2026 CAAP SUMMIT
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Efficiency with Empathy
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Where Innovation Meets Humanity
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2026 CAAP SUMMIT • Efficiency with Empathy • Where Innovation Meets Humanity •
AI is here. Burnout is real.
And you deserve solutions that address both.
Join us in Harrisburg for the Summit experience your staff will be talking about all year.
Our 2026 summit convenes professionals to explore how technology can simplify the work without compromising the heart behind it.
Join us to discover practical tools, sustainable strategies, and leadership approaches that ensure innovation supports — not replaces — human connection.
May 20-21, 2026
Efficiency with Empathy.
Where Humanity Meets Innovation
In Human Services, efficiency can sometimes feel like it comes at the expense of humanity. As we work to stretch every dollar and meet growing needs, we can’t ignore the human cost, on the people we serve and the people doing the work.
As artificial intelligence reshapes how daily operations get done, we have an opportunity — not to replace the human touch, but to protect it.
Efficiency with Empathy brings together leaders, managers, and frontline staff for two days of learning, connection, and practical strategy. Together, we’ll explore how AI and emerging technologies can simplify systems, reduce burnout, and create more space for what matters most: people.
You’ll leave with real-world implementation tools, leadership practices that foster psychologically safe workplaces, and a clearer vision for how innovation can strengthen — not dilute — our mission.
Innovation should never come at the expense of compassion. It should make room for more of it.
This year’s Summit explores how technology, leadership, and thoughtful systems design can reduce burnout, simplify processes, and strengthen impact.
Together, we’ll examine how to harness innovation without losing sight of what matters most: our people.
Best Western Premier
The Central Hotel & Conference Center
Harrisburg, PA
Reserve your room by April 21 to take advantage of the special rate!
The 2026 CAAP Summit will be held at the Best Western Premier The Central Hotel & Conference Center, a full-service conference venue conveniently located just minutes from downtown Harrisburg and Harrisburg International Airport. Known for its spacious meeting facilities, modern amenities, and comfortable accommodations, the hotel offers an ideal setting for connection, learning, and collaboration. On-site dining, complimentary parking, and thoughtfully designed gathering spaces make it easy for attendees to focus on what matters most: engaging with peers and shaping the future of human services together.
Sponsor the Summit of the Year
Efficiency with Empathy is where leadership, innovation, and mission meet. As a sponsor, you’ll gain high-impact exposure, meaningful engagement opportunities, and the chance to support a statewide network dedicated to strengthening communities.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Register Now!
Join hundreds of professionals to exchange ideas, gain new tools, and shape the future of human services.
Registration for the event will close on May 7th at 5pm. Save your team’s seats today!
Pricing
Whether you're joining from across Pennsylvania or tuning in from another state, the CAAP Summit offers flexible ways to participate. Choose the option that best fits your team and experience two days of learning, collaboration, and innovation focused on the future of human services.
In-Person Learning Labs (Exclusive Experience)
The Summit will include two interactive Learning Labs, offered in person only—one per day. These sessions will not be streamed, recorded, or available virtually.
Designed as hands-on experiences, Learning Labs focus on direct engagement, guided activities, and active participation.
Participants will leave with a tangible, ready-to-use tool, template, or plan they can immediately apply in their work.
Scholarship Available for CAAP Members
CAAP members are invited to apply for a scholarship to attend the 2026 Summit! This scholarship covers the full cost of an individual in-person Summit registration (valued at $80).
Applications are open now and will close on March 30th, 2026—don’t miss this opportunity to join us!
State Association Pricing Information
Unlimited access for your entire network
State Associations can bring the Summit experience to their entire membership through an unlimited virtual registration package. This option allows agencies across your state to participate in key sessions and conversations about innovation, leadership, and the future of human services.
Associations with 17 or fewer agencies
$1,700 – Unlimited virtual registrants
Associations with 18 or more agencies
$3,000 – Unlimited virtual registrants
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$80 per person
Join fellow leaders, managers, and frontline professionals in Harrisburg for two days of learning, connection, and collaboration.
In-person attendees will experience the full energy of the Summit, including live sessions, networking opportunities, and conversations shaping the future of human services across Pennsylvania and beyond. -
FREE
CAAP members can join the Summit virtually at no cost. This option allows CAAP member agencies to access keynote sessions, important conversations around innovation and human services, and insights from leaders across the network—all from wherever they are. It’s an easy way for teams to stay connected to statewide learning and collaboration. -
$150 per person
Join the CAAP community in Harrisburg for two days of practical learning, collaboration, and networking with human services professionals from across Pennsylvania. Non-member attendees will gain valuable insight into the work of Community Action Agencies and other community based organizations while connecting with leaders and innovators working to strengthen communities statewide.
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$65 per person
Professionals outside the CAAP membership network can attend the Summit virtually to gain valuable insights into human services innovation, leadership, and emerging tools shaping the sector. This option provides access to the Summit’s key conversations and thought leadership from anywhere.
Schedule at a Glance
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8:30 - 10:00 am - Registration and Continental Breakfast
10:00 – 10:30 am – Welcome
10:30 – 11:45 am - Keynote
12:00 – 1:00 pm – Lunch
1:00 – 2:30 pm – Breakout Session 1
2:30 – 2:50 pm – Snack Break
2:50 – 4:20 pm – Breakout Session 2
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7:30 – 8:45 am - Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:45 – 9:00 am – Welcome
9:00 – 10:00 am – Plenary Session
10:00 – 10:20 am – Break
10:20 – 11:50 am – Breakout Session 3
11:50 – 1:00 pm– Lunch
1:00 – 2:30 pm – Breakout Session 4
2:30 – 2:40 pm – Snack Break
2:40 – 3:00 pm – Closing
A Speaker Lineup You Won’t Want to Miss
We’ve gathered an incredible group of leaders, innovators, and changemakers for the 2026 CAAP Summit. Across two days, you’ll hear from experts who are shaping the future of human services, strengthening communities, and helping organizations navigate the changing landscape of our work.
Browse exclusive apparel and Community Action–branded swag available only during the event. Whether you’re redeeming CAAP Bucks earned throughout the Summit or using our convenient cashless checkout, the CAAP Store is the perfect place to grab something fun to remember the experience.
Stock up on your favorite gear and show your Community Action pride!
Stop by the CAAP Store at the 2026 Summit!
You asked for it, and it’s back!
Use your CAAP Bucks to snag some amazing Swag at the CAAP Store.
1 CAAP Buck = $1 USD at the CAAP Store
Can be used at the CAAP Store
Earn CAAP Bucks throughout the Summit from speakers, sponsors, and CAAP staff
Start collecting and cash them in for your favorite Summit gear!