ANCOR Connect ‘26
Join your national community of providers for three days in Boston's stunning Seaport District. Together, we'll share innovative ways to stay agile, build strong partnerships, and leverage new tools that advance our shared mission of community inclusion for all.
- Overview
- Attend
- Agenda
- Pre-Conference
- Plan Your Trip
- Sponsor & Exhibit
- FAQs
ANCOR Connect ’26: Navigating the Now
ANCOR’s flagship annual gathering connects you with the people and ideas that empower you to deliver better services to more people. Every year, ANCOR Connect is our space for learning, connection, and taking meaningful action—a cornerstone of our community.
ANCOR Connect ’26 will take place April 21-23, 2026, in Boston’s vibrant Seaport District—a neighborhood where historic roots meet modern innovation. It’s a place where bold thinking and community spirit come together to tackle tough challenges and spark new possibilities.
Our theme for ANCOR Connect ’26, Navigating the Now, invites us to draw inspiration from the Seaport itself—a dynamic waterfront shaped by centuries of change and constant reinvention. Together, we’ll explore practical strategies, fresh ideas, and real-world solutions to help us keep moving forward—no matter what challenges arise.
The conference will spotlight innovative ways to stay agile, build strong partnerships, and leverage new tools that advance our shared mission of community inclusion for all. From thought-provoking discussions on technology’s role in service delivery to sessions focused on leadership resilience and community engagement, ANCOR Connect ’26 offers a comprehensive platform for growth and collaboration.
Come ready to share your story, learn from colleagues and thought leaders, and leave the Seaport District with fresh clarity, courage, and energy for the road ahead. It’s all about navigating the now—and Boston’s Seaport is the perfect backdrop for shaping what comes next for the people and communities we serve.
Who Attends?
All are welcome! As the signature gathering of community providers that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), ANCOR Connect attracts a diverse range of innovators from provider organizations, including:
- Executive leaders
- Program directors & program managers
- Frontline supervisors
- Direct support professionals
- Behavioral health specialists
- Case managers & support coordinators
- Nurses & other clinical staff
- Administrative staff (including professionals from human resources, finance, communications, development and more)
- Board members
In addition to provider organization staff, the ANCOR Connect draws a wide array of others supporting our collective mission, including:
- Self-advocates & other people with I/DD
- Family members of people with I/DD
- Researchers
- Federal, state and local policymakers and regulators
- Companies offering leading products and services used by I/DD providers
- At-large members of the disability advocacy community
Given the diverse range of ANCOR Connect participants, there’s something for everyone—including YOU!
Previous Events
ANCOR Connect ’25: Oceans of Opportunity
ANCOR Connect ’24: The Power of We
2023 ANCOR Annual Conference: Possibility Unleashed
Register Today for ANCOR Connect ’26!
ANCOR Connect ’26 will take place Tuesday through Thursday, April 21-23, 2026, in Boston, Massachusetts, at the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport.
| Registration Type | Early Bird (on or before January 9) | Standard (starting January 10) |
|---|---|---|
| ANCOR Member | $1,025 | $1,495 |
| Non-ANCOR Member | $1,500 | $2,500 |
**If you are a DSP, self-advocate, speaker, or 100% state affiliate member, check out the FAQ tab for special instructions on accessing a discounted rate.
Registering Yourself?
If you are only registering yourself, click the button below and follow the on-screen instructions.
Registering on Behalf of Others?
If you’re registering on behalf of your boss or another colleague, and/or if you are creating a group registration that includes yourself and at least one other person, click on the button below and follow the on-screen instructions. We’ve also created a step-by-step guide to make it easy—access the guide here.
This agenda is tentative and subject to change. Session titles and descriptions will be added soon; check back often for the latest news about our ANCOR Connect ’26 agenda.
