 1 Register 2 Sign In to Whova 3 Build Your Schedule Now available Your conference hub is in WhovaRegistered attendees can use Whova to build a personal agenda, review session details and room assignments, receive organizer updates, access materials, and connect with other attendees. Use the email address from your conference registration. Choose how to join Phone, tablet, or computerSign In to Whova Download for Apple Download for AndroidUse the sign-in button on a computer. On a phone or tablet, download the Whova app and sign in with the email used for registration. Conference Overview A statewide gathering for Community ActionThe NYSCAA Annual Conference brings together Community Action Agency staff, leaders, partners, and supporters from across New York State for professional development, networking, shared learning, and statewide collaboration. This year's theme, Resilient by Nature: The Power of Community Action , honors the strength, adaptability, and enduring impact of the Community Action network. Conference Focus Areas Practical learning across the work of Community ActionThe live agenda includes sessions connected to finance, human resources, Head Start, management and leadership, housing and weatherization, technology and AI, fundraising, preparedness, trauma-informed practice, and statewide partner conversations. HR Finance Head Start Leadership Technology Weatherization Fundraising Preparedness
At a Glance Main Program Wed. & Thu. Keynotes Allan Kehler & Chelsea Ambrose Tuesday Arrival Day Board Meeting, Early Registration & Meet-Up Hotel Online block closed What to Expect Learning Professional development sessions designed for Community Action staff at every level. Connection Network with colleagues from CAAs across all regions of New York State. Ideas Explore strategies, tools, and perspectives to bring back to your agency. Niagara Falls Gather in a memorable, accessible location near one of the world's great natural wonders. Who Should AttendAgency LeadershipExecutive Directors, senior leaders, board members, and managers leading Community Action work across New York State. Program and Operations StaffProgram directors, direct service staff, fiscal staff, administrative staff, and operations teams delivering the Community Action mission every day. Partners, Sponsors, and PresentersOrganizational partners, presenters, sponsors, exhibitors, and stakeholders connected to Community Action across New York. Featured Keynotes Keynote speakers for the 2026 Annual ConferenceThe 2026 NYSCAA Annual Conference will feature two announced keynote speakers: Allan Kehler and Chelsea Ambrose . Allan will present Find Your Voice. Find Your Power , and Chelsea will present Uncovering Resilience . Both presentations connect directly to this year’s theme, Resilient by Nature: The Power of Community Action , with a focus on resilience, leadership, wellness, organizational culture, and the people-centered work of Community Action. Program Planning Update The live conference agenda is now availableThe 2026 NYSCAA Annual Conference sessions run September 16–18, 2026 . Tuesday, September 15 is an arrival and early registration day with the NYSCAA Board of Directors Meeting, early registration, and Cocktails and Connections. The complete conference schedule is now maintained in Whova. Use the live agenda below for the latest session titles, presenters, times, descriptions, tracks, and room assignments. Program Areas Finance, human resources, Head Start, management and leadership, housing and weatherization, technology and AI, fundraising, preparedness, and specialized topics. Live Updates Whova is the source of truth for the current agenda and will reflect updates as final details are confirmed. Travel Planning Most attendees should plan around Wednesday morning through Friday morning programming, unless arriving early Tuesday by choice. Registration Register for the ConferenceRegular Registration
$450 Per attendee. Each attendee must complete an individual registration. Register NowHotel update The conference room block is closed onlineThe reservation site now directs guests to call (716) 278-2695 for current rates and availability. Conference registration does not include or reserve a hotel room. Availability and conference rates are not guaranteed after the room-block deadline. Cancellation PolicyCancellation requests must be submitted in writing by Monday, August 31, 2026 . Approved cancellations will be refunded less a $50 administrative fee . No refunds will be issued for requests received after August 31 or for no-shows. Substitutions may be permitted when requested in writing. Emerging Leaders Institute
Important registration note for ELI 1.0 and ELI 2.0 participantsNYSCAA is offering both ELI 1.0 and ELI 2.0 for 2026 due to continued agency interest in Emerging Leaders Institute participation. Please review the registration guidance below before completing a conference registration. ELI 1.0 Conference registration is includedThe ELI 1.0 participation cost includes registration for the 2026 NYSCAA Annual Conference. Confirmed ELI 1.0 participants do not need to complete a separate conference registration for themselves. ELI 2.0 Conference registration is requiredThere is no charge for ELI 2.0 participation; however, ELI 2.0 participants are expected to attend the conference and must register and pay for the conference through the NYSCAA website. Register for the ConferenceHotel Room Still RequiredELI registration does not reserve a hotel room. Online booking through the conference room block is closed. Call (716) 278-2695 for current rates and availability. Friday Morning ELI ProgrammingFriday morning includes breakfast, the ELI 1.0 Graduation from 9:00–10:00 AM, the ELI 2.0 Project Presentation from 10:00–10:30 AM, and conference closing remarks from 10:30–11:00 AM. Additional AttendeesAny additional agency staff, guests, or colleagues attending the conference beyond the confirmed ELI participant must complete a separate conference registration through the official registration form. Live Conference Agenda Explore the 2026 NYSCAA Conference AgendaBrowse the complete conference schedule below. Filter sessions by date, track, location, or tag, and select Read More to view session descriptions and presenter information. This live Whova agenda reflects the most current conference schedule. Open Agenda in a New Window Sign In to WhovaAgenda updates: Times, rooms, presenters, and session details may be updated as final arrangements are confirmed. Whova is the source of truth for the latest conference schedule. Community Action Awards Celebrating Community Action leadership and impactThe nomination period is closed. Award recipients will be recognized on Wednesday during the lunch program , before David Bradley’s legislative update. View Award InformationLive Whova Logistics Venue and attendee logisticsReview current venue, travel, hotel, parking, and on-site information from Whova. NYSCAA will update this live resource as additional attendee details are confirmed. Powered by Whova
