Montana Association of Planners 2025 Annual Conference
Deeply Rooted, Boldly Growing
Montana’s Planning Legacy
In the vibrant heart of Montana’s capital city, we invite you to be a part of the 2025 MAP Conference. Surrounded by rich history and nestled between mountain peaks, Helena sets the stage for planners to reflect on our roots while envisioning the bold growth ahead. This year’s conference celebrates Montana’s planning legacy – deeply rooted in community, and boldly growing toward the future.

Conference Details
When: October 6-8, 2025
Where: Best Western Premier Helena Great Northern Hotel
835 Great Northern Blvd
Helena, MT, 59601
Welcome to Helena! We are excited to announce our 2025 agenda below, full conference program coming soon.
Keynote Speakers

Liz Lang
Marketing and Communications Director, American Planning Association
An advocate for effective creativity, Liz Lang serves as Marketing and Communications Director at American Planning Association, leading marketing communication strategy, customer insight exploration, and content solutions. At APA, Liz is responsible for leading strategic, brand-building efforts for all of APA and its professional institute, AICP.
Liz has also led state-level training on issue campaign development as well as advocacy communications for influence and persuasion. Tenacious and focused, with an eye for what lies just beneath the surface, Liz is a firm believer that the small things can be big, and one size does not fit all. Liz’s work has been honored with Gold, Silver, and Bronze Addy awards, Telly, Excel, and Communicator awards, and a Most Watched YouTube designation. Using a unique blend of insight, story and culture, Liz translates complexity into narrative—finding opportunity amid challenge. Prior to joining APA, Liz served as Global Chief Marketing Officer for Opportunity International, a nonprofit providing financial services to people living in extreme poverty. There she unified the global brand and forged key partnerships, developing the Opportunity cause marketing partnership program and boosting revenue and reach. Liz has also held leadership positions and developed successful multifaceted campaigns for top brands at major agencies including Havas Worldwide, Young & Rubicam, and boutique firm Translation.
Cole Mannix
Co-founder, President of Old Salt Co-op
Cole is part of an extended family that has ranched together since 1882 near Helmville, MT. He did an undergrad in biology, another in philosophy at Carroll College, then a masters in theology at Boston College. From ‘12-’16 he worked for a startup beef company called Salt of the Earth Ranchers Cooperative. From ’17-’20 he worked for Western Landowners Alliance to advance policies and practices that sustain working lands, connected landscapes, and native species. As a co-founder and President of Old Salt Co-op, he is helping to build a regenerative marketplace for fine American meat. He and spouse Eileen Brennan live in Helena with two sons, Finn and Charlie.

Book Your Room
Join us for lodging, presentations, and events at the Great Northern Hotel, located in the vibrant Great Northern Town Center of historic downtown Helena. Act fast, as our room block was nearly full as of early August.




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2025 Conference Sponsorships
The Montana Association of Planners (MAP), is releasing a Call for Sponsors for the 2025 MAP Conference: Deeply Rooted, Boldly Growing, Montana’s Planning Legacy, October 6-8 at the Great Northern Hotel, Helena, MT.
Sponsorship Opportunities offer a wide variety of unique benefits, such as:
- Sponsorship of our Keynote (TBA), socials, meals, or breaks
- Recognition at opening remarks and AICP required sessions
- Logos or ad spaces on our Website, and in Conference emails and programs
- Receive up to 3 individual Conference Registrations – a nearly $1,000 value
- Vendor space for promotions and direct engagement with attendees
Review the 2025 MAP Conference Sponsorship Guide below to explore available opportunities and choose the tier that best fits your needs.
Please have your logo and Ad-Page ready in PNG or PDF format for upload when submitting your sponsorship.
We’re open to working with you or your organization to meet unique needs, and welcome offers for in-kind products or services that add to Conference excellence.