Overview
The NARC Annual Conference is the largest national event focused on promoting effective regional cooperation and solutions through interaction and education. This year’s 60th Annual Conference will be held from June 7-9, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. NARC is co-hosting this event with the Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG).
Along with exciting mobile tours, informative sessions, and can’t-miss keynotes, the Annual Conference will offer opportunities for NARC Policy Committees (Transportation, Energy & Environment, Economic & Community Development, and Public Safety & Emergency Management) and NARC Working Groups (Housing, Communications & Government Affairs, Fiscal Officers, and Deputy Directors) to meet.
Registration
Online registration is now CLOSED! If you would still like to attend this event, fear not! In-person registration will be available beginning on Sunday at 1:00PM CT. We look forward to seeing you in Tulsa!
By registering for the conference, attendees agree to abide by the following Code of Conduct.
Sponsors
Confirmed Sponsors and Exhibitors
Special thanks to the sponsors and exhibitors for the 2026 NARC Annual Conference.
Interested in Sponsoring?
Interested in sponsoring the NARC Annual Conference? View our sponsorship prospectus to see the many ways you can support the conference and gain visibility with regional leaders. For questions, contact Pamela Strother at pamela.strother@narc.org.
Lodging
The Annual Conference will take place at the Hyatt Regency Tulsa at 100 E Second Street Tulsa, OK. Located in the heart of downtown Tulsa, the Hyatt Regency will be the launching point for our engaging mobile tours. NARC will offer an exclusive rate for conference attendees.
AI Seminar
Speaker: Robert Hiett, Executive Director, Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments
Date/Time: Sunday, June 7, 2026; 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET
Location: The St. Francis Conference Room, Williams Tower I, Plaza Level
Cost: $185 for conference registrants; $285 if not registered
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how regional councils and local governments analyze data, manage compliance, draft reports, communicate with stakeholders, and design service programs. Yet most public sector organizations remain in early stages of adoption, with high awareness but limited proficiency and uneven governance. This three-hour executive workshop provides a practical roadmap for responsible AI implementation that aligns with mission priorities, compliance requirements, and fiscal stewardship.
Participants will explore national adoption trends, workforce readiness gaps, and the operational implications of AI for regional planning, grant management, aging services, workforce development, and intergovernmental coordination. Through strategic discussion and applied examples, leaders will learn how to distinguish between experimentation and structured deployment, identify low-risk pilot opportunities, and move from awareness to action. For those seeking deeper training and implementation support, additional resources and courses are available through the UCPCOG AI Academy at https://ucpcog.org/ucpcogainetwork/
Mobile Tours
Sunday - June 7, 2026
Get your kicks on Tulsa’s unforgettable stretch of Route 66! Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Mother Road magic as you explore neon icons, quirky landmarks, and stories that shaped America’s most legendary highway. From the dazzling East Gateway Arch and Route 66 Rising sculpture to Buck Atom’s giant space cowboy, the glowing Meadow Gold sign, and the award‑winning Mother Road Market, every stop brings history to life. Enjoy a quick detour to the iconic Golden Driller, cruise past the University of Tulsa, and finish strong at the Route 66 Historical Village and West Gateway Arch. A vibrant journey through past, present, and future!
Time: 2:30 – 5:00 PM
Fee: $55
Walk just a few blocks to enjoy a self‑guided experience across three inspiring museums. At Greenwood Rising, immerse yourself in powerful storytelling about Tulsa’s Historic Greenwood District and the 1921 Race Massacre through dynamic projection and holographic media. At the Bob Dylan Center, explore the life and genius of one of America’s most influential songwriters, including displays of his original creative drafts. Then visit the Woody Guthrie Center, honoring the legendary folk musician whose work continues to spark conversations about justice, equality, and social change.
Time: 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Fee: $45 (tickets to all three museums included)
Tuesday - June 9, 2026
Downtown Tulsa has one of the best concentrations of Art Deco architecture in the United States. On this walking tour, hear fascinating stories about landmark buildings and the oil barons who built them, and learn how the built environment reflects upheavals in society in response to historic global events. Let expert guides lead you straight to the good stuff, including the Tulsa Club Hotel, Pythian, Philcade, and some of Tulsa’s most dazzling interiors normally closed to the public. The tour includes a historic underground tunnel. Recently rated a Top 10 Walking Tour in the USA by AARP Magazine, you won’t want to miss this spectacular 1-mile walking tour.
Time: 2:45 – 4:30 PM
Fee: $40
Tour the beautifully restored OTASCO warehouse which brought new life to an historic landmark in the Arts District and now houses Gradient, one of the largest innovation hubs in America. Located in Gradient, the Tulsa Higher Education Consortium is a collaborative of nine higher education institutions and seven philanthropic partners working together to support student success. Learn about the Youth Housing Program funded by the Tulsa City County Continuum of Care which helps homeless youth attend Tulsa-based colleges.
A short walk up the street are the newly-opened Western Supply Workforce Apartments. A mix of units at workforce and market rates with some units reserved for 60-120% AMI, the space attracts a diverse range of residents — from remote workers and teachers to artists, students and entrepreneurs. Developers will discuss the various funding sources needed for the complex.
Time: 2:45 – 5:00 PM
Fee: $30
About
The Tulsa region is a center for energy, aerospace, manufacturing, and healthcare. Once known as the “Oil Capital of the World,” the city has invested heavily in revitalizing its downtown, neighborhoods, and riverfront. The City created the “Gathering Place” park by repurposing blighted industrial land into 66.5-acres of public amenities along the Arkansas River. Tulsa is also known as the Capital of Route 66. In 2026, the city will mark the centennial of America’s Main Street, which runs through the city and connects historic landmarks with newer developments. The region’s growth reflects a balance of economic diversification, infrastructure investment, and preservation of its cultural and transportation heritage.
Secure your spot and join regional leaders from across the country for this must-attend event.
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