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2026 National Conference
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About This Year’s National Conference: America’s Global Choices: Then, Now, & Next

The Mayflower Hotel, Washington, DC | November 17-20, 2026

For nearly four decades, the National Conference has served as a core expression of the national Council network, supporting dialogue, learning, and connection across the United States. Join us for three days of thought-provoking discussions, professional development, and meaningful networking as we examine America’s global choices: then, now, and next.

This year’s Conference examines America’s global choices across historical, contemporary, and future dimensions. As the United States marks pivotal milestones in its history, we will reflect on how choices made in moments of crisis and cooperation, engagement and restraint, have shaped the country’s security and prosperity, alliances, and engagement with the world. Together, we will examine the decisions that brought us here and the paths that lie ahead.

Why Should You Attend?

  • Across plenary sessions, breakout discussions, and network gatherings, attendees will:
  • Hear from Global Leaders: Engage with ambassadors, policymakers, journalists, scholars, and innovators.
  • Connect Across the Network: Build relationships with Council leaders, members, and partners from across the country.
  • Exchange Ideas: Share best practices and explore how global issues shape local communities.
  • Go Beyond the Stage: Participate in receptions, networking events, and small-group discussions that build lasting connections.
Promotional Kit & Flyer

Registration Pricing

Open August 16 – October 15

$925 | General Public

This rate does not require connection to a Council or the national Council network.

$825 | Registration from a Council, WACA National Board, or 1918 Society

Those affiliated with a Council (staff, board, volunteer, member, etc.). WACA National Board Members and 1918 Society Supporters may also purchase tickets at this rate.

$775 | First Registration from a Council

The Council network is stronger when each Council is able to participate. The first staff or board member who registers will receive the discounted rate of $775 during the standard registration period. Please note this is not open to general Council members. Contact Jace Jordan to purchase.

$750 | Student Rate 

Students can register to attend the conference at any time for this discounted rate. Must provide valid proof of enrollment to Jace Jordan.

$740 | Council Group Rate

Council groups of 5 or more can register at this rate. Group must register together; no late additions at this rate. Discounts cannot be combined. Contact Jace Jordan to purchase.

$400 | Conference Single Day

Thursday, November 19. Includes breakfast, expert-led sessions, plenary luncheon, think tank visits, networking opportunities, and an evening reception.

$300 | Opening Dinner 

Wednesday, November 18, 5–8 p.m. Includes the Opening Reception & Dinner, an awards ceremony honoring distinguished recipients, and networking opportunities.

Open October 16 – November 6

$925 | Registration from a Council, WACA National Board, or 1918 Society

Those affiliated with a Council (staff, board, volunteer, member, etc.). WACA National Board Members and 1918 Society Supporters may also purchase tickets at this rate.

$1,025 | General Public

This rate does not require connection to a Council or the national Council network.

$750 | Student Rate

Students can register to attend the conference at any time for this discounted rate. Must provide valid proof of enrollment.

Open through August 15

$675 | First registration from a Council

The Council network is stronger when each Council is able to participate. The first staff or board member who registers will receive the discounted rate of $675 during the early bird period. Please note this is not open to general Council members.

$725 | Registration from a Council, WACA National Board, or 1918 Society

Those affiliated with a Council (staff, board, volunteer, member, etc.). WACA National Board Members and 1918 Society Supporters may also purchase tickets at this rate.

$650 | Council Group Rate

Council groups of 5 or more can register at this rate. Group must register together; no late additions at this rate. Discounts cannot be combined.

$825 | General Public

This rate does not require connection to a Council or the national Council network.

$750 | Student Rate

Students can register to attend the conference at any time for this discounted rate. Must provide valid proof of enrollment.

Accommodations

In 2026, the WACA National Conference returns to the historic Mayflower Hotel. Conveniently located near Farragut Square on Connecticut Avenue NW, the Mayflower offers easy access to off-site conference sessions, metro lines and bus routes, and countless dining and social options. Rooms are available for $319+tax/night, including immediately before and after the core conference dates. The room block will close on Monday, October 26, so early registration is recommended. View the room block »

Schedule

Morning Offsite activity for WACA National Board
1-4 PM Meeting of the WACA National Board of Directors
6-8 PM 1918 Society Reception & Dinner – invite only
6-7 PM Student Scholar Orientation Session – invite only

8 AM-3 PM Leadership Day – Council board and staff members only – registration required
8 AM-4 PM Student Scholar Day – confirmed Student Scholars only
5-8 PM Opening Reception & Dinner featuring special award recipients
8-10 PM WACA After Hours

7:30 AM Breakfast available
8 a.m.-12:15 PM Morning sessions
12:30-1:45 PM Plenary Luncheon
2:30-3:30 PM Think Tank Offsite Sessions
4-5 PM Networking Break and Global Ties U.S. Reception – invite only
5-8 PM Special Conversation & Offsite Reception

8:15-9:15 AM Diplomats Coffee Hour, introducing Embassies to the national Council network
9:30 AM-1 PM Morning sessions
1:15-2:30 PM Closing Luncheon with representatives from DC think tanks
3-4 PM 1918 Society Special Activity – invite only

Conference Speakers

More to be announced soon!

