2026 SPE Annual Conference Overview

Catalyst for Exchange

When March 19-21, 2026
Where Courtland Grand Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia

Everyone concedes that photography is now a medium of exchange as much as a mode of documentation. A digital snapshot is meant primarily as a means of communication, and the images being sent are as ephemeral as speech. — Geoffrey Batchen

At its core, communication revolves around connection—a mutual space for exchanging meaningful and relevant information. As photographers, we can use images to challenge assumptions, dismantle barriers, and spark meaningful conversations. In today's rapidly changing world, social, academic, and cultural systems are being reshaped at a pace that often leaves little room for reflection or dialogue. These shifts demand new apporaches and open exchanges considering indiviudal and collective experiences. 

Photography provides a powerful platform for these exchanges. By capturing and sharing stories through images, we create opportunities to engage with others, foster understanding, and address the most pressing issues of our time.

Please join us in Atlanta, Georgia, from March 19 - March 21, 2026, to strengthen our community as artists and educators collaboratively. Session proposals are welcome from all perspectives, including fine art, scholarly, scientific, commercial, editorial, documentary, and process-based photography. The conference aims to explore how photography can catalyze essential conversations and inspire collaboration while opening this necessary dialogue to others. 

Catalyst for Exchange will have a Call for Sessions/Session Chairs from March 20 - April 20, 2025, followed by a Call for Presentations from June 15 - July 15, 2025. 

This conference is specifically interested in presentations and exchanges in multiple-presentation formats built from any of these subcategories: 

Art Administration
Art Education
Art History
Collaboration and Building Community
Change in the Classroom
Commercial Photography
Curatorial Studies
Documentary Photography
Editorial Photography
Identity and Representation
Photographic Art
Photographic Scholarship
Place-based Investigations
Scientific Photography
Shaping the Future
Social Justice & Advocacy
Studio Art

Questions should be directed to our 2026 Conference Committee at atl2026@spenational.org