Overview

Your Voice Matters: Speak Up for PAs & Patients on Capitol Hill

The PA profession needs advocates at all levels, from every state and specialty, so whether you’re new to advocacy, a seasoned advocate, or somewhere in between, remember that your voice matters. We’ll provide the tools you need to enhance your advocacy and leadership skills and have a successful visit to Capitol Hill! First-time attendees are encouraged to attend.

What to Expect at LAS

AAPA’s 2026 Leadership and Advocacy Summit (LAS) takes place Sept.24 – 26 at the Ritz-Carlton in Arlington, Va., in the Washington, D.C. area. PAs tell us that LAS is one of their most memorable and impactful conference experiences of their careers.

Thursday Morning: Advocacy Training

The event kicks off Thursday with a morning “advocacy bootcamp” session designed to sharpen your advocacy skills – complete with briefings on key legislative issues and training on being an effective advocate. You’ll be engaged and learning alongside your peers, honing your skills so that you’re ready to tell the PA story – and make it your own!

Thursday Afternoon: Hill Day

Now it’s time to head to Capitol Hill to put your advocacy knowledge into action! Join forces with your fellow PAs and from across the country and meet face-to-face with Members of Congress and staff on the key legislative issues that directly affect you, your patients, and the future of the profession.

Friday/Saturday: Interactive Learning & Built-In Networking

For the remaining two days of LAS, it’s time to debrief about your exhilarating Hill Day experience, boost your skills even further, and get to know your fellow attendees!

You’ll take part in interactive learning sessions focused on modernizing state laws, leadership and advocacy skill-building, and best practices for constituent organization leaders. The skills you learn at LAS will be directly applicable to the important work you’re doing in your state or specialty PA chapter, special interest group, or other PA organization.

LAS is designed to encourage camaraderie and networking. With generous break times, a welcome reception, and two optional PA Adventures, there are limitless opportunities to see old friends and meet new ones, interact with peers, CO leaders and PA educators, and exchange ideas – all while enjoying our nation’s capital.

Register Early to Secure Your Spot at LAS 2026!

LAS 2026 is a MUST for PAs and PA students, current, and future leaders, who want to strengthen their leadership and advocacy skills, get up close and personal with legislators and staff on Capitol Hill, and make a difference for the future of the profession. First-time attendees and seasoned advocates alike are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Register starting May 1 to secure your spot at one of AAPA’s most popular conferences. Please contact us if we can answer any questions or provide guidance as you prepare for LAS.

Registration

Registration opens May 1, 2026. Sign up to be notified when registration opens!

SIGN UP

Questions?

We’re here to help! Email us about LAS 2026

Registration Discounts

Bring a Colleague

You know how great AAPA’s Leadership and Advocacy Summit is — and we want you to be rewarded for sharing that knowledge! When you bring a PA colleague to LAS 2026 who has never attended the conference before, we’ll give you both a discount of $25 off your registrations.

Request Your Discount Now

See below for discount details and read the full terms and conditions. Contact [email protected] with questions.

Terms and Conditions

• Application must be submitted prior to registering. No refunds will be given.
• Valid only for a returning LAS attendee bringing a first-time LAS attendee.
• $25 registration discount per registrant.
• Both applicants must also book a hotel room within the hotel block.
• Registration rate for both applicants will be based on current registration rate on date of application submission.
• Not valid in combination with any other discounts.
• Only one application may be submitted per applicant.

Agenda

CMS Accreditation

This program is not yet approved for CME credit.

Venue and Travel

Conference Venue

The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City
1250 S. Hayes Street
Arlington, VA 22202
Reservations will be available when registration opens.

Benefits of Staying at the Conference Hotel

Reserving within our block of rooms at the venue helps AAPA negotiate the best hotel rates and gives you easy access to sessions, meals, and countless networking opportunities. There’s really no reason to stay anywhere else!

Hotel Perks

• Complimentary Wi-Fi in guest rooms
• Direct access to The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, offering more than 250 dining and shopping options
• State-of-the-art fitness center
• Indoor access to the Metro station in Arlington

Travel

This hotel is only 3.8 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

Hotel shuttle service to and from the airport is not provided. However, the hotel is conveniently located next to the Pentagon City Metro Station on both the blue and yellow lines. Please visit WMATA for more information.

Things to Do

Take advantage of your time in the nation’s capital!

• The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City is conveniently located next to the Pentagon City Metro Station on both the blue and yellow lines, making access to the National Mall and its iconic memorials a breeze!
• Register for one of our PA Adventures! Choose from a moonlight D.C. monument tour or a wine tasting and games at District Winery.
• Visit one of the city’s many FREE museums.
• Shop ‘til you drop at the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City located next to the Ritz-Carlton and the nearby Pentagon Row shopping area.

Information for Attendees

On-Site Conference Registration and Tips

• Registration will open at 7:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, Sept. 24. Please pick up your registration and Hill Day materials before heading into the sessions. You only need to check in once at the on-site registration desk.
• Check out the hotel map to see where sessions, meals, registration, and exhibits will be held during the conference.
• Use your smartphone, computer, or tablet to answer questions in CME sessions that use audience response system technology.
• Meeting rooms might get cold. Don’t forget your sweater or light jacket!
• Bring along your business cards and get ready to network!

Accessing Electronic Handouts

There is no paper syllabus for this course. Lecture materials will be available in AAPA’s Learning Central before the conference start date. To access lecture materials:

1. Log in to Learning Central using your AAPA username and password. If you don’t know your user credentials, or are unable to log in, please contact [email protected].
2. From your Dashboard, locate 2026 Leadership and Advocacy Summit.
3. Navigate to the different sessions by selecting the navigation tabs at the top of the screen.
4. Click the session title to navigate to Session Overview and scroll down to Session Materials to access the handout for that session.

Accessing Course Evaluations and CME Certificate

Because we use your feedback to plan future conferences, your completion of course evaluations is a prerequisite for receiving a CME certificate. Evaluations and deadlines will be available closer to the event.

Because we use your feedback to plan future conferences, your completion of course evaluations is a prerequisite for receiving a CME certificate. Evaluations and deadlines will be available closer to the event.

Follow these steps to complete the course evaluations and receive your CME certificate:

1. Log in to Learning Central using your AAPA username and password. If you don’t know your user credentials, or are unable to log in, please contact [email protected].
2. From your Dashboard, locate 2026 Leadership and Advocacy Summit.
3. Navigate to the different sessions by selecting the navigation tabs at the top of the screen.
4. Click the session title to navigate to Session Overview and scroll down to Session Evaluation.
5. At the end of each session, complete the evaluation for that session and claim your credit. Be sure to ONLY complete the session evaluations for the sessions that you attended.
6. Complete the Conference Evaluation at the end of the conference.
7. The CME certificate will not be viewable until the overall conference evaluation is completed.
8. View your certificate under Transcript.

Accessing Session Recordings

Session recordings for 2026 Leadership and Advocacy Summit will be available in AAPA’s Learning Central a few weeks after the conference concludes. You will receive an email once they are available with more details on how to access the recordings.

You will have access to the session recordings until March 24, 2027.

Conference Policies

• Attendee guests are not allowed to attend any meal functions without prior authorization from AAPA.
• No children under the age of 18 are allowed inside session rooms.
• No photos or videos may be taken inside session rooms except for official event photography and videography.

The Michael Powe Leadership in Advocacy Scholarship

The Michael Powe Leadership in Advocacy Scholarship is awarded to PA students who have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to advocacy work on behalf of the PA profession. Up to five (5) scholarships in the amount of $2,000 will be awarded to qualified candidates with a proven track record of maintaining academic excellence while actively engaging in initiatives that drive positive change for the profession. Applicants must demonstrate leadership, collaboration skills, and a clear vision for their future advocacy efforts. The award must be used to support attendance at the 2026 Leadership & Advocacy Summit.

Scholarship Criteria

• PA student with a commitment to leadership and advocacy on behalf of the profession
• AAPA Student Member in good standing
• Member in good standing of an AAPA chapter, specialty organization, special interest group, or caucus
• Available and willing to attend AAPA’s Leadership and Advocacy Summit
• Maintains a satisfactory academic record while engaging in advocacy efforts
• Preference may be given to applicants from states not historically represented at the AAPA

Application Process

Details and deadlines on the application process will be released at a later date.

About Michael Powe

After more than three decades as an unwavering advocate for PAs, Michael Powe, AAPA’s Vice President of Reimbursement and Professional Advocacy, retired in June 2024. In his most recent role, Michael addressed issues surrounding healthcare policy, private third-party payment concerns, the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and various state and federal regulatory agencies. We hope that in perpetuity, the scholarship will honor Michael’s legacy as a strong and vocal advocate and encourage aspiring PAs to become staunch lifelong advocates.

Testimonials

• “This conference helps develop your advocacy skills and makes a real impact on our profession.”
• Great for networking, leadership growth, and updates on legislation across the country.
• “Excellent opportunity and exposure for someone new to advocacy.”
• This is a great way to learn the basics of healthcare law and advocacy that can be brought home to local advocacy efforts – state and health systems!
• LAS allows you to understand the current legislative issue regarding PAs and gives you the opportunity to advocate for your profession. LAS is also an excellent way to gain leadership knowledge [especially] when leading a Constituent Organization.
• “It is a wonderful opportunity to get involved in legislative advocacy, network, serve our profession, and earn CME. I highly recommend attending.”
• “Some people assume they are not interested in policy without ever having been “boots on the ground.” I would tell them to try it – they won’t be disappointed.”