Monday, April 20
- Leadership Meetings & Special Events (times vary)
Tuesday, April 21
- Leadership Meetings & Special Events (times vary)
- Pre-Conference Workshops
- Opening Plenary (5-6:30 pm)
Wednesday, April 22
- Morning Plenary (8:45-9:45 am)
- Breakout Sessions A (10:30-11:30 am)
- Breakout Sessions B (11:45 am-12:45 pm)
- Lunch (12:45-1:45 pm)
- Afternoon Plenary (2-3 pm)
- Breakout Sessions C (3:30-4:30 pm)
Thursday, April 23
- Breakfast (8-8:45 am)
- 2026 DSP of the Year Awards Ceremony (8:45-10:15 am)
- Breakout Sessions D (10:45-11:45 am)
- Breakout Sessions E (12-1 pm)
- Lunch (1-1:45 pm)
- Closing Plenary (1:45-3:30 pm)
Make the most of your conference experience by adding up to two Pre-Conference Workshops! These sessions take place on Tuesday, April 21, during two time blocks: 10 am-12 pm and 1:30-3:30 pm. These interactive, two-hour sessions offer deep dives into timely topics and are the perfect way to start your learning at ANCOR Connect ’26! Space is limited in each session, and pre-registration is required in order to attend.
Register & Add a Pre-Conference Workshop
We’re thrilled to offer the following workshops to jumpstart your learning at ANCOR Connect ’26:
The Leader’s Compass: Decision-Making When the Path Isn’t Clear
Tuesday, April 21, 10 am-12 pm
In times of uncertainty, leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about having the courage and clarity to decide. This session invites senior leaders to explore how data, values, people, and timing intersect in high-stakes decisions. Through applied scenarios and peer-coaching dialogue, participants will practice a structured framework for making complex choices, balancing ethics with evidence, and communicating with transparency when the path forward is anything but certain.
Presenters:
- Robert Budd, Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc.
- Linda Timmons, Mosaic
- Rita Wiersma, Accord
Beyond the Hype: Real-World AI Lessons from the New York Alliance
Tuesday, April 21, 10 am-12 pm
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has moved quickly from science fiction to hype to practical (with some hype), and disability service providers need a way to keep pace without losing sight of mission, compliance, or person-centered values. This session will share lessons from the New York Alliance AI Community of Practice and its AI Toolkit, including results from conducting an AI Organizational Self-Assessment (OSA) across providers in 2025 and then again in 2026. We’ll review how scores shifted across seven OSA domains: (1) AI Readiness & Strategic Vision, (2) Data Management, Privacy, and Security, (3) Technology Infrastructure & Integration, (4) Human Oversight & Ethical Use, (5) Workforce Development & Training, (6) Service Delivery & Quality Outcomes, and (7) Compliance & Regulatory Adherence. We’ll also review videos, checklists, policies, and exercises the Community of Practice’s Toolkit.
Presenters:
- Doug Golub, Data Potato
- Katie Page, NY Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation
- Michael Seereiter, NY Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation
Empowering Supervisors: Building Strong Teams Through Leadership and Connection
Tuesday, April 21, 1:30-3:30 pm
Turnover continues to challenge providers, but the single most powerful influence on retention is often overlooked: the frontline supervisor. This session will show how strengthening supervisory leadership directly impacts workforce stability and reduces costly turnover. Attendees will explore the real impact supervisors have on DSP commitment, learn how to ignite key leadership skills, and discover how tools like stay interviews and relationship-based supervision can create stronger, more stable teams. Through guided discussion and group problem-solving at round tables, participants will leave with practical strategies they can apply immediately to better support their workforce. This isn’t another “theory-heavy” session; participants will walk away with clear action steps, peer-tested ideas, and a framework to build empowered supervisors who retain and grow strong DSP teams.
Presenters:
- Scott McKeough, Woodfords Family Services
- Ghislaine Mparanirubumwe, Happy Haven
- Brian Vye, John F. Murphy Homes
Converging Forces: How H.R. 1 and Managed Care Will Shape Medicaid’s Future
Tuesday, April 21, 1:30-3:30 pm
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), passed in July of 2025, will have far-reaching effects on Medicaid systems across the country over the next decade. In this session, we will examine how another transformational change—managed care for long-term services and supports (MLTSS)—and the OBBBA could interact to put pressure on changing state Medicaid systems. Organizational leaders will come away with specific strategies for navigating the pressures that these two simultaneous pressures will bring to bear.
