapter Conference

When November 05-08, 2026
Where Sacramento State University , Sacramento, CA

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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 5
Opening evening meet-and-greet

Friday, November 6
Interactive workshops, demonstrations, and Tech Day programming

Saturday, November 7
Artist talks, presentations, panels, and keynote with Louie Palu

Sunday, November 8
Student 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 + tax
Parking: $11.50/day
1875 65th Street, Sacramento, CA 95819
Complimentary breakfast included
www.sacramentoatcsus.hamptonbyhilton.com

HAMPTON BOOKING LINK

Home2 Suites by Hilton Sacramento at CSUS
$155/night + tax
Parking: $11.50/day
1865 65th Street, Sacramento, CA 95819
Complimentary breakfast included
Suite-style rooms with kitchenettes and additional space
www.home2suites.com/sacramentoatcsus

HOME2 SUITES BOOKING LINK

Conference Location

Sacramento State University
6000 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95819

We can't wait to welcome you to Sacramento for four days of photography, conversation, learning, and community.