We are excited to see everyone in Anchorage, Alaska on May 18-20 at the 2026 CUPSO Annual Conference, hosted by the UAA Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) on the University of Alaska Campus.

Our 2026 conference theme is Public Service on the Frontier . With its vast distances, rugged landscapes, remote communities, challenging climates, and diverse Indigenous peoples, it's no wonder Alaska is sometimes called “the last frontier.” But in many ways, all of our CUPSO members work on the frontier — helping decision-makers chart the unknown, and stepping into unsettled (or unsettling) territory to inform some of today’s most pressing public policy questions. Our hosts at the Institute of Social and Economic Research, University of Alaska Anchorage, invite you to explore the opportunities and challenges they face working in this dynamic context and to share your own experience working across distance and difference to serve your communities. 

Arrival information

The conference will kick off with the CUPSO Annual Business meeting at 8:30 on Monday, May 18 for Directors of Member Centers only. Business Meeting attendees staying at the conference hotels should plan to take the 7:30 am shuttle, and reserve your spot here. 

Visiting Directors and all other attendees should plan to join us on campus at 9:30 on the 18th. If you are staying at the conference hotel, plan to take the 8:30 am shuttle, and reserve your spot here.

If you are planning to drive to campus, please park in the South Parking Lot to the south of the Student Union between the Avis Alaska Sports Center (AASC) and the Engineering & Industry Building (EIB). 

Friendly Reminder: 7:30 Alaska Time is 11:30 Eastern Time so even the early mornings shouldn't feel too early!

Schedule and Program

The Conference Program is now available for review and download, and an online overview of the Schedule is also available. 

Download the Conference Program

Additional INFORMATION

Check out our page on Planning Your Trip to Anchorage for suggestions on booking the best flights as well as for itinerary and activity ideas if you want to extend your Alaska trip beyond the three days of the conference. 

Dress code for the conference (including ISER's 65th Anniversary Celebration) is nice-casual. Alaska temperatures can vary widely in May, so plan to dress comfortably in layers and wear good walking shoes (Diane assures me that no one wears heels at UAA). 

Sponsors

Gold Sponsors:

If you are interested in sponsoring the annual conference, see our sponsor prospectus for information on sponsor benefits.