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 listened to our community and recognized the need to come together and move beyond the traditional conference format. The 2026 AFB Leadership Summit was a focused, one-day experience designed to define clear outcomes and bring greater clarity to our field.
Capturing collaboration. Access the official event photo gallery to review speakers, workshop sessions, award honorees, and highlights from this year's summit. More photos coming soon.
Agenda
Attendees took part in a day of collaboration that transformed ideas into action. Through facilitated discussions and shared deliberations, participants helped define priorities for the field and left with tangible outcomes that can sustain momentum long after the summit concludes.
The AFB Awards Reception celebrated the recipients of this year's Corinne Kirchner Research Award and Llura Gund Leadership Award, along with the Migel Medal honorees.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The AFB Leadership Summit was made possible by the generous support of our sponsors. We’re grateful for their partnership and commitment to advancing a future of possibilities for people who are blind or have low vision. Together, we’re charting our future.
Check Out Our 2026 Summit Sponsors
For questions pertaining to sponsorships, contact our Partners Team at partners@afb.org.
Event Expectations
- 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 marked 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), hosted their annual meetings. The week also included a special APH launch party on October 27, celebrating the opening of The Dot Experience, a world-class museum working to change perspectives about blindness and disability.
Stay Connected
Sign up to receive annual event updates as they become available.