The Association of Public Radio Engineers has opened registration for the 26th Annual Public Radio Engineering Conference (PREC), which will take place April 16 and 17, immediately ahead of NAB Show 2026. The conference will be held at the Tuscany Suites and Casino in Las Vegas.
PREC is public radio’s primary technical conference, bringing together engineers, technologists, and managers for two days of sessions aimed at a wide range of experience levels. The full conference agenda is expected to be released in mid-February.
Organizers say the 2026 program will continue to focus on real-world engineering issues, practical problem-solving, and emerging technologies affecting public broadcasting. Topics are expected to build on recent sessions covering transmission fundamentals, broadcast telephony and SIP, non-traditional studio-to-transmitter links, troubleshooting best practices, and technical updates from NPR and industry vendors.
As in recent years, the conference will offer a virtual attendance option. Online registrants will have access to live-streamed sessions along with interactive question-and-answer opportunities, allowing remote participants to engage directly with presenters.
Early-bird registration pricing is available through March 1. APRE noted that conference fees have not increased since 2024. Registration includes access to all conference sessions, meals during the event, and the Thursday evening Night Owl session. Separate tickets will be available for the APRE Awards Dinner, scheduled for April 17. REGISTER HERE
Scholarships are also being offered to support attendance for individuals demonstrating financial need. These scholarships may be applied to either in-person or virtual participation, reinforcing APRE’s goal of broad access to professional development opportunities within public radio engineering.
In addition to registration, APRE is now accepting presentation proposals for the 2026 conference. Engineers and industry professionals are encouraged to submit session ideas that address technical challenges, innovative solutions, or evolving practices within public broadcasting.
Additional details about registration, scholarships, and presentation submissions are available through APRE’s conference materials, with further announcements expected as the event approaches.