Pre-Conferences November 3-4, 2026 | Conference November 4-7, 2026 | St. Louis, Missouri
NLADA's 2026 Annual Conference is a space for learning, sharing, and strategizing that strengthens access to justice for people and communities with limited financial resources. The conference program this year will engage attendees in sessions exploring how civil, criminal, and community advocacy protects rights, secures benefits, and defends against harm. Sessions will also highlight opportunities for collective impact and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Register Meet Host Committee Conference Schedule Exhibitor & Sponsorship Prospectus
Early Bird Registration Is Now Open
Reserve your seat at the field's largest gathering of civil legal aid, client and community advocates, and public defense leaders by Friday, September 4 to secure the lowest rate. NLADA Members receive a discounted conference registration rate. Please visit to learn more about NLADA membership
Meet the 2026 Host Committee
Fifteen local leaders — spanning civil legal aid, public defense, and client communities across Missouri — have spent the year shaping AC26, from programming to local partnerships. The committee is co-chaired by Shawntelle Fisher (SoulFisher Ministries), Stacey Lannert (Missouri State Public Defender), and Karen Warren (Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc.).
2026 NLADA Annual Conference Awards
NLADA is accepting nominations for six awards that recognize outstanding contributions to civil legal aid and public defense.
- Arthur Van Briesen Award
- Denison Ray Award
- Emery A. Brownell Award
- Mary Ellen Hamilton Award
- New Leaders in Advocacy Award
- Reginald Heber Smith Award (the "Reggie")
Please submit a nomination by the deadline, Friday, July 31, 2026.
Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities
Interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at this year’s conference? Click here for this year’s prospectus or reach out to Kate Denman, Director Development Operations at [email protected] for more information.
Book Your Room
Reserve your stay at the official hotel for the 2026 NLADA Annual Conference. The discounted conference room block at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton is now open. Book early to secure the special conference rate before rooms sell out, or the reservation deadline passes.
Discounted rate booking deadline: Monday, October 12.