2026 Conference Agenda

Check out the conference agendas for the 2026 NDSS Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference!

Monday, May 11

Monday, May 11, 2026: Pre-Conference Bootcamp
TimeGeneral ProgrammingChild CareExhibit Hall
12:00 PM - 4:45 PMRegistration is OpenChildcare OpenExhibit Hall Open
12:45 - 1:00 PMPre-Conference Overview
1:00 - 1:45 PMSession #1: From 2025 to Today: The Policy Landscape
1:45 - 2:00 PMProgram Break
2:00 - 2:45 PMSession #2: Powering Change with Research
2:45 - 3:30 PMProgram Break: Coffee and Exhibit Hall
3:30 - 4:00 PMSession #3: Sustaining Momentum in Advocacy
4:00 - 4:45 PMSession #4: Crafting your Message for Impact
4:45 PMSessions, Childcare, Exhibit Hall, and Registration Conclude
5:00 - 6:15 PMDS-Ambassador® Happy Hour

 

Tuesday, May 12

Tuesday, May 12, 2026: Advocacy Training Overview 
TimeGeneral TrackModified TrackChild CareExhibit Hall
8:00 AMRegistration OpensChildcare OpenExhibit Hall Open
9:00 - 9:45 AMOpening Sessions
9:45 - 10:00 AMProgram Break
10:00 - 10:45 AMMorning Session: Part 1Modified Track Advocacy Workshop
10:45 - 11:15 AMCoffee Chat & Break
11:15 AM - 12:00 PMMorning Session: Part 2
12:00 - 1:05 PMChampions of Change Luncheon
1:00 - 1:40 PMExhibit Hall
1:45 - 3:00 PMAfternoon Session
3:00 - 3:15 PMProgram Break
3:15 - 4:00 PMState Delegations Workshop
4:00 PMDay 2: Advocacy Training Day Programming Concludes and Registration Closes
4:30 PMEvening Reception & Dance Party

 

Wednesday, May 13

Wednesday, May 13, 2026: Hill Day Overview
TimeLocationProgramming
6:00 AMBallroom (Salons 1-4)Buffet Breakfast Available
7:15 - 8:00 AMHotel LobbyTransportation to Capitol Hill:
Five buses are scheduled to arrive and depart within 10 minutes of each other. Please arrive prior to 8:00 a.m. to guarantee a spot on the transportation provided.
8:30 - 9:00 AMCapitol Building
(House side; facing Library of Congress)
Join us to memorialize the 2026 NDSS Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference with a professional group photo.
9:00 AM - 5:00 PMPlease follow your personal meeting schedule on the Advocacy Associates app.Hill Meetings
5:00 - 6:00 PMRayburn House Office Building
Room 2060
Congressional Reception:
Reception details will be shared with attendees.