CAAP Conference 2026
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Mission: POSSIBLE
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CAAP Conference 2026 • Mission: POSSIBLE •
CAAP CONFERENCE 2026
The work is complex.
The mission is possible.
2026 CAAP Conference | October 26-29, 2026
Mission: Possible
Across Pennsylvania, professionals are solving problems that once felt impossible.
The 2026 CAAP Conference brings our network together to share what works, strengthen what comes next, and return home better equipped for the work ahead.
Your mission is already underway.
Every day, community professionals step into complicated challenges with determination, creativity, and a deep commitment to the people they serve.
You’re building stronger teams. Navigating change. Finding new ways to meet evolving community needs. Protecting essential programs. Creating opportunities. Helping people move forward.
The 2026 CAAP Conference is your opportunity to step away from the urgency of the work long enough to strengthen how you do it.
Your mission: connect with people who understand the work, learn from what is happening across the network, and leave with practical ideas you can put into action.
The mission is too important
to carry alone.
From Community Action to Non-Profits, Community Foundations to Political Advocacy, our work has never been simple work.
Teams are managing increasing complexity, limited capacity, changing expectations, and needs that cannot be addressed through one program, one organization, or one solution.
At the same time, leaders and staff are being asked to think strategically, adapt quickly, support their teams, protect the integrity of their programs, and continue showing up for their communities.
That is why gathering matters.
The CAAP Conference creates space to learn the newest and best from each other, ask honest questions, and remember that no agency has to figure everything out alone.
“It was hopeful in a time where hope is hiding.”
— 2025 CAAP Conference attendee
Mission Brief: 2026 Schedule
Early Bird Registration closes September 4 at 5pm
Registration closes October 7 at 5pm
Reserve your room
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A limited block of rooms is available for conference attendees at the Eden Resort & Suites.
Reserve your room by September 25 to enjoy the savings and stay near your fellow changemakers.
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The Eden Resort & Suites is an independently owned and operated hotel nestled in the heart of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Our commitment to providing exceptional experiences for our guests leads everything we do, and we are excited to hear what stories you will tell about your time here.
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All guests enjoy free WiFi, and many of the rooms have large work desks. And, after each day at the CAAP Conference, you can relax and unwind at the Eden Resort. The Eden has two restaurants and a lounge, a 24/7 lobby MarketPlace, a 24/7 fitness center, a sauna, a heated indoor pool and whirlpool, heated outdoor pools, and a 24/7 gas/convenience store with made-to-order hot food mere steps from the hotel.
Go deeper before the main mission begins.
PRE-CONFERENCE BOOT CAMP SESSIONS
CAAP’s Pre-Conference Boot Camps offer concentrated learning for professionals who want additional time to explore a specific area of their work.
These interactive sessions are designed to move beyond broad ideas and into practical application. Attendees have time to ask questions, work through real challenges, exchange perspectives, and develop strategies they can use after returning to their agencies.
“The resources allow you to put what you’ve learned into a concrete plan or strategy moving forward.”
— 2025 CAAP Pre-Conference Boot Camp attendee
Look forward to earning CAAP Bucks at this year’s Conference that you can cash in at the CAAP store towards amazing #changemaker swag!
One CAAP Buck equals $1 USD at the CAAP Store
CAAP Bucks can be used at the CAAP Store and basket raffle
Attendees can receive CAAP Bucks from speakers, sponsors, and CAAP Staff
CAAP Bucks!
The Swag is Back!
Driven by curiosity and built on purpose, this is where bold thinking meets thoughtful execution. Let’s create something meaningful together.
2026 Conference
Schedule
at a Glance
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Registration and Check-In Opens: 8:30 AM
Pre-Conference Tracks: Lunch will be provided for all attendees.
Sessions run from 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Fiscal Boot Camp
Weatherization Boot Camp
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Registration and Check-In Opens: 8:30 AM
Pre-Conference Tracks: Lunch will be provided for all attendees.
