The Engage 2026 Conference Daily brings you information and announcements to help maximize your ACA Engage experience, along with highlights from the day’s events.
Updates & Reminders
Room & Time Changes to Pediatric Workshop
The Pediatric Workshop on Saturday, Jan. 24, has been moved from Salon 1–3 to the Fairfax Room on the 2nd level. The time has also changed to 12:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
FACA Meeting Cancelled
Please note that the Faculty ACA (FACA) meeting that was scheduled for Friday at 9 a.m. has been cancelled. 
Registration Desk: Name Badge Pick Up
Members arriving at the hotel can pick up their name badge at the Registration Desk, located on the First Level of the hotel (above the Lobby Level) across from Salon IV. For those who are in the Washington, D.C. area, please note that on-site registration is available. For questions, contact [email protected].
Download the Conference App and Personalize Your Schedule
To make the most of your conference experience, download the Engage app for iPhone or Android. Once installed, use the code “engage2026” to launch the app and access a wealth of information, including maps, locations for events and education programs, and other resources.
Education: Innovative Topics, Formats
Engage 2026 education programming features a mixture of topics and formats to suit different interests and learning styles, along with tup to 16 CE credits. Available are 6 pre-recorded sessions on Learn ACA for viewing at your own pace. (Pre-recorded sessions will be available Jan. 21-Feb. 11.) In addition, 6 in-person education sessions will take place on-site at the hotel. Open the conference app for details.
Engage with ACA on Social Media: #ACAEngage2026
Throughout the conference, and especially during Chiropractic’s Day on the Hill, please share Engage photos on social media with the hashtag #ACAEngage2026 and tag ACA so that we can see and reshare your posts.
- Instagram & X (Twitter): @acatoday
- Facebook & LinkedIn: American Chiropractic Association
Thursday, Jan. 22 News in Brief
Engage Kick Off and Chiropractic’s Day on the Hill
ACA President Dr. Marc Nynas welcomed attendees early this morning at the Engage Kick Off event, taking the opportunity to recognize each Student ACA (SACA) chapter – leading to a round of cheers. ACA extends a special welcome this year to students from the University of Pittsburgh chiropractic program, which is making its first appearance at Engage.
After thanking sponsors, Dr. Nynas reminded the assembly that 2026 marks an important milestone for ACA. “It’s a very special year, in part because 2026 marks the tenth anniversary of ACA Next Gen,” he said. “Next Gen has been great for ACA, for our members, for our students, and for helping develop and support each new batch of doctors caring for patients.
Dr. Nynas was followed by John Falardeau, ACA senior vice president of public policy and advocacy, who shared lobbying tips and etiquette as part of his Lobbying Briefing, preparing attendees for their congressional meetings that afternoon.
The lobbying experience was eye opening for many who participated today. “As a second-trimester student attending Engage for the first time, I found the experience extremely impactful,” said Kaero Canela, who attends the University of Bridgeport. “Highlighting evidence-based practice and conservative modalities strengthened our advocacy discussions, and learning alongside Biofreeze representatives and upper-trimester students provided valuable perspective and mentorship throughout the day.”
After meeting with members of Congress and their staff, ACA members headed back to the hotel for a reception, where they traded stories from their day on Capitol Hill and connected with friends and colleagues.
Did you post photos of your meetings today on social media? Please be sure to share your photos with the hashtag #ACAEngage2026 and tag ACA so that we can see and reshare your posts, too!
ACF Awards Three Scholarships
During the reception tonight, ACA President Dr. Marc Nynas awarded three American Chiropractic Foundation (ACF) scholarships to SACA members. The purpose of ACF is to promote education, science/evidence-based practice and charity, Each scholarship, worth $1,500, promotes a specific theme, and recipients were selected based on their demonstrated commitment to that theme. Congratulations to:
- Abby Weitkamp of Parker University—Community Leadership Award
- Alecia McAllister of University of Bridgeport—Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Zelin Zhou of Palmer College, Fla. —Research Leadership Award
SACA and NextGen Specialty Council Roundtable
The Student ACA (SACA) and NextGen held a Specialty Council Roundtable event this afternoon, giving participants the opportunity to connect directly with leaders from each ACA Council. Students and doctors visited with specialty reps at designated tables then had the chance visit more specialties. Council leaders answered questions and offered mentorship.
Upcoming Events on Friday, Jan. 23
Schedule at a glance:
- 7:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m. Breakfast
- 8:00 a.m.-8:30 a.m. EPS: Streamlining Veteran Scheduling
- 8:00 a.m.-10:15 a.m. Continuing Education
- 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. State Presidents and Executive Directors Meeting
Members study lobbying talking points before heading to Capitol Hill to meet with legislators and their staff.
- 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. President’s Address, Annual Awards, McAndrews Leadership Lecture: David Elton, DC
- 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Lunch
- 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Professional Development Workshop
- 1:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Continuing Education
- 1:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. House of Delegates Meeting
- 4:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. Panel Discussion: Leadership and Growth within Integrated Health Care Systems
- 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Reception
- 8:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Old Town Alexandria Ghost Tour (tickets required)
View the full schedule in the conference app (use the code “engage2026”).
Thanks to Engage 2026 Sponsors:
