Join us! July 14-15, 2026 in Washington, D.C

NAO invites you to the 2026 NAO Leadership Forum-a two-day, high-impact convening where you'll connect with AHEC leaders from across the country, deepen your leadership capacity, and strengthen the nation's collective voice.

Through engaging plenary sessions, interactive learning, and peer exchange, you will sharpen the skills needed to navigate uncertainty, lead through change, and communicate with confidence in a rapidly evolving environment.

In addition to leadership development, the Forum will deliver timely insights into the federal policy and funding landscape and equip you with practical strategies for communicating AHEC's impact clearly and effectively to diverse audiences, including policymakers.

You will have the opportunity to put your skills into action by participating in optional Congressional Hill visits on the afternoon of July 15. NAO will provide guidance and support for scheduling and meeting with legislators-no prior advocacy experience is required.

What You Can Expect

Who Should Attend
The Forum is a valuable skill-building and connection opportunity for both emerging and seasoned AHEC leaders and champions. A small number of registrations will be reserved for AHEC Scholars and AHEC Alumni/Advocates.

Agenda and Featured Speakers
NAO is actively developing a dynamic agenda that will feature national leaders and subject matter experts with deep experience in leadership, advocacy, and healthcare workforce policy. Confirmed speakers so far include: Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CPF; Tammy Mayo-Blake; and Health and Medicine Counsel .

Additional speakers will soon be announced, and a detailed agenda is forthcoming. If you need a draft agenda for travel approval before one is posted, contact Katie Haas: khaas@nationalahec.org

Hotel Information
Located less than half a mile from the Capitol, the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill provides modern rooms and amenities in the heart of the nation's capital. Please see additional booking information and link below.

Register for Leadership Forum

Registration is limited to NAO-member AHECs and their affiliated AHEC Scholars and AHEC Alumni/Advocates.

Space is limited-conference capacity is capped at 250 participants-register early!

Book Hotel

The hotel block is limited to 165 rooms for the nights of July 13 and 14, 2026. Forum registrants are encouraged to book rooms early.

NAO staff can recommend nearby hotel options if the hotel block fills.

NAO Cancellation & Refund Policy

If you have questions about the Leadership Forum, please email khaas@nationalahec.org

If you have questions about registration, please email cmowatt@nationalahec.org