2026 National Council and Leaders Conference

DATE/TIME: 3/12/2026 12:00 AM GMT -5:00
WHERE: Washington, District of Columbia
CONTACT: Diane Markham

This year’s ROA Leaders Meeting delivers a high-impact, fast-paced agenda you won’t want to miss. In a dynamic, condensed format, leaders will come together to engage in powerful conversations, gain critical insight into ROA’s strategic direction, and actively shape the path forward through Vision29. The meeting is designed to spark fresh ideas, strengthen collaboration, and align priorities across the organization, ensuring every participant leaves informed, energized, and ready to lead. With focused sessions, candid dialogue, and unmatched opportunities to connect with peers, this year’s gathering promises meaningful takeaways and real momentum for the year ahead.

• Date: Friday, March 13 – Saturday, March 14, 2026
• Event Location: ROA Minute Man Memorial Building, 1 Constitution Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20002
• Registration: $60 – Includes all meetings, lunch on Friday, and access to the Minute Man Lounge (all-day beverages/snacks).

Registration deadline: Registration will be open beginning February 14, 2026, and will be open through Monday, March 9, 2026.
Cancellations: If cancelled by Thursday, March 5, 2026, a full refund (minus a $15 admin fee) will be provided upon request. No refunds will be provided for cancellations received after March 5.

Preliminary Agenda

Click here to download the detailed agenda.

Agenda highlights include:

Friday, March 13:
8:00 am – Leaders’ Assembly
10:30 am – National Council Meeting
10:30 am – Appointed National Officers
1:00 pm – Council of Presidents Meeting
3:30 pm – Past National Presidents Meeting
3:30 pm – Committee Chair Conclave

Saturday, March 14
9:00 am – Board of Directors Meeting

Department National Council Representative

Each department is encouraged to send their National Council representative to this meeting. If your elected/appointed National Councilman cannot attend, you may appoint a representative (as allowed by your bylaws). To ensure this person will be able to cast a vote on behalf of the Department, you must notify Diane Markham (dmarkham@roa.org) of the substitution at least one week prior to the conference.

Advocacy in Action

As your schedule allows, join ROA for a high-impact day of advocacy on Capitol Hill on Friday, March 13th. This day of meetings with Senators and Representatives is a powerful opportunity to advance ROA’s legislative agenda, amplify our priorities, and make a direct impact. After your visits, stop by to see Matthew Schwartzman to brief him on your meeting.

Watch your email in advance of the conference for more information. Be sure to stop by the registration desk to pick up your information packet for your hill visits.

Consider making appointments prior to your arrival. For contact information, visit www.congress.gov/members. If you are unable to join your fellow ROA advocates in person on the Hill, be sure to schedule some time to meet with your elected officials in your home state.

Lodging

ROA does not have a block of rooms reserved. You are welcome to stay wherever you’d like; all arrangements must be made by the individual. Click here for a sampling of nearby hotels.