UPORFA XXVI International Congress 2026

The UPORFA XXVI International Congress is being held September 2-5, 2026, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE AT MIDNIGHT (EASTERN) ON AUGUST 16, 2026.

Date
September 2-5, 2026

Location
Buenos Aires, Argentina

POC
BG Irene M. Zoppi, USA (Ret.), (227) 201-5551, roa.bgzoppi@gmail.com
COL Nikki Buxman, USAR (256) 975-7528, nikki.buxman@gmail.com

Theme
Multi Domain Operations: Current Status, Future Challenges, and Reserve Force Integration

Objective
Promote best practices, exchange experiences, develop new doctrines, and enhance interoperability for hemispheric security—focusing on the modernization of armed forces and the integration and strengthening of reserve forces.

Format
We plan to expand the congress agenda and offer more options for attendees. UNOR will subsidize a Tactical Medicine Certification Course (see below). We are pursuing a local sponsor to host a symbolic shooting contest for a limited number of national representatives, to be scheduled alongside congress activities on Thursday or Friday afternoon. Additionally, we will invite our colleagues from OSMTH to take part in an ordination on Sunday, August 30, for which we expect the attendance of some US and European officers. We will invite members of CIOR (some of whom also belong to OSMTH) and seek participation from countries with military attachés in the region and from NATO partners. Depending on speakers and attendees, we may combine presentations into panels for plenary sessions to streamline topics and broaden participation.

NOTE: Book Your Flight Early. Because Buenos Aires is a long trip for many of us, you are encouraged to secure flights sooner rather than later. Some attendees may want to extend their stay.

Facilities
At present, as our Joint Chief of Staff’s suggestion, the most likely venue is the General San Martín Hall at the Ministry of Defense, which also houses the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Argentine Army Headquarters. This location offers important advantages, including on-site medical support, enhanced security, and coordinated transportation.

Agenda
The agenda for this year’s congress is now in its final stages of development. Organizers are aligning speakers, refining panel themes, and sequencing events to balance professional content with opportunities for collaboration and engagement. As final confirmations come in from participating nations and partner organizations, the schedule is being shaped to highlight modernization, reserve‑force integration, and the relationship‑building that keeps delegations returning year after year.

• 30 August
• 1 September: Practical application session for the Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) international certification
• 2 September
• 3 September: Congress in session
• 4 September: Congress in session
• 5 September: Gala

Registration (REGISTER NOW)
• Military Fee: $410
Includes the welcome cocktail reception, lunch and coffee breaks on Thursday and Friday, the gala dinner, and transfers between the referenced hotels and congress activities. Note: Airport transfers are not included.

• Non-Military/Guest: $300
Includes the welcome cocktail reception, city tours on Thursday and Friday (lunch on those days at participant’s expense), and the gala dinner. Note: Airport transfers are not included.

• Cancellation: A cancellation fee of $25 will be charged for all cancellations. No refunds will be offered for cancellations received after midnight (Eastern), August 16th.

• Deadline: Registration will close at midnight (Eastern), August 16th.

Hotel
Click here (English) or here (Spanish) for choices and rates. In general, the Sheraton (information below) is where the US Delegation stays.

Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel & Convention Center
San Martín 1225 1275, C1104 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Phone: +54 11 4318-9000
Rates: $100-$200
Event organizers are currently working on securing an event block with special rates.

Transportation
Attendees/participants are responsible for their own transportation to/from the airport.

Travel Requirements Summary
– Argentina (for U.S. citizens)
No visa required for tourism up to 90 days.
Passport must be valid for duration of stay.
No special vaccinations required.
Domestic flights are frequent and reliable.
– Uruguay (via ferry or flight)
No visa required for U.S. citizens.
Passport required.
Ferry operators require passport at check-in.
No special vaccinations required.
– Brazil (if visiting Iguazú Falls Brazil side)
U.S. citizens may need an e-visa depending on current policy.
Passport required.
Border crossing at Iguazú is straightforward with tour operators.

Medical Certification Course (Optional. Requires separate registration.)
The Union of Reserve Officers of the Armed Forces of the Nation of Argentina organizes, within the framework of the UPORFA Congress 2026 in Buenos Aires, is conducting a Tactical Emergency Casualty Care TECC course focused on lifesaving trauma care in high-risk environments.

TECC is a modern framework for emergency trauma management derived from battlefield medicine and adapted to situations such as active violence incidents, disasters, remote environments and other circumstances where immediate care must be provided before conventional emergency medical services arrive. The methodology focuses on preventing the most common causes of preventable death in trauma, particularly severe bleeding, airway obstruction and respiratory compromise.

The course is delivered in two phases. The distance learning phase includes three online sessions of approximately one hour each supported by materials available through a virtual campus platform. Classes are conducted primarily in Spanish while course materials are bilingual. Some working knowledge of Spanish is therefore desirable for participants. Final exams will be held in both Spanish and English.

The distance (preparatory) phase will include three live classes and e-learning through UNOR’s virtual campus. Classes will be held August 12, 1900-2000 EST; August 19, 2026, 1900-2000 EST; and August 26, 2026, 1900-2000 EST.

The residential phase will take place on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 0800 to 1700 at a location to be designated in Buenos Aires. This in-person session focuses on practical lifesaving skills including hemorrhage control, tourniquet use, wound packing, airway management, trauma assessment and casualty movement.

The course is open to participating officers as well as friends and family and no prior medical training is required. Participants who complete the program will receive an international TECC certification, as well as a military diploma by UNOR.

This is an optional event and is not included in your registration. Course fee is USD $250 including training materials and international certification. For additional information and registration details contact tecc@unorargentina.org.

Optional Self-Directed Itineraries (to Make the Most of Your Trip)
If you are considering arriving ahead of the meetings, consider one of the optional itineraries. Reviewing these before purchasing airfare may help you plan the best travel window. Also, check the weather, so you can dress comfortably.