2026 HBA Annual Conference · Houston

Welcome to the HBA Annual Conference

New to HBA or Annual Conference? Start Here.

We’re excited to welcome you to Houston for the 2026 HBA Annual Conference.

Whether this is your first Annual Conference, you recently joined HBA, or both, this page is designed to help you arrive feeling prepared, make meaningful connections, and take full advantage of everything the conference and HBA community have to offer.

This year’s theme, Future Focused. Impact Driven., comes to life through three questions that will guide the conference experience:

Across three days, you’ll have opportunities to explore those questions through inspiring speakers, Leadership Strategy Labs, experiential learning, small-group conversations, wellness and leadership resources, and plenty of opportunities to connect.

Before You Arrive

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

A few days before the conference, registered attendees will receive a Know Before You Go email with important information, including:

• Venue details and onsite navigation
• Arrival and registration information
• What to bring and what to expect
• Instructions for accessing the conference app
• Tips for building your schedule and connecting with other attendees

The conference app will be an important tool throughout your experience, so we encourage you to download it and complete your profile before arriving.

For hotel, travel, and other logistical information, visit the Travel & Logistics section of the conference website.

Make Connection Part of Your Conference Plan

You Don’t Have to Leave Networking to Chance

For many attendees, the relationships they build are among the most valuable parts of Annual Conference.

If walking into a room of hundreds of people and “networking” sounds intimidating, you’re not alone. HBA is designing multiple ways to make connecting easier, more purposeful, and more natural.

Before you head to Houston, watch our short networking video for practical ideas to help you start conversations, make meaningful connections, and approach the conference with greater confidence.

And remember, networking doesn’t have to mean meeting as many people as possible. Start with a simpler goal: Who are a few people I would genuinely like to know by the time I leave Houston?

Your First-Day Connection Circle

Start the Conference with People Who Are New, Too

On Monday afternoon, first-time attendees will have their own Connection Circles, facilitated by HBA conference mentors.

These small-group conversations are designed to create immediate connection, help you get oriented to the conference experience, and give you a comfortable place to ask questions and meet other attendees at the beginning of your Annual Conference journey.

You’ll have an opportunity to:

• Meet other first-time attendees
• Connect with an experienced HBA conference mentor
• Get practical tips for navigating the conference
• Talk about what you hope to experience or accomplish
• Identify opportunities and experiences you don’t want to miss
• Begin building your conference community

Monday, 16 November | 3:45 to 4:15 pm CT

Consider your Connection Circle your first conference home base.

More Ways to Connect

Find the Connection Style That Works for You

There isn’t one “right” way to network at Annual Conference. Throughout the event, you can connect through experiences that range from structured small-group conversations to informal time together. Look for opportunities including:

If You’re New to HBA

Your Conference Experience Is Just the Beginning

Annual Conference gives you a concentrated introduction to the HBA community, but there is much more to explore after you leave Houston.

If you recently joined HBA, use the conference to begin discovering where you want to connect, contribute, and grow.

You can also explore HBA throughout the year by:

• Connecting through HBA chapters and regions
• Exploring affinity groups and other communities
• Volunteering and contributing your expertise
• Participating in HBA programs and events
• Exploring leadership and career resources through HBA Academy
• Visiting the HBA Member Welcome Center

Build Your Conference Experience Around You

You Don’t Have to Do Everything

Annual Conference is intentionally designed to give you choices.

Rather than trying to attend everything, think about what would make the conference most valuable for you. Before you arrive, consider three questions:

You don’t need a packed schedule to have a valuable conference. Leave room for the conversations, discoveries, and unexpected connections that happen along the way.

Your First-Time Attendee Checklist

Before Houston:

• Download the conference app when it becomes available
• Complete your attendee profile
• Review the conference schedule
• Identify your must-attend experiences
• Watch the Networking with Purpose video when it becomes available
• Think about three people or types of people you would like to meet
• Plan to attend your First-Time Attendee Connection Circle
• Leave some open space in your schedule for spontaneous conversations

And when you arrive, introduce yourself. Ask questions. Join the conversation.

You belong in the room.

Stay Connected After Houston

Annual Conference is designed to be a catalyst, not a conclusion.

Before you leave, identify at least one relationship you want to continue, one idea you want to act on, and one way you want to stay engaged with HBA.

The connections you make in Houston can continue through HBA communities, programs, volunteer opportunities, and events throughout the year.