About the Conference
The inaugural Prison Design and Technology Conference (PDTC) will take place in Rabat, Morocco, from April 21-24, 2026. This conference will bring together experts from across the correctional landscape to shape the future of prison infrastructure and technology. PDTC 2026 is jointly organised by the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) and the Directorate General for Prison Administration and Reintegration (DGAPR) of Morocco. This first-of-its-kind conference will focus on the theme: "Humane and Resilient Futures: Rethinking Prisons through Innovation, Infrastructure, and Technology."
Registration
Secure your place at our conference with competitive pricing designed to accommodate various sectors and organizations.
To request the discount for Public Sector, NGO or Academic institutions, please email c[email protected]
Early Bird Registration
Register by 28 February 2026 and enjoy savings of $100 on individual registrations.
Public Sector, NGO & Academic Institutions: $525.00Private Sector: $700.00Private Sector Groups (10+ attendees): $650.00 per person
Standard Registration
Available after the Early Bird period ends.
- Public Sector, NGO & Academic Institutions: $625.00
- Private Sector: $800.00
Accommodation
The Prison Design and Technology Conference will be held at the Rabat Marriott Hotel. Located in the heart of Morocco's capital, the Rabat Marriott Hotel is the first premium Marriott brand in Rabat-Agdal. Situated in the city's business hub, the hotel is adjacent to the largest shopping mall and business center in the capital. We have secured a special rate for conference delegates ranging from 2,500.00 MAD to 3,500.00 MAD per night (approximately $250.00 - $350.00 USD per night). The rate includes breakfast.
We have also secured special accommodation rates at the Ibis Rabat Agdal for all conference delegates. The hotel offers comfortable rooms at discounted prices, with breakfast included in the rate. Single rooms are available for 887.00 MAD per night (approximately $97 USD), and double rooms for 959.00 MAD per night (approximately $105 USD). A city tax of 13.20 MAD per person per night applies to all bookings.
Conference Objectives
- Create a global platform for knowledge exchange on correctional design and technology solutions
- Showcase innovative approaches that balance security requirements with human dignity
- Explore context-sensitive design and technological implementations tailored to regional needs
- Address specific challenges facing African correctional systems
- Foster collaboration between the public sector, academics, NGOs, the private sector, and international agencies
Key Focus Areas
-
Smart Planning and Design: Explore architectural innovations that create more humane, rehabilitative, and secure correctional environments while considering local context and needs.
-
Digital Innovation in Corrections: Discover how technology can transform operational processes, enhance security, facilitate rehabilitation, and improve information exchange within the criminal justice chain.
-
Sustainable and Climate-Adaptive Facilities: Learn about energy-efficient designs, sustainable construction methods, and facilities built to withstand changing climate conditions.
-
Rights-Based Approaches: Examine how infrastructure and technology implementations can better safeguard human dignity and rights within correctional settings.
-
African Correctional Challenges and Opportunities: A dedicated sub-theme exploring the unique context, challenges, and innovative solutions relevant to correctional systems across the African continent.
Agenda Overview
-
Tuesday 21th: Delegates Check-in / Welcome Reception
-
Wednesday 22nd: Opening Session, Plenary, Workshops, and Exhibition / Private Sponsor Events
-
Thursday 23rd: Plenary, Workshops, and Exhibition and Closing Session
-
Friday 24th: Facility Visits
Welcome Reception
Join us for an elegant welcome reception at the Royal Nautical Club of Salé, where you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Bouregreg River estuary, the iconic Mohammed V Mausoleum, the historic Hassan Tower, and the stunning theater designed by Bella Hadid. Upon arrival, you'll be warmly welcomed by DGAPR staff. The evening will open with brief remarks (2 minutes) from ICPA and DGAPR representatives, followed by time to connect with fellow guests. The reception will feature an enchanting program of traditional folk songs, creating an authentic cultural experience.
Transportation will operate on a rolling schedule starting at 19:00 PM from the Hotel. The return transportation will operate on a rolling schedule starting 22:00 PM to – 23:00 PM. Service Type: Continuous loops (no fixed departure times).
Programme
We are excited to announce that the full programme for the Prison Design and Technology Conference (PDTC) 2026 is now available. The programme features engaging sessions across four core sub-themes: Smart Design for Safer, More Effective Environments; Humane Technology for Human-Centered Corrections; Sustainable Impact through Resilient Systems and Partnerships; and African Realities, African Solutions. From plenary keynotes to interactive workshops, panel discussions, and roundtables, PDTC 2026 offers diverse opportunities to learn, collaborate, and shape the future of corrections.
Keynote Presentation - UNODC & ICRC Handbook on Using Technology in Prison - Opportunities and Risks Associated with the use of Technology in Custodial Settings (PID063)
This session marks the official launch of the new Handbook on the Use of Technology in Prisons, developed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to support the navigation of digital transformation in custodial settings in a responsible and rights-based manner.