Presenter:
- Richard Edwards, Amivie
Addressing Systemic Barriers to Improving Supports for People with Dual Diagnosis
Tuesday, April 21, 1:30-3:30 pm
An estimated 30-70% of all people with I/DD also have a mental health condition. Despite this high prevalence, in most states, there is a chronic lack of a whole-person approach to supporting individuals with co-occurring I/DD and mental health service needs. For children and adults with I/DD, brain injuries, and other cognitive disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions, accessing services and supports can be difficult. This Pre-Conference Session will provide a deep dive into the urgency of addressing this critical need, and how the federally-funded Link Center is working with states and stakeholders to improve access through systems change, workforce capacity building, and information sharing about emerging and promising practices that are person-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive.
Presenters:
- Jeanne Farr, NADD
- Mary Sowers, NASDDDS
Hotel Info
Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport
450 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210
617.476.6664
Hotel website
Participants in ANCOR Connect ’26 will have two options for their accommodations at the Omni: a room in the Patron Tower, or a room in the Artist Tower.
- Patron Tower ($349/night) guest rooms offer a traditional hotel room layout with a king or double queen bed option.
- Artist Tower ($309/night) guest rooms offer approximately 250 square feet, thoughtfully designed studio-style spaces offer a cozy yet artfully curated retreat. They have an open-concept layout and modern finishes, each room maximizes comfort and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for solo travelers or two on the go.
Hourly and overnight valet and self-parking options are available at the Omni. Check the hotel’s website for the latest information about rates and parking policies.
Getting to ANCOR Connect
Arriving by Air
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is about 2.8 miles, or an 8-minute drive. The Omni is also easily accessible via MBTA, Boston’s public transit system.
To get from the airport to the Omni, we recommend taking public transportation. Here’s how:
Follow the blue directional signs toward “Boston Convention & Exhibition Center / South Boston Waterfront Transportation Center.” The colorful staircase mural (shown in photo) and nearby elevator marked with the “T” lead directly to Summer Street, just steps from the Omni’s entrance.- Take the Silver Line (SL1) from Logan Airport directly to World Trade Center Station (no fare when leaving the airport).
- At World Trade Center Station, take Exit 2: World Trade Center Ave / Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.
Arriving by Vehicle
From I-90 East, take Exit 135 toward South Boston. Follow signs for the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center / Seaport Boulevard. Turn right on D Street, then left on Summer Street.
Please Note Before Making Travel Plans
ANCOR Connect has a slightly different pattern this year than long-time attendees may be used to. Because the Boston Marathon takes place on Monday, April 20, our conference will officially begin on Tuesday afternoon, April 21, and conclude on Wednesday afternoon, April 23.
The Marathon is one of Boston’s most celebrated—and busiest—days of the year. Hotel availability and road access across the city will be greatly limited on Monday. If you plan to arrive early, please book well in advance. We have a generous room block, but once it sells out, securing additional rooms will be challenging.
Arriving Tuesday morning will still give you plenty of time to settle in, pick up your materials, and join us for the opening keynote and kickoff plenary that afternoon. We’re excited to embrace Boston’s signature energy and endurance—without competing with Marathon crowds!
Become a Sponsor
Each year, ANCOR’s biggest gathering is made possible because of the generosity of our sponsors!
From onsite branding opportunities to mainstage keynotes, and networking breaks to pre-conference workshops, there is a wide array of sponsorship opportunities available to bring you maximum visibility among the nation’s premier gathering of the I/DD community, including agency decision makers.
Information about these opportunities can be found in our Sponsorship Prospectus. To take advantage of one of these opportunities, visit our sponsorship shop below. If you have questions about sponsorships, email Mariana Nork.
Become an Exhibitor
ANCOR Connect ‘26 will be the place to demonstrate your products and services within the I/DD community to nearly 1,500 agency executives and other key leaders from communities in every corner of the country.
ANCOR Connect ‘26 is the ideal venue for maximum exposure for your company, as you will have direct access to the agency decision makers and other leading experts on disability supports and services, all in one place.
