April 26–29, 2027
The
schedule.
Four days with a clear rhythm — presentations in the mornings, field workshops Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, PhotoJAM evenings, and The Closing Process to finish.
Presentations
Field workshops
PhotoJAM
Special events
Open time
Monday — Arrival & Keynote
The first day is intentionally unhurried. Check in, settle into Moab, and ease into the symposium with an opening reception and evening keynote.
4:00 pm
Arrival
Registration Opens
Follow the signs at the venue to the MPS Room — you'll find the registration desk just inside. Pick up your packet and meet a few of the people you'll be spending the week with. All indoor symposium events happen in this same room.
5:30 – 6:30 pm
Community
Welcome Reception
An informal gathering to meet presenters and fellow attendees before the symposium formally begins. Light bites and non-alcoholic drinks are provided — BYOB if you'd like a beer or glass of wine.
6:30 – 7:45 pm
Keynote Presentation
Opening Keynote
One of the eight presenters opens the symposium. Speaker and title shared closer to the event.
8:00 pm
Optional
Presenters & Staff Dinner at Dewey's
A casual dinner with the presenters and staff. Attendees are welcome to join on their own dime — a great chance to talk shop in a relaxed setting.
Tuesday — Presentations & Field Session 1
Three morning presentations followed by the first afternoon field session. Everyone is assigned to one of the eight presenters for Tuesday's field session based on their preferences.
7:30 am
Open
MPS Room Opens
Doors open. Coffee on. A continental breakfast is included for guests staying at the Moab Valley Inn (the venue hotel). If you're staying elsewhere, plenty of cafes are within walking distance — plan to grab breakfast before the day starts.
8:00 – 8:30 am
Gathering
Morning Gathering
A brief gathering to set up the day, share housekeeping notes, and ease into the morning talks.
8:30 – 9:30 am
Presentation #1
Morning Presentation
The first talk of the symposium, from one of the eight presenters — drawn from their own creative practice. Speaker and title shared as the lineup comes together.
9:30 – 9:45 am
Break
Break
9:45 – 10:45 am
Presentation #2
Morning Presentation
A second morning talk, drawn from a presenter’s own creative practice. Speaker and title shared as the lineup comes together.
10:45 am – 1:00 pm
Break
Lunch & Free Time
A long midday window — eat, rest, walk around town, and get gear ready for the afternoon in the field.
1:00 – 2:00 pm
Presentation #3
Morning Presentation
The last talk before Tuesday’s field sessions depart. Speaker and title shared as the lineup comes together.
2:00 – 7:30 pm +
Field Session 1 — groups depart by presenter
Field Session
Afternoon Field Session — All Eight Groups
Each attendee heads into the field with their assigned presenter. Eight groups of nine depart from the symposium venue and return in the evening. Specific locations vary by presenter and conditions.
8:00 – 10:00 pm
PhotoJAM
PhotoJAM — MC'd by Mike Hayden
Dinner is on us — pizza, pasta, salad, and non-alcoholic drinks — and the evening unfolds from there. BYOB if you'd like something stronger. A relaxed communal gathering hosted by Mike Hayden. Share short image sequences, slideshows, or works in progress — or just show up, eat, and enjoy the company. Participation is always welcome, never required.
Wednesday — Presentations & Field Session 2
Same shape as Tuesday — three morning presentations, afternoon in the field, PhotoJAM in the evening. Field session 2 is with a different presenter than Tuesday's.
7:30 am
Open
MPS Room Opens
8:00 – 8:30 am
Gathering
Morning Gathering
8:30 – 9:30 am
Presentation #4
Morning Presentation
The second morning of talks opens with one of the eight presenters. Speaker and title shared as the lineup comes together.
9:30 – 9:45 am
Break
Break
9:45 – 10:45 am
Presentation #5
Morning Presentation
Another talk drawn from a presenter’s own creative practice. Speaker and title shared as the lineup comes together.
10:45 am – 1:00 pm
Break
Lunch & Free Time
1:00 – 2:00 pm
Presentation #6
Morning Presentation
The final presentation before Wednesday’s afternoon field session. Speaker and title shared as the lineup comes together.
2:00 – 7:30 pm +
Field Session 2 — different presenter than Tuesday
Field Session
Afternoon Field Session — All Eight Groups
Same format as Tuesday, but each attendee is paired with a different presenter for the second day. Eight groups of nine depart from the venue.
8:00 – 10:00 pm
PhotoJAM
PhotoJAM — MC'd by Mike Hayden
Second PhotoJAM of the week — same dinner-and-share format (pizza, pasta, salad, non-alcoholic drinks; BYOB welcome). The format loosens a little; by Wednesday night, people know each other. Often the most memorable evening of the symposium.
Thursday — The Closing Day
A reflective final morning — The Closing Process, Bruce Hucko’s closing presentation, and a relaxed farewell to wrap the week.
7:30 am
Open
MPS Room Opens
Doors open early for the morning's collaborative session.
7:30 – 10:30 am
Special Session
The Closing Process
Participants work on a fresh image made during the symposium. All presenters circulate through the room — looking, asking questions, offering perspective. The session closes with a shared viewing and discussion of the work made together over the past four days.
10:45 am – 12:00 pm
Closing Presentation
I Photograph When . . . — Bruce Hucko
MPS founder Bruce Hucko closes the formal program. Wandering through 40-plus years of image files, Bruce noticed his work self-assigning into nine or more loose themes — each distinct, all bound by strong composition. He shares these revelations as a way to help you define, expand, and improve your own work.
12:00 – 12:30 pm
Farewell
Closing Circle
A quiet, unhurried close. A few last words, exchanged contact information, lingering goodbyes. The symposium formally ends here — though Moab is worth staying a day or two longer.
Schedule note
Presentation titles and speaker assignments will be confirmed and announced as MPS 2027 approaches. Times shown are approximate and may shift slightly. Registered attendees will receive a final detailed schedule approximately four weeks before the event.
April 26–29, 2027 · Moab, Utah
Ready to be part of it?
Workshop selection is in registration order. Register early to maximize your preferred-leader options.