2026 NYSCAA
Annual Conference

Now available

Your conference hub is in Whova

Registered 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.

Choose how to join

Phone, tablet, or computer

Use 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 Focus Areas

Practical learning across the work of Community Action

The 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.

At a Glance

Agency Leadership

Executive Directors, senior leaders, board members, and managers leading Community Action work across New York State.

Program and Operations Staff

Program directors, direct service staff, fiscal staff, administrative staff, and operations teams delivering the Community Action mission every day.

Partners, Sponsors, and Presenters

Organizational partners, presenters, sponsors, exhibitors, and stakeholders connected to Community Action across New York.

$450

Per attendee. Each attendee must complete an individual registration.

Hotel update

The conference room block is closed online

The 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.

ELI 1.0

Conference registration is included

The 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 required

There 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.

Hotel Room Still Required

ELI 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 Programming

Friday 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 Attendees

Any 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.

Loading the conference agenda...

Plan your visit

Venue, Hotel, and Parking

Conference: Niagara Falls Convention Center, 101 Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303.

Hotel: Sheraton Niagara Falls, 300 3rd Street, across the street from the convention center. Call (716) 278-2695 for rates and availability; online room-block booking is closed.

Parking: Day attendees should plan for paid parking. Nearby options include the Sheraton lot, Third Street lot, and Rainbow Ramp. Overnight guests should confirm hotel parking charges and any group inclusion.

View venue map · Directions and parking

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation requests had to 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.

Which organizations are sponsoring or exhibiting?

The sponsor and exhibitor roster is listed above. Registered attendees can also connect with participating organizations through Whova and during the conference.

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.

Who should I contact with questions?

For registration questions or general conference inquiries, please contact Alexis Rivera at [email protected].