Exhibits will be open on April 21 and 22, and the all-access pass included in your ANCOR Connect exhibitor registration unlocks full access to all programming on those days, as well as on April 23. Explore exhibitor benefits by downloading our Sponsor & Exhibitor Prospectus.
Please note that anyone who purchases an exhibit product must first create an ANCOR account. To establish an ANCOR account, follow these steps. To reset your password, refer to our Troubleshooting Guide. If you are creating a new ANCOR account, after you’ve created your password and successfully logged in, you will need to re-enter this web address to purchase your exhibitor registration.
General Questions
What is ANCOR Connect all about?
ANCOR Connect, formerly the ANCOR Annual Conference, is our nation’s premier gathering of providers of long-term supports and services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those who are dedicated to providers’ success. With nearly 1,500 participants expected this year, ANCOR Connect convenes you and your colleagues to:
- Learn from one another about pressing challenges and emerging innovations.
- Share best practices that enable providers to support more people with high-quality services.
- Connect with leaders, up-and-comers and newcomers to the field.
- Advance our shared vision for fully inclusive communities.
- Learn from one another about pressing challenges and emerging innovations.
- Share best practices that enable providers to support more people with high-quality services.
- Connect with leaders, up-and-comers and newcomers to the field.
- Advance our shared vision for fully inclusive communities.
Who attends ANCOR Connect?
All staff from I/DD provider agencies are welcome and encouraged to attend ANCOR Connect, including:
- Executive leaders
- Program directors & program managers
- Frontline supervisors
- Direct support professionals
- Care coordinators & support coordinators
- Nurses & other clinical staff
- Administrative support staff
- Board members
In addition to staff from provider agencies, ANCOR Connect draws a diverse range of other participants, including:
- Self-advocates & other individuals with I/DD
- Family members of individuals with I/DD
- Researchers
- Federal, state and local policymakers & regulators
- Corporations offering products & services used by I/DD providers
- At-large members of the disability advocacy community
Given the diverse range of ANCOR Connect participants, there’s something for everyone—including YOU!
When and where is this year’s ANCOR Connect?
April 21-23, 2026, at the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport (450 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210)
What does it cost to attend?
Generally speaking, pricing depends on whether you’re an ANCOR member and how far in advance of the conference you register. Additionally, special pricing is available for direct support professionals. Visit the “Attend” tab of the ANCOR Connect website to learn more.
What does my registration include?
Your ANCOR Connect registration includes full access to the entire array of activities on offer in Boston on April 21-23, including:
- Keynote presentations and plenary sessions
- Breakout sessions
- The presentation of the 2026 Direct Support Professional of the Year Awards
- Multiple networking receptions and events
- The chance to connect with leading companies in the Exhibitor Lounge
Your registration does not include access to ticketed events, namely our Pre-Conference Workshops and the ANCOR Foundation Reception, both on April 21. Tickets for these events can be added onto your registration at the point or purchase or at a later date, space permitting.
Registration Questions
I’m eager to register. What can I do to prepare?
Make sure you already have an ANCOR account since you will use the same information to login to our registration platform. If you don’t yet have one, create one. If you have an account but you need help resetting your password, see our troubleshooting guide. Or you already get ANCOR emails but haven’t yet set up your password, view this video. If you have difficulty, send a note to [email protected].
I already registered but can no longer attend. Can I cancel my registration?
Registrations canceled on or before March 20, 2026, will be fully refunded, less an administrative fee of $75. No refunds will be issued on or after March 21, 2026. To cancel your registration, email [email protected].
I already registered but can no longer attend. Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
Yes! Self-service substitutions are available through our online platform until April 14, 2026. You can substitute a registrant by accessing your event registration through the My Events page.
I’m having trouble logging in. What should I do?
When establishing a registration, you will be asked to log into our event management system. To do so, you will use the same email address and password that you use to log into any ANCOR website (e.g., ancor.org, the ANCOR Connected Community, etc.).
If you don’t yet have an ANCOR account, create one! Then use the same login credentials to sign into our event management system. If you have an account but you need help resetting your password, see our troubleshooting guide. If you still need support, email [email protected].
