Conference Schedule | Registration Form | Conference Write-ups

The 2009 Western Planner Conference was held in the legendary Black Hills of South Dakota, September 9-11, 2009.  Participants enjoyed an oasis of pine-clad mountains on the Great Plains and the opportunity to observe a treasury of six national parks, 101 miles of National Scenic Byways, watchable wildlife, acclaimed recreational trails, great fishing, and Old West landmarks like Deadwood and Wounded Knee.

The South Dakota Planners Association hosted the event at the Holiday Inn and Convention Center of the Black Hills, located at I-90, Exit 14, in Spearfish, South Dakota.  More than 150 planners, planning commissioners, engineers, and other officials from several states attended the conference.  Many excellent sessions were offered with 38.5 possible AICP CM Credits.  Planners who attended every session could earn 14.5 AICP CM Credits.

Conference Co-Chairs Amber Vogt and Jayna Watson and several volunteers worked very hard and did an outstanding job coordinating a top-notch conference.  Thanks to everyone who helped make the 2009 Conference a great success.

For more Conference Highlights click here

Download Reasons to be in Spearfish

Mark Apel jammin	Planners Jeopardy
Leah hits	A good pitch at the softball game
Wyoming Softball Team	World Softball Team
WP Founder Stan Steadman and WPR Board Member Ben Orsbon at the first annual Planner's Jam at the conference.	Jayna Watson, Amber Vogt and Neil Putnam from the South Dakota Planners Association
South Dakota planners Ben Orsbon and Amber Vogt at the Planner's Jam	New Mexico planners Jim Stozier, right, and Marlin Johnson enjoy visiting before the WPR Awards Ceremony.
WP Legends Stan Steadman, founder and former Editor, and Joanne Garnett, long-time WPR Board Member and Mother of The Western Planner.	WPR Treasurer Ken Waido enjoyed a bike ride on the scenic trails near Spearfish.
Donna from North Dakota multi-tasking	Keynote Speaker Rick Harrison
From left to right: Wyoming planners April Getchius, Matt Ashby, and Joanne Garnett enjoy the opening reception at the Conference	WPR Editorial Board Member Brian Frampton and WPR Board member Barb Sheinberg visit at the reception before the awards ceremony.