As prison and correctional systems modernise infrastructure and adopt emerging technologies, the handbook offers practical guidance for informed decision-making and implementation. It examines a range of technologies, including surveillance systems, biometrics, digital communication platforms, eLearning technologies, data-driven decision-making and artificial intelligence (AI). In addition to outlining potential benefits such as enhanced safety, improved efficiency, better case management and expanded rehabilitation opportunities, the Handbook identifies potential risks related to the use of technology in the specific environment of prisons. These include data protection and cybersecurity vulnerabilities, over-securitisation and automation bias, digital exclusion and inequality, the erosion of human interaction, long-term financial and infrastructure sustainability as well as legal and governance challenges linked to emerging technologies.
The session will present the rationale behind the handbook and demonstrate how it can serve as a practical reference for prison and correctional administrations to guide decision-making, manage risks, ensure regulatory compliance and align technological investments with institutional priorities. A panel discussion will address common operational challenges and outline how the handbook can assist in implementing safeguards that promote human dignity, accountability, safety and the rule of law.
CETIP: A Latin-American Prison Management-Driven Technical Guide for Infrastructure (PID048)
Allan Ramirez Breeuwer
Víctor Manuel Vigas Lagos
Javier Curras
In this session, the ICRC will present the CETIP Guide. CETIP is a regional reference developed jointly by eleven Latin American prison authorities with the support of the ICRC. Its purpose is to promote dignified, functional prison infrastructure consistent with the Nelson Mandela Rules.
CETIP offers technical guidance for developing or updating national standards that respect human rights and operational efficiency, and provides criteria for both new designs and improvements. The guide stresses analyzing users, activities, and procedures before defining architectural solutions, anchoring design as an essential element of prison management.
Rooted in a regional, participatory process, CETIP reflects Latin America’s legal, cultural, and operational diversity while promoting shared principles and cooperation. It does not propose prison expansion as a remedy for systemic issues; instead, it advances a management-driven approach where architecture supports more humane and efficient prison systems, in compliance with international human rights standards.
Spatial Analysis of Third Places in Philippine Correctional Facilities: Implications of Purpose-Built Spaces on Re-integration nd Reformation of PDL’s (PID032)
Cesar Augusto Concio
This presentation examines the spatial and sociological dimensions of Philippine correctional facilities through Ray Oldenburg’s concept of the Third Place, analyzing how spatial configurations influence normalization, reformation, and reintegration in accordance with the Mandela Rules. Initial findings reveal that while purpose-built prisons enhance structured compliance and efficiency, they often curtail organic socialization and spatial adaptability. Conversely, older facilities often foster informal communal spaces that are essential to psychosocial well-being, social identity reconstruction, and self-actualization. Insights from this study shall inform the development of a draft uniform correctional design manual, sponsored by the UNODC, advocating participatory and flexible design strategies that intentionally integrate Third Places. Embedding such principles within national planning standards ensures alignment with normalization objectives and promotes environments conducive to rehabilitation, reformation, and reintegration.
Given the promulgation of AI within criminal justice agencies, the expectation of corrections and prisons professionals is that these advanced tools will be available to assist with assorted mission objectives. Beyond the utility of any tool, however, it is imperative that AI within corrections and prisons be used responsibly, and to address the privacy and security concerns. Artificial Intelligence capabilities or functionalities, are built on a set of principles that provide ways for organizations to make better decisions across systems, organizations, jurisdictions, and domains in considering its implementation. To that end, the presentation will cover the framework developed to address necessary operational requirements, policy implications and technical guidelines that will ultimately ensure success.
Who Should Attend
PDTC 2026 welcomes participation from:
-
Correctional administrators and practitioners
-
Justice ministry officials and policymakers
-
Architects and infrastructure planners
-
Technology developers and providers
-
Human rights advocates
-
Academics and researchers
-
NGOs working in criminal justice reform
-
International development agencies
Conference Highlights
-
Expert panels and presentations from global leaders in correctional design and technology
-
Interactive workshops and solution-focused discussions
-
Exhibition showcasing innovative products and services
-
Networking opportunities with professionals across disciplines
-
Guided visits to Moroccan correctional facilities demonstrating context-sensitive design and technology implementation
Facility Visits
The Directorate General for Prison Administration and Reintegration (DGAPR) of Morocco has arranged a facility visit to the Tamesna Local Prison. We offer two convenient tour times to accommodate all participants. Each tour includes transportation, a comprehensive facility visit, and return service to Rabat Marriott Hotel.
Please note that this is not a booking - you can only sign up at the venue. Please note that spaces are limited.
Call for Papers
The call for papers is closed now.
Contact Information
For general and/or registration inquiries: c[email protected]
For sponsorship opportunities: [email protected]