Exhibit and Sponsorship Opportunities

Join physician associates (PAs) and PA students from across the country in the nation’s capital for the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) 2026 Leadership and Advocacy Summit (LAS), held September 24 – 26 at The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City in Arlington, Va., just minutes from Washington, D.C.

This one-of-a-kind event prepares attendees to advocate directly on Capitol Hill, equipping them with the latest policy insights, leadership strategies, and association management best practices before they meet with bipartisan Congressional legislators.

LAS attracts:

• State and specialty PA leaders
• Emerging PA advocates
• Experienced federal and state policy champions
• PA students preparing for careers that include advocacy
• Leaders engaged in association governance and management

Many attendees serve in board roles and influence decisions within their organizations and institutions.

Demonstrate your commitment to advancing healthcare policy, strengthening the PA profession, and supporting patient access nationwide.

2025 Demographic Information

Top Specialties

Primary Work Settings

Attendees by Profession or Person’s Occupation

Exhibit & Sponsorship Opportunities

Secure your company’s Tabletop Display available in the conference area that includes:

• One (1) 6’ skirted table and two (2) side chairs
• Wi-Fi
• Electric (available upon request)
• Two (2) complimentary registration badges (not eligible to claim CME)
• Medical Pursuit Spot – Attendees will participate in the trivia game by visiting all tabletop displays and answering trivia questions provided by companies. Once attendees have visited all the tabletop displays, they will drop off their game card at the registration desk and are entered to win a prize.
• Company information posted on the AAPA website

Learn More & Reserve

AAPA provides diverse sponsorship opportunities across three key categories to meet your needs and budget:

(Three Expandable Sections)
Thought Leadership: Engage with thought leaders and shape discussions on pivotal industry topics

• Breakfast Industry Session
• Lunch Industry Session

Attendee Experience: Enhance the conference experience with interactive and memorable activities

• Conference Registration
• Creative Corner
• Head Shot Lounge
• Portable Device Chargers
• Refreshment Breaks
• Welcome Reception
• Wi-Fi

Brand Exposure: Maximize your brand’s visibility through prominent placement and targeted marketing

• Attendee Bag Insert
• Attendee Conference Bag
• Digital Web Banner Ad
• Hotel Room Drop
• Hotel Room Key Cards

Each participating company will also receive the following in addition to the benefits outlined per opportunity:

• General Event Partner & Exhibit Recognition – Conference Website, Pre-Promotional Materials, and Onsite Signage
• Access to the Pre & Post Conference Attendee Registration List (available four weeks before the conference)

For questions or to start partnering with AAPA, please contact Heather.

Conference Policies

• Attendee guests are not allowed to attend any meal functions without prior authorization from AAPA.
• No children, including infants, under the age of 18 are allowed inside the session rooms.
• No photos or videos may be taken inside the session rooms.
• Registered attendees must wear their official conference name badge to access conference events. The badge is nontransferable.
• Smoking (including vapor cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and smokeless tobacco) is prohibited in all indoor areas.

Code of Conduct

The Leadership & Advocacy Summit is intended for education, networking, and collaboration among PAs. AAPA is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and respectful conference experience regardless of a person’s race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, age, religion, disability status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical appearance, or other characteristics. AAPA expects conference participants to communicate professionally and constructively and to uphold the professional and educational purposes of the conference.

We expect cooperation from all participants to help ensure a safe environment for everyone.

Unacceptable Behavior

Harassment of conference participants or AAPA staff in any form is prohibited. Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to offensive verbal comments, expressed or implied threat of physical or professional harm, sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.

Reporting Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated. If you experience or notice others experiencing any of the above unacceptable behavior or have any other concerns, please contact AAPA conference staff at the registration desk or contact [email protected].

AAPA’s Commitment

AAPA will investigate all incidents reported with discretion and confidentiality. AAPA reserves the right to bar any attendee who violates this Code of Conduct from attending future conferences and/or cancel membership without refund.

Health Safety Measures

By submitting an attendee registration for the Leadership & Advocacy Summit, attendees must acknowledge and agree that they are fully responsible for their own safety and actions while participating in the national conference and recognize that they may be at risk of contracting airborne viruses or other illnesses, through no fault of AAPA.

Be sure to practice everyday preventive actions, including but not limited to washing hands often, and monitoring your health daily.