Héctor Cárdenas
Héctor CárdenasPresident, Mexican Council on Foreign Relations (COMEXI)
Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker
Ambassador Ryan C. CrockerNon-Resident Senior Fellow, Middle East Institute
Elana DeLozier
Elana DeLozierExecutive Director, The Sage Institute for Foreign Affairs
Greg Forrest
Greg ForrestVice President, AI Foundations & Commercialization, Lockheed Martin
Sherri Goodman
Sherri GoodmanSecretary General, International Military Council on Climate and Security
David Ignatius
David IgnatiusForeign Affairs Columnist, The Washington Post
AJ Jones II
AJ Jones IIExecutive Vice President, Chief Strategic and Corporate Communications Officer, Monumental Sports & Entertainment
Mahnaz Khan
Mahnaz KhanVice President of Policy for Critical Supply Chains, Silverado Policy Accelerator
Hon. Mark W. Menezes
Hon. Mark W. MenezesPresident and CEO, United States Energy Association
Aviva Rosenthal
Aviva RosenthalDirector, Smithsonian Institution Office of Global Affairs
Nilo Tabrizy
Nilo TabrizyIran Correspondent, Reuters
Pauline Yang
Pauline YangPianist and U.S. Arts Envoy

Think Tank Offsite Sessions

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace is a global think tank that conducts independent research on international affairs, foreign policy, and global challenges. Its scholars provide analysis and policy recommendations on issues including geopolitics, security, democracy, technology, and the global economy.

Atlantic Council

The Atlantic Council is a nonpartisan organization that promotes international cooperation and works to address global challenges. Its experts conduct research and develop policy recommendations on issues including security, geopolitics, economic prosperity, technology, and energy.

Observer Research Foundation (ORF)

The Observer Research Foundation (ORF) is a global policy think tank that conducts research and fosters dialogue on international affairs and global challenges. Its work focuses on issues including geopolitics, security, economic development, technology, energy, and climate.

Diplomats Coffee Hour

The National Conference will once again bring together the Council network and diplomatic representatives from around the world for our Diplomats Coffee Hour.

It’s a unique opportunity for Councils to build relationships with diplomats they can invite to speak and engage with their communities back home.

The Student Scholars Program

With support from generous donors, WACA proudly provides room, board, and conference registration for 25 undergraduate students from Council communities through the prestigious and competitive Student Scholars Program.

Learn more »

Made Possible with Your Support

The World Affairs Councils of America is deeply grateful to our generous sponsors for their invaluable support of the 2026 National Conference: America’s Global Choices: Then, Now, and Next. Your commitment helps bring global dialogue to life and empowers our network to foster informed engagement on international affairs across the country.

Thank you for supporting us in shaping a more connected, thoughtful global community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your conference ticket includes the opening reception and dinner on Wednesday; the Thursday breakfast, lunch, and reception; the Friday breakfast and lunch; all conference sessions; all leadership sessions (Council staff and board) or offsite visits (Council members).

High school and college students (undergraduate and graduate) with proof of current enrollment are eligible to register for the National Conference at a reduced rate.

  • Council leaders, senior staff, and board members – You’ll have access to Leadership Day, a special best-practices day on Wednesday, November 18. We recommend arriving the evening before.
  • Members of the WACA National Board – We’ll have a special offsite opportunity for the National Board the morning of Tuesday, November 17, followed by the quarterly board meeting.
  • 1918 Society supporters – All supporters of the 1918 Society are invited to a special reception and dinner the evening of Tuesday, November 17; you’ll want to arrive earlier that day if possible.
  • Student Scholars – Student Scholars should arrive in time for the 6 p.m. orientation on Tuesday, November 17.
  • General attendees – Programming for general attendees not eligible for Leadership Day will begin at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18.

It is not mandatory to stay at the Mayflower Hotel, but it is highly encouraged. All sessions take place at the Mayflower, and off-site visits are planned around distance to-and-from the hotel. Meeting the Mayflower room block rate allows WACA to offer the national conference at this year’s price levels.

Guests without a ticket will not be granted entry to the 2026 National Conference in Washington, D.C.

There is not an explicit dress code for the conference, but generally attendees wear business casual for the seminars and business professional for the dinners.

Speakers for the conference will be announced on a rolling basis. Check this page and subscribe to the WACA newsletter for updates!

Because many elements of the conference, including think tank visits and receptions, happen off-site, there is not a virtual option for the National Conference. Sessions will be recorded for attendees to view after the conference at the discretion of the speakers.

WACA hopes everyone who registers for the conference will be able to attend; however, we understand that even the most carefully made plans are subject to change. Please see below for the Conference cancellation and refund policy:

  • Conference registration canceled on or before November 1 is refundable but subject to a $50 admin fee.
    Due to the costs of food, beverage, and conference materials, registrants canceling after November 1, are not eligible for a refund.
  • Registration fees may be transferred to another individual; please notify the WACA National Office so we can update our guest list
  • In the event WACA must cancel the conference due to unforeseen circumstances, WACA will refund the cost of registration.
  • The WACA national conference cancellation and refund policies do not cover hotel, airfare, or other reservations made with third parties.

For questions or to cancel registration, please contact Martina Schwartz at mschwartz@worldaffairscouncils.org.

Yes. At the conference, you are entering an area where photography, audio and video recording may occur.

Your entry and presence on the event premises constitutes your consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded and to the release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction of any and all recorded media.