LIPS 2026: Sanford, FL
REGISTRATION | SESSIONS | SPONSORS | TRAVEL
August 4 – 6, 2026
Emil Buhler Perpetual Trust Planetarium
Seminole State College
We are happy to share details about the LIPS 2026 conference!
This year, our host is the Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Planetarium at Seminole State College of Florida. Located on the Sanford/Lake Mary Campus, the planetarium has served Central Florida for more than 25 years as a fun and educational resource for school groups and classes, from preschool to college.
Renovated in 2023, the planetarium features a 35 foot (9 meter) dome, 65 seats, and Digistar 2026 projected through a single Canon projector. Their team delivers live, interactive shows and fulldome video presentations to visitors.
Registration
Registration includes all sessions on Tuesday (9 am – 6 pm), Wednesday (9 am – 6 pm), and Thursday (9 am – 3 pm), August 4 – 6.
We will be releasing a “call for presenters” form as we get closer to the event.
- Member of the International Planetarium Society (IPS): $185
Learn about IPS membership benefits! - Non-IPS member: $200
We are also hosting a pre-LIPS workshop using Digistar for your live and interactive programs on Monday, August 3 from 9 am – 5 pm.
Topics will include educational coursework, public programs, theater, and more!
Space is limited to 40 participants and is FREE to attend with your LIPS registration.
Sessions
We will release a “call for presenters” form as we get closer to the event.
Final schedule to be announced.
Sponsored By
Sponsor LIPS 2026: Sanford
LIPS 2026: Sanford sponsorship costs $450 USD
Submit Sponsorship Payment:
After you make payment, you will be taken to the sponsor registration form to provide the name of your sponsor attendee and other details.
For more information, contact:
Brian Koehler
brian.koehler@mysticseaport.org
- One full registration is included in the sponsorship fee. Additional sponsor registrations can be purchased at the standard attendee rate.
- Fifteen minutes of interactive demonstration time. Given the nature of the symposium, we are requiring that all sponsors present a live and interactive demonstration rather than simply playing back pre-rendered content. In fact, we strongly encourage sponsors to have a customer do the presentation rather than a company representative.
- Or, if you prefer to do a more traditional sales pitch, we will allot five to 10 minutes for this. Please inform us when you sign up for your sponsorship which type of presentation you prefer.
- Every attendee will have the opportunity to attend your demonstration.
- LIPS is limited to no more than 10 sponsors. Your message will not get lost in the crowd!
- We will supply a table for promotional items if you wish to provide them.
- Your logo on this webpage. Please email your desired logo and URL to link to erin.benitez@montgomerycollege.edu.
Travel
About Sanford
Nestled along the scenic shores of Lake Monroe, Sanford offers visitors a charming mix of old-world architecture, creative energy, and small-town warmth. Visit Sanford’s Main Street to explore restaurants, shopping, art, and entertainment.
The Emil Buhler Perpetual Trust Planetarium is also located just 30 minutes outside of Orlando, home of Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios Florida, and much more! Orlando’s many nature parks and preserves also offer the perfect setting for hiking, bicycling, and other outdoor activities.
The Kennedy Space Center is located one hour away from the planetarium and features a wide range of exhibits and experiences.
Consider adding a few days before or after LIPS to take advantage of all that this area has to offer!
Transportation
The closest major airport to Seminole State College’s Sanford/Lake Mary Campus is the Orlando Sanford International Airport (airport code SFB). This airport is just 4.5 miles away from the planetarium.
The second closest major airport is the Orlando International Airport (airport code MCO). This airport is located approximately 30 miles from the planetarium.
Seminole County offers a rideshare program called SCOUT. SCOUT’s hub is located at Seminole State College and provides a rideshare program that is good for all of Seminole County. For more information, please visit https://www.scoutseminolefl.
Lodging
Our host has suggested considering one of the following hotels nearby Seminole State College’s Sanford/Lake Mary Campus:
- Extended Stay America Suites: 1036 Greenwood Blvd, Lake Mary, FL 32746
- LaQuinta Inn and Suites: 1060 Greenwood Blvd, Lake Mary, FL 32746
- Candlewood Suites: 1130 Greenwood Blvd, Lake Mary, FL 32746
- Hyatt Place Lake Mary: 1255 S International Pkwy, Lake Mary, FL 32746
- Courtyard by Marriott: 135 International Pkwy, Lake Mary, FL 32746
- Hilton Garden Inn: 705 Currency Cir, Lake Mary, FL 32746
There are AirBnB options in and around Sanford.
Questions/comments? Contact Karrie Berglund, karrie@digitaliseducation.com