Live from Whova From the Conference CommunitySee organizer announcements, attendee conversations, shared photos, and other live activity from Whova. Join the conversation: Open the Whova event app to participate in discussions, share photos, and connect with attendees. Conference Venue Map Niagara Falls Convention Center101 Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303 Powered by Whova
Conference Partners 2026 Sponsors and ExhibitorsThank you to the organizations supporting this year’s conference and New York’s Community Action network. 2026 Sponsors and Exhibitors Meet the organizations supporting the 2026 conferenceExplore the complete sponsor and exhibitor roster currently listed in NYSCAA's conference materials. Select an organization to visit its official website. Conference Sponsors Exhibit Hall 2026 Conference Exhibitor RosterSponsors participating in the exhibit hall also appear below so attendees can browse the complete roster in one place. CAP60 Data management solutions CAP Systems, Inc. Human-services software CivicReach Technology for social-service agencies NYS Council on Children and Families New York State agency Council Services Plus, Inc. Insurance solutions for nonprofits NYS Department of Labor New York State agency empowOR by CSST Client and case-management software FitProof Nonprofit operations and compliance Fortell AI AI-powered intake and call support Mutual of America Financial Group Retirement and investment services NETRIO Managed technology services NYS Department of Civil Service New York State agency NYS Trauma-Informed Network and Resource Center Trauma-informed resources and connection NYSERDA Clean-energy programs and resources Paycom HR and payroll software ProNexus, LLC Accounting and consulting services TruePlan Benefit and Retirement Advisors Employee benefits and retirement plans Wipfli LLP Audit, tax and advisory services
Common Questions Frequently Asked QuestionsVenue
Where is the conference being held?Conference sessions take place at the Niagara Falls Convention Center , 101 Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303. The NYSCAA hotel room block is at the Sheraton Niagara Falls , 300 3rd Street, a separate building across the street from the convention center. Registration
What are the registration rates?Regular registration: $450 per person. Each attendee must complete an individual registration. Conference registration does not reserve a hotel room. Hotel
When is the hotel room block cutoff?Online booking through the conference room block is now closed. The reservation site directs guests to call (716) 278-2695 for current rates and availability. Schedule
Is the conference schedule final?The Whova agenda is the current source of truth. Times, rooms, presenters, and session details will be updated there if conference arrangements change. Travel Planning
Do I need to arrive on Tuesday, September 15?No. Tuesday, September 15 is the arrival and early registration day with early registration, the NYSCAA Board of Directors meeting, and the optional Cocktails and Connections Meet-Up at Steelbound Brewery. Main attendee-facing programming begins Wednesday morning. Friday
Will there be programming on Friday?Yes. Friday morning includes breakfast, the ELI 1.0 Graduation, the ELI 2.0 Project Presentation, and conference closing remarks. Programming concludes at 11:00 AM. ELI
I am a confirmed ELI participant. Do I need to register for the conference?ELI 1.0 participants do not need to register separately for the conference because conference registration is included in the ELI 1.0 participation cost. ELI 2.0 participants do need to register and pay for the conference through the NYSCAA website. All ELI participants are responsible for booking their own hotel room if planning to stay overnight. Parking
What are the parking options for day attendees?Day attendees should plan to use paid parking. Nearby options include the Sheraton Niagara Falls lot, the Third Street lot, and Rainbow Ramp. Overnight hotel guests should confirm the Sheraton's current parking charge and any group-specific inclusion when booking or checking in. Cancellations
What is the cancellation policy?Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing by August 31, 2026 . Approved cancellations are refunded less a $50 administrative fee. No refunds are issued for requests received after August 31 or for no-shows. Substitutions may be permitted in writing. Sponsor / Exhibitor
How do we become a sponsor or exhibitor?The sponsor and exhibitor roster is listed above. Registered attendees can also connect with participating organizations through Whova and during the conference. Hotel
What hotel nights should I book?Please book hotel nights based on your own travel needs. Most attendee-facing programming begins Wednesday morning and continues through Friday morning. Tuesday is primarily early registration/check-in and optional arrival. Help
Who should I contact with questions?For registration questions or general conference inquiries, please contact Alexis Rivera at [email protected] . 2026 NYSCAA Annual Conference Get ready for Niagara FallsRegister, open the Whova attendee portal, and review the live agenda before you arrive. Last updated: August 28, 2026 Whova is now open for registered attendees and remains the source of truth for schedule, presenter, room, and session updates.
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