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2026 AFB Leadership Summit

2026 AFB Leadership Summit

One Day. One Voice. United.

Monday, October 26, 2026 | Downtown Louisville Marriott

About the Summit

It is often said that opportunity arrives when you least expect it. Economic uncertainty and changes to federally funded programs have created anxiety across the field of blindness and low vision. Rising inflation, cuts to local programs like public transit, and limited access to affordable housing have all tightened the disability squeeze that has long existed for people who are blind or have low vision. At the same time, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the way things have “always been done,” making it easy to feel unsure about what comes next.

But what if our greatest opportunities come from times like these?

Over the past year, AFB has been listening to our community and recognizing the need to come together and move beyond the traditional conference format. The 2026 AFB Leadership Summit is a focused, one-day experience designed to define clear outcomes and bring greater clarity to our field.

What to Expect

  • An engaging, facilitated one-day leadership summit on Monday, October 26, bringing together more than 100 thought leaders, scholars, practitioners, educators, advocates, and allied stakeholders, all committed to listening, learning, and leading together
  • A platform for the field with clear deliverables that can help sustain momentum and drive progress beyond the Summit
  • An evening awards reception recognizing those in our field who inspire us to keep moving forward 

A Week of Connection

The Summit marks the beginning of a full week of programming and celebrations in Louisville. Partner organizations, including the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) and the Council of Schools and Services for the Blind (COSB), will host their annual meetings. The week will also include a special APH gala on October 27, celebrating the opening of The Dot Experience, a world-class museum working to change perspectives about blindness and disability. 

Stay Connected

Registration opens in June 2026, with more details to come. Sign up to receive updates as they are released.