Interested in Hosting the CUPSO Annual conference? 

First of all, a huge thank you to those of you who have already stepped up to host the next few years. The CUPSO annual conference could not happen without your involvement! 

• 2026— Institute of Social and Economic Research (University of Alaska, Anchorage)
• 2027— Carl Vinson Institute of Government (University of Georgia) 
• 2028— UNC School of Government (University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill)

We are always on the lookout for future hosts (maybe someone farther wests since we have a couple years planned on the East Coast?).

If your team is considering hosting the CUPSO Annual conference, take some time to explore the information compiled here, then reach out for an exploratory call with Ashley Labosier.

what does it Look like In Practice

Further down you will find a breakdown of conference responsibilities, but first, let's give you a picture of exactly what kind of commitment you are looking at. In October 2025 we invited hosts from previous conferences to share a boots-on-the-ground perspective of what it means to host the CUPSO conference. They were honest about the time and energy involved (spoiler: it's a lot!) but they were also convinced it was worth the effort. You can watch that info session here:
 

 

All of our past conference hosts are willing to chat more with prospective hosts about their experience. See the contacts listed in the "at-a-glance" section at the bottom of this page and let Ashley know if you need anyone's email address.

Conference Planning Responsibilities

Conference planning is a joint effort between the host team and the CUPSO director. The host manages most logistics, while the director oversees the program. The host typically assigns one person to the content planning committee, and keynote sessions often feature the host's key programs or partners.

Host Responsibility Overview

CUPSO Director Responsibility Overview

Set conference registration costs Identify hotel and reserve room block Reserve meeting space (on or off campus), coordinate A/V, photography, etc.  Arrange onsite meals Arrange dinners/off-site events  Manage conference registrations (including e-commerce)  Design and print conference materials Staff conference (registration table, oversight, liaison with tech and catering, etc.)

Conference agenda development (in collaboration with conference planning committee) Identify and invite speakers Manage all session-planning logistics and communications  Collect speaker bios and develop content for conference materials Conference marketing and communications Outreach to CUPSO member prospects Communicate AV and room set-up needs for all sessions Overall facilitation during conference

 

CUPSO will provide a $5,000 stipend to the host institution for administrative support and will cover the registration costs for an assigned planner to the prior year's CUPSO conference. 

Review our conference planning calendar (based on a conference that takes place in April).

Review a list of major budget items to consider when setting registration fees.

Past Conferences At-a-glance

• 2025 in Wichita, KS (on-campus)
  Host: Public Policy and Management Center, Wichita State University
  Number of Attendees: 90 (including 18 host)
  Hotel Price: $113/night
  Registration Price: $395 early-bird/ $425
  Contact: Sarah Shaffer
• 2024 in Amherst, MA (on-campus)
  Host: UMass Donahue Institute, UMass Amherst
  Number of Attendees: 100 (including 20 host)
  Hotel Price: $149
  Registration Price: $395 early-bird/ $445
  Contact: Katera Como
• 2023 in Big Sky, MT (off-campus)
  Host:Local Government Center, Montana State University
  Number of Attendees: 68 (including 4 host)
  Hotel Price: $201-$259
  Registration Price: $430 early-bird/ $480
  Contact: Lydia Maunz
  2022 in Nashville, TN (off-campus)
  Host: Institute for Public Service, University of Tennessee
  Number of Attendees: 69 (including 13 host)
  Hotel Price: $209
  Registration Price: $400 early-bird/ $450 
  Contact: Susan Lynn Robertson
• 2021 & 2020 - cancelled or virtual due to COVID
• 2019 in Portland, OR (on-campus)
  Host: The Center for Public Service, Portland State University
  Number of Attendees: 87 (including 5 host)
  Hotel Price: $182
  Registration Price: $400 early-bird/ $450
  Contact: Sara Saltzberg