I’m an ANCOR member, but I don’t see the member pricing. What do I do?
Ensure you are logged in using the email address that you use for ANCOR communications. If you still don’t see member pricing, please contact [email protected].
Do I need to create an account in order to establish a registration?
Yes. Creating an account is fast and simple, and it’s the only way we can discern your eligibility to participate and the pricing you should see. Therefore, we ask that you create an account.
If I’m registering multiple event participants, does each person need their own account?
Yes, each registrant must have their own ANCOR account to register for ANCOR Connect. If you begin registering one or multiple colleagues and find that someone’s email address does not exist on the online system, send them this resource which gives instructions on creating an ANCOR account. If you’d like the ability to manage your organization’s ANCOR roster and are not the designated representative for your employer, contact [email protected] and we can give you administrative access which will allow you to create accounts for those you’d like to register.
Exhibitor Questions
Who exhibits at ANCOR Connect?
ANCOR Connect is the premier gathering of community-based I/DD service providers and the community of professionals who support these providers. The organizations that exhibit at ANCOR Connect offer products and services that are relevant to leaders at all levels of the organizations that comprise the conference audience.
Featured exhibitors each year include ANCOR’s Diamond, Platinum and Gold Partners. Nonprofit, for-profit, academic and provider organizations are all welcome to exhibit at the conference.
Can I exhibit at ANCOR Connect ’26?
We have a limited number of exhibit spaces available. Please log into the Exhibitor Store. Create an ANCOR account first if you haven’t already since it’s required to register.
What does it cost to exhibit at ANCOR Connect?
Please see page 19 of the ANCOR Connect ’26 Exhibitor & Sponsor Prospectus to learn more about costs and add-ons.
I registered for an exhibitor booth, but can no longer exhibit. Can I cancel my exhibitor registration?
If an exhibitor, after submitting payment, is no longer able to attend, a request must be made in writing to ANCOR no later than March 13, 2026. The exhibitor fee will be refunded less a $250 administrative fee. Absolutely no refunds will be made after March 13, 2026.
Miscellaneous Questions
I submitted a session proposal. When will I hear whether it’s been accepted?
Session proposals were solicited in the fall prior to ANCOR Connect and submissions were due in late September. Anyone who submitted a proposal should have received a notification regarding whether their session was accepted or not. If you submitted a proposal and are unsure of its status, please email [email protected].
Are direct support professionals encouraged to attend?
Yes! Not only are DSPs welcome and encouraged to attend, but there is special programming available for DSPs, including the presentation of the annual Direct Support Professional of the Year Awards. To encourage DSPs to participate in the ANCOR Connect, deeply discounted registration rates are available.
Are there special rates for certain attendees?
Yes! Here’s what to do if any of the following apply to you:
- DSP: A Direct Support Professional is defined as someone whose primary role is as a direct care worker, in-home support worker, personal assistant or attendant that works directly with people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to ensure that they have the supports needed to live, work and enjoy life more independently in a community-based setting. If you are a DSP, you are eligible for a discounted rate. To register as a DSP, send us a message and include your name, the organization where you work, and the address of your organization. We will get back to you within two business days. Contact [email protected] for more.
- 100% State Association member: Before registering, make sure you ask your state association for a special promo code! This code must be used at the time of purchase and no refunds can be given after registration is complete. If you are registering a group of people, please reach out to [email protected] for a link to the special promo pricing.
- Speakers: All speakers will receive an email with a link to register at the speaker rate, so please hold off on registering until you get that message. If you have any questions, email Alli Strong-Martin.
- Self-advocates and family members: To access these rates, contact us at [email protected].
- Students: If you are a student interested in attending ANCOR Connect, send us a message and include your name, the college/ university you attend, and the address of your school. We will get back to you within two business days.
Can I receive continuing education credits for attending?
ANCOR is happy to provide certificates of attendance upon request. Information about how to request a certificate of attendance will be made available onsite.
Still have a question not addressed here?
Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re happy to help! Simply drop us a line at [email protected].