2026 Learning Labs
September 16, 2026
8:00 AM MDT - 5:00 PM MDT
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Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel - Telluride Room
1550 Court Pl
Denver, CO 80202
Directions
Start your journey before the map even unfolds.
Conference registration is now closed, but Learning Labs registration is still open below — no conference registration required to attend.
The Pre-Conference Learning Labs take place September 16 at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel — Telluride Room. These optional, hands-on sessions are built around Adobe InDesign, with a morning and afternoon lab available individually or as a full-day package. Space is limited, so choose your path and register early.
What’s included:
- Full or Half-Day Session
- Lunch for Full-Day Session Only
Learning Labs registration is separate from Conference registration, which is now closed.
Learning Lab 1 | 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
InDesign-Back to Basics
Alex Mielke / Marketing Manager / JP Cullen
Jessica Richards / Marketing Specialist / JP Cullen
This is a practical session focused on mastering the core tools and workflows that make Adobe InDesign faster, cleaner, and more intuitive to use. Attendees will revisit essential features—styles, layout fundamentals, file setup, and efficiency shortcuts—while learning time‑saving hacks that reduce friction and improve consistency. This session is ideal for designers who want to strengthen their foundation, work more efficiently, and get more out of the tools they already use every day.
Learning Lab 2 | 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Design Within the Lines (of Styles)
Julie Shaffer, FSMPS, CPSM / Owner / Creative Director / Shaffer Creative
Most InDesign users think of styles as simple text formatting tools—but they can do so much more. This session reveals the powerful design features built into Paragraph, Character, Object, and Table Styles that can elevate your layouts from basic to visually striking. Learn how to use borders, shading, rules, and corner effects to create callouts, highlights, and branded elements directly within your styles. We’ll explore techniques like paragraph shading for instant emphasis, custom borders for unique treatments, object styles for image frames, and table styles that carry your brand through complex data. Walk away with smarter workflows, fewer manual edits, and more dynamic, polished designs
PLEASE NOTE:
SMPS members will need to log in to receive member pricing. Your login information will be unique to this site, so please use the "Forgot My Password" link to access your account for the first time. Enter your e-mail address, and you will receive instructions for accessing your account.
If you do not receive an email with instructions for resetting your password, please be sure that [email protected] and all emails from @smpsswrc.com are added to your safe list .
If you recently changed companies and have not updated your email address through SMPS HQ or with your local chapter, you will need to update your information in their systems first.
If you are a sponsor whose benefits include Learning Lab access, your access was secured as part of conference registration, which is now closed. Please email [email protected] if you have questions about your access.
If you are a member of a chapter other than Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, or Utah, please email [email protected] for assistance.
If you have any questions or have trouble accessing your account, please email [email protected].
Tickets
$450.00 SMPS Member - Full-Day
$500.00 after 11:59 pm August 3
$275.00 SMPS Member - Learning Lab 1
$325.00 after 11:59 pm August 3
$275.00 SMPS Member - Learning Lab 2
$325.00 after 11:59 pm August 3
$500.00 Non-Member - Full-Day
$550.00 after 11:59 pm August 3
$325.00 Non-Member - Learning Lab 1
$375.00 after 11:59 pm August 3
$325.00 Non-Member - Learning Lab 2
$375.00 after 11:59 pm August 3
