As we look ahead to 2026, one thing is clear: human services leaders are navigating more change, complexity, and opportunity than ever before. From evolving federal policy to workforce challenges and rapidly advancing technology, staying connected to peers and trusted partners matters.
That’s why conferences continue to play such an important role. They’re where ideas get tested, lessons are shared, and meaningful conversations happen.
Below is our curated list of human services and GovTech conferences to watch in 2026, including both national and state-level events.
Can't Miss National Conferences in 2026
CWLA – Child Welfare League of America Conference
April 19-22, 2026
Arlington, Virginia
CWLA remains a cornerstone event for child welfare professionals, bringing together policy leaders, practitioners, researchers, and advocates. Expect deep discussions on permanency, workforce well-being, kinship care, and outcomes that matter most for children and families.
Who should attend: Child welfare leadership, program managers, policy and practice leaders
APHSA National Summit
June 14-17, 2026
Arlington, Virginia
The APHSA Summit continues to be one of the most comprehensive gatherings for health and human services leaders across programs. It’s a strong mix of policy, operations, technology, and real-world implementation stories.
Who should attend: State and county leaders, CIOs, program administrators, innovation teams
FFTA – Foster Family-Based Treatment Association Conference
July 7-10. 2026
Chicago, Illinois
FFTA brings together professionals focused on treatment foster care and complex youth needs. Sessions often emphasize trauma-informed care, evidence-based practices, and cross-system collaboration.
Who should attend: Behavioral health leaders, foster care providers, program directors
APHSA ISM (Information Systems & Technology) Conference
September 27-30, 2026
Spokane, Washington
ISM is the go-to conference for human services IT, data, and digital transformation. It’s where conversations about modular systems, AI, interoperability, and procurement move from theory to practice.
Who should attend: CIOs, IT leaders, digital transformation teams, data and analytics staff
APHSA EMWB (Economic Mobility & Well-Being) Conference
Date and location coming soon
Focused on economic assistance programs like SNAP, TANF, and workforce initiatives, EMWB offers practical insight into eligibility modernization, program integrity, and customer experience.
Who should attend: Economic assistance leaders, eligibility managers, operations and compliance teams
Additional Noteworthy National Conferences
NCSEA Policy Forum
January 27-January 30, 2026
Washington, D.C.
A policy-driven event focused on child support enforcement and family economic stability, with strong federal and state representation.
NASW National Conference
June 10-13, 2026
Washington, D.C.
A broad professional conference for social workers across disciplines, with an emphasis on practice, ethics, and professional development.
APHSA NSDTA
October 4-7, 2026
Salt Lake City, Utah
A niche but important conference focused on child support professionals, training, and program performance.
State & Regional Conferences to Watch in 2026
State-level conferences remain some of the most valuable opportunities to connect with peers facing similar policy environments, funding structures, and operational realities.
New York Public Welfare Association (NYPWA) – Winter & Summer Conferences
January 27-30, 2026
Albany, New York
July 19-22, 2026
Saratoga, New York
A long-standing forum for New York human services professionals across programs.
Ohio Job and Family Services Directors Association (OJFDSA)
May 12-13, 2026
Columbus, Ohio
A must-attend for Ohio agencies, offering practical sessions grounded in real-world operations.
North Carolina Local Government Information Systems Association (NCLGISA)
May 20-22, 2026
Wilmington, North Carolina
A key gathering for county IT leaders navigating modernization and integration challenges.
North Carolina SSI
August 5-7, 2026
Hickory, North Carolina
Focused on systems, services, and innovation at the state and county level.
Public Children’s Services Association of Ohio (PSCAO)
September 30 – October 2, 2026
Columbus, Ohio
This event drew nearly 800 child protection professionals from around Ohio, including caseworkers, supervisors, administrators, counselors/clinicians, attorneys, and child advocates.
AMC (Association of Minnesota Counties)
December 6-9, 2026
Bloomington, Minnesota
A broad county-focused event covering governance, finance, and human services.
CCI – Colorado Counties Inc. (Summer & Winter Conferences)
Dates and locations coming soon
Large-scale, high-impact events reflecting the complexity and innovation happening across Colorado counties.
Virginia League of Social Services Executives (VLSSE) – Spring & Fall
Dates and locations coming soon
Strong leadership-focused events that blend strategy, policy, and operational insight.
How We Think About Conferences
We believe conferences are most valuable when they:
- Create space for honest conversations about what’s working—and what’s not
- Highlight real-world examples, not just aspirational ideas
- Bring together people who care deeply about improving outcomes for families and communities
Whether we’re attending, sponsoring, presenting, or simply listening, our goal is always the same: learn from the field and contribute thoughtfully to the conversation.
If you’re planning your 2026 calendar and want to compare notes, we’re always happy to connect.
