Details about additional events for our 2026 National Convention will continue to be posted here as they are finalized. Please check back for updates or subscribe to our email list to be the first to receive future Convention news.
Professional Development Seminar
November 17, 2026 1 pm – 4 pm pacific time
Conducting Business Leadership: An Interactive Workshop for Leaders at Every Level
Presented by Hal Adler, CEO, Leadership Landing, and Artistic Director, Telluride Choral Society
What can a choir teach us about leadership? More than you might imagine.
Conducting Business Leadership (CBL) is a dynamic, hands-on workshop that uses the performing arts as a powerful metaphor for leading teams. Through the relationship between conductor and choir, participants will explore essential leadership skills such as setting a clear vision, communicating effectively, building trust, fostering collaboration, and fully engaging team members.
This immersive experience brings leadership principles to life, offering practical insights into how leaders can improve communication, strengthen culture, and inspire peak performance. Discover how the same principles that create harmony in an ensemble can help organizations thrive.
NCE Professional Development Seminar Bonus Session
November 18th 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm pacific time
What’s Changing in HCBS? Insights from the MAP-It Project
Medicaid policy changes affecting Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) can have a major impact on people with disabilities and older adults, yet these changes often happen with little visibility. To address this challenge, the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI), with support from the WITH Foundation, launched MAP-It: A Medicaid Action & Policy Impact Tracker for People with Disabilities. In partnership with George Washington University (GWU) and the American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD), MAP-It is tracking state-level Medicaid and HCBS policy changes and making them easier to understand and respond to.
By shining a light on emerging policy changes, MAP-It helps advocates, self-advocates, families, and community organizations engage earlier, share lessons across states, and hold decision-makers accountable.
In this session, we’ll share key findings and trends emerging from the MAP-It project and discuss what they mean for people with disabilities and HCBS systems nationwide. Most importantly, we want to hear from you about your experiences tracking, responding to, and influencing HCBS changes in your state.
Speakers: Kate Brady and Yoshi Kardell, Human Services Research Institute (HSRI)
National Council of Self-Advocates Symposium
2026
The National Council of Self-Advocates (NCSA) Symposium will dive into mental health. During this session, attendees will experience an interactive and supportive space to explore what mental health is, learn self-care and mindfulness techniques, and recognize when they or someone else may need support. Finally, participants will learn how to build resilience and navigate challenging times.
This session was designed by and for people with disabilities.
NCE Awards Luncheon
2026
The NCE Awards recognize excellence in leadership, innovation, and impact across the IDD community. At this luncheon, we honor leaders and changemakers who go above and beyond to make a difference every day.
The Arc’s Annual Business Meeting
2026
Join us for The Arc’s Annual Business Meeting, where several important items will be voted on this year including:
- Changes to the bylaws
- The Slate of Officers
- The State of Directors
- You’ll also hear updates from our CEO, Board President, and Committees
Local Host Event
2026
Every year we take a moment to have fun together in a special experience unique to the host city of the conference. In the past we’ve visited the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and partied at the House of Blues – enjoying exclusive museum access, food, interactive exhibits, and time connecting with fellow attendees. Details for the 2026 event are coming soon!
