Friends of Persian Culture Conference

Dear Friends,

We are happy to announce that preparations for the 36th Annual Conference of the Association of the Friends of Persian Culture are well underway. The conference will be held during Labor Day weekend, beginning on Thursday, September 3, 2026, through the evening of Sunday, September 6, 2026, at the Renaissance Schaumburg. Convention Center Hotel in the greater Chicago area. (1551 N. Thoreau Dr, Schaumburg, IL 60173)

The Board of Directors of the Association is delighted to provide the following information regarding conference registration and hotel reservations.

General conference registration
To register, please visit: https://www.fopca.com/

For further assistance, you may reach us at:
Email: friendsofpersianculture@fopca.com
Phone: (847) 853-7895

Please note that we accept all major credit cards except American Express.

General room reservation

General room reservations open at 9:00 a.m. Central Time on Monday, May 4, 2026. To make a reservation, please contact the Renaissance Hotel’s main reservation center directly at (866) 204-0549. When booking, attendees must identify themselves as participants in the Association’s conference to receive the negotiated conference rate.

We have arranged special discounted rates with all hotels exclusively for conference participants. Therefore, when booking your room, please be sure to mention that you are a participant in the Friends of Persian Culture Association conference. A list of other hotels with special conference rates can be located under “Conference - Accommodation” on our website.

Important notice: Please note that room reservations are non-transferable, and cancellations are subject to a one-night charge.

Conference programs

The primary conference programs are presented in Persian, and simultaneous English translation will be available. For updates on the conference, you may also visit the Association’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/associationofthefriendsofpersianculture

Children and junior youth programs

We warmly invite children (ages 3–10) and teens (ages 11–14), from all cultures and backgrounds, to explore the rich heritage and spiritual contributions of the people of Iran. Through storytelling, art and music workshops, we will discover how these contributions, alongside those of all cultures, can guide us toward unity and peace. Please note that the conference does not offer programs for children under 3 years of age.

Youth programs

Engaging programs are being prepared specifically for youth, including talks on Persian arts and literature, a shadow theater workshop, and spaces for friendship and collaboration.

Talent shows

Talent shows will be held on Saturday and Sunday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Those interested in participating are kindly asked to contact Ms. Sheedeh Mahboobipoor at the registration desk upon arrival at the conference venue. A piano will be available, but we kindly request that performers bring any other instruments they may need with them.

For further assistance, you may reach us at: Email: friendsofpersianculture@fopca.com

We look forward to welcoming you at the 2026 Annual Conference.

With warmest regards,
Board of Directors,
Association of the Friends of Persian Culture