Stronger Together: Collaborate, Innovate, Lead
Sept. 25-27, 2026
Southern California University of Health Sciences
Whittier, Calif.
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA), the American Black Chiropractic Association (ABCA), and Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) have united to host the ACA Student Leadership Conference.
The event represents a significant opportunity for student leaders to connect, develop their leadership skills, and strengthen pathways that support the future of chiropractic. The annual ACA Student Leadership Conference will be an important weekend of education, networking, and collaboration.
| Friday, Sept. 25 | |
| 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Charter Bus Transportation: Embassy Suites to SCU |
| 3:00 - 3:30 p.m. | Registration |
| 3:35 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | SCU President Address |
| 4:00 p.m. - 4:25 p.m. | ABCA President Address |
| 4:25 p.m. - 5:05 p.m. | Community Outreach & Health Equity: Expanding Chiropractic Access Together |
| 5:05 p.m. - 5:35 p.m. | Common Goal Discussion
What hurts collaboration in chiropractic, and how can students change it? |
| 5:35 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. | NCMIC |
| 5:45 p.m. - 5:55 p.m. | Closing Remarks |
| 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | Welcome Reception |
| 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | Charter Bus Transportation: SCU to Embassy Suites |
| |
| Saturday, Sept. 26 | |
| 6:45 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. | Breakfast: Embassy Suites |
| 7:30 a.m. - 8:15 a.m. | Charter Bus Transportation: Embassy Suites to SCU |
| 8:15 a.m. - 8:25 a.m. | SACA Leadership Conference Day 2 Welcome |
| 8:30 a.m. - 8:50 a.m. | ACA President Address |
| 8:50 a.m. - 9:55 a.m. | Keynote Address: The Power of Showing Up: Small Habits That Create Great Leaders |
| 9:55 a.m. - 10:10 a.m. | Keynote Q&A |
| 10:10 - 10:55 a.m. | What I Wish I Knew Before Starting Clinic
Rapid-Fire Q&A Circles
Students ask upper-quarter peers or discuss biggest clinic fears. |
10:55 a.m. -
11:40 a.m. | Women in Chiropractic Leadership: Breaking Barriers and Creating Impact |
11:40 a.m. -
1:00 p.m. | Lunch
NextGen Presentation
Fundraising Worksheet Interactive |
| 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. | The Future of Chiropractic: How Today’s Students Will Transform Tomorrow’s Profession
Future Vision Board
Students discuss one change they hope to see in chiropractic in 10 years. |
| 1:45 p.m. - 1:55 p.m. | Break |
| 1:55 p.m. - 2:40 p.m. | Collaboration Over Competition: Strengthening the Future of Chiropractic Together
Collaboration Challenge
List three ways chiropractic students can collaborate more across organizations and campuses. |
| 2:40 p.m. - 2:50 p.m. | Tai Chi Break |
| 2:50 p.m. - 3:50 p.m. | Friends, Leadership & Boundaries: Navigating Student Organization Dynamics
Scenario Discussion
Quick case study: A friend on exec board isn’t doing their job—what do you do? |
| 3:50 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Break
Bingo Cards Submission Box |
| 4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. | Leading Through Service: How Student Leaders Build Stronger Chiropractic Communities |
| 4:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Closing Remarks |
| 5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | “One Action” Brainstorm
Small groups discuss one way student leaders can better serve their campus or community this semester. |
| 5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | SACA Business Meeting |
| 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Awards & Dinner |
| 7:45 p.m. | Charter Bus Transportation: To Embassy Suites |
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| Sunday, Sept. 27 | |
| 6:45 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. | Breakfast: Embassy Suites |
| 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. | Charter Bus Transportation: SCU to Embassy Suites |
| 8:05 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. | SNEB/SABCA Address |
| 8:45 a.m. - 9:25 a.m. | Leadership Panel |
| 9:25 a.m. - 10:05 a.m. | From Student to CEO: Leadership Lessons for Future Practice Owners
CEO Mindset Discussion
What leadership skill matters most for a future practice owner? |
| 10:05 a.m. - 10:10 a.m. | Break |
| 10:10 - 11:10 a.m. | Research & Evidence-Based Practice: Advancing the Profession Through Collaboration
Research in Real Life
How can research improve patient trust or outcomes? |
| 11:10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. | Closing Remarks |
| 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. | Boxed Lunch |
Schedule subject to change. All events will be at the SCU Campus unless noted otherwise.