Sessions run from 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Executive Leadership: CAAP Annual Meeting
Fiscal Boot Camp: Day 2
The Organization Workshop
CAAPy Hour: Off-Site—More Information Coming Soon!
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Headshots Available: 10:30 AM–3:15 PM
CAAP Store Open: 7:00 AM–4:00 PM
Registration and Check-In: 7:00 AM–4:00 PM
Welcome: 9:00–9:30 AM
Keynote Speaker: 9:30–10:30 AM
Break: 10:30–11:00 AM
Session 1: 11:00 AM–12:05 PM
Lunch: 12:05–1:20 PM
Therapy Dogs
Session 2: 1:20–2:50 PM
Break: 2:50–3:15 PM
Session 3: 3:15–4:20 PM
Dinner and Awards
Cocktail Hour: 5:00–6:00 PM
Dinner: 6:00 PM
Awards Program: 6:45 PM
Photo Booth: 5:00–9:00 PM
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Registration Open: 7:00 AM–1:30 PM
CAAP Store Open: 7:00 AM–3:00 PM
Breakfast: 7:30–8:30 AM
Panel Discussion hosted by Hattie McCarter: 8:30–9:30 AM
Break: 9:30–10:00 AM
Session 4: 10:00–11:30 AM
Lunch: 11:30 AM–12:45 PM
Session 5: 12:45–1:55 PM
Break: 1:55–2:10 PM
Plenary Session and Closing Session with CAAP: 2:10–3:30 PM
Plan Your Experience
Registration, pricing, and add-on experiences
Pre-Conference Day 1: Oct. 26
Weatherization Boot Camp
Strengthen your knowledge, sharpen your approach, and connect with professionals working across Weatherization programs.
CAAP Members: $65; Non-Members: $100
Fiscal Boot Camp: Day One
Build greater confidence around the fiscal responsibilities, challenges, and decisions that affect Community Action agencies. Register for both days of the Fiscal Boot Camp and receive a 10% discount.
CAAP Members: $65; Non-Members: $100
Pre-Conference Day 2: Oct. 27
Fiscal Boot Camp: Day Two
Continue the conversation with another day of practical fiscal learning and application. Attendees who register for both days receive a 10% discount.
CAAP Members: $65; Non-Members: $100
Executive Leadership & Annual Meeting
Created specifically for Community Action Program leadership, this gathering offers space to connect with peers, discuss priorities across the network, and participate in CAAP’s Annual Meeting.
Open to Executive Leadership of CAAs only
The Organization Workshop
Take a closer look at how your organization works, where challenges may be slowing progress, and what stronger alignment could make possible. Availability is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
CAAP Members: $65; Non-Members: $100
Professional Headshot Add-On
Update your professional image while you are at the conference. A limited number of professional headshot sessions will be available on October 28 for attendees who would like a polished new photo for LinkedIn, agency materials, speaking opportunities, and more.
October 28 | $50
Separate registration is required.
2026 CAAP Conference
Oct. 28 and Oct. 29
The main conference experience brings the Community Action network together for two days of practical sessions, fresh ideas, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to learn from people who understand the work.
Early-Bird Pricing
Ends September 4 at 5:00 p.m.
CAAP Member: $250; Non-Member: $350
Regular Pricing
Available September 5 through October 7 at 5:00 p.m.
CAAP Member: $300; Non-Member: $400
CAAPtivating
Excellence
A signature evening worth remembering, CAAPtivating Excellence celebrates the people whose leadership, service, and dedication make a difference across our communities. Enjoy an elegant catered dinner, awards honoring Community Action heroes, photobooth fun, and time to celebrate together. Bring your best cocktail attire and join us for a night of recognition, connection, and well-earned celebration.
Accept the mission.
Across Pennsylvania, human services and non-profit professionals are building stronger agencies, more responsive programs, and new possibilities for the people and communities they serve.
The challenges are real.
So is the experience, ingenuity, and resolve of this network.
Join us in Lancaster for four days of learning, connection, strategy, and renewed purpose.
Come prepared to share what you know, discover what is working, and return to your agency with new intelligence for the mission ahead.