2026 NDPC Spring Conference
April 30, 2026 | Gorecki Alumni Center, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND
Smart Communication. Strong Connections.
Exploring the many forms of intelligence that power effective communication today.
Spend the day learning from engaging speakers, gaining practical communication insights,
and connecting with professionals from across the state.
Register Now
Featured Speaker
As AI Steals the Click, Steal Back the Answer
Tera Buckley, Director Web & Multimedia Marketing, Division of Marketing & Communications at University of North Dakota
ChatGPT and Google’s AI summaries are shaping perception and delivering answers about your organization long before anyone visits your website. Using the University of North Dakota as a case study, we’ll unpack what happens when web traffic declines, why your website remains your most powerful asset, and how to adapt your content strategy so AI systems accurately represent you. Clicks are dying quickly. Become the answer.
Agenda
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Surley's Short or Tall, 2600 Red Jarret Way, Grand Forks
6:00 p.m., Casual dinner meetup
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Gorecki Alumni Center, 3501 University Ave, Grand Forks
8:00 a.m., Registration check-in, Continental breakfast available
8:30 a.m., NDPC's Annual Business Meeting
9:00 a.m., Welcome Remarks - Sarah Mudder, NDPC President
9:05 a.m., As AI Steals the Click, Steal Back the Answer - Tera Buckley, University of North Dakota
9:45 a.m., Break
10:00 a.m., Voices of the West: How Community Insight Shaped SW ND's Tourism Strategy - Marty Doll and Andrew Spratta, AE2S
10:45 a.m., Break
11:00 a.m., Plan Once, Publish Everywhere - Matt Fern, The Creative Treatment
12:00-1:30 p.m., Awards and Networking Luncheon
1:30 p.m., Community Engagement Panel - Raquel Strand, AE2S; Nick Phillips, Applied Digital; and Blue Weber, Bolton & Menk
2:45 p.m., Break
3:00 p.m., Three-minute Thesis Presentation - TBA
3:45 p.m., This Title was Generated by AI - Tammy Jo A. Taft, Hanna Wieland and Sarah Monilaws, Valley City State University.
4:30 p.m., Closing Remarks
Registration
Register by April 8, 2026, to receive the early-bird rate. Fees increase after that date. Registration closes at 5 p.m. on April 15, 2026. The conference fee includes all sessions, meals, and light refreshments.
- NDPC Member*: $120 early-bird | $150 late
- Non-member: $160 early-bird | $190 late
- Student Member: $50 early-bird | $75 late
- Student Non-member: $70 early-bird | $95 late
- Awards Luncheon Only: $30
*NFPW dues includes NDPC membership. If you are a national-level member and experience registration issues, contact NDPC for assistance.
Register Now
Registration is refundable, minus a $10 processing fee, if the request is received by April 15, 2026. No refunds will be issued after that date or for no-shows. Substitutions may be made at any time at no cost. To cancel or request a substitution, contact NDPC.
First-timer Grants
NDPC members attending the spring conference for the first time may apply for one of two $100 professional development grants. Applications will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis. Grant instructions and application. Final deadline: April 1.
Students may apply for one of twelve $50 scholarships to cover their conference registration. Applications are reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis in the order received. Scholarship instructions and application. Final deadline: April 1.
Sleeping Rooms
Sleeping rooms are available at the Hilton Garden Inn for a discounted rate of 145.00 per night. To reserve a room, call 701-775-6000 and ask for the “ND Professional Comm” block. The rate will be offered until March 29, 2026, or until the block is full.
Sponsors
