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 been listening to our community and recognizing the need to come together and move beyond the traditional conference format. The 2026 AFB Leadership Summit is a focused, one-day experience designed to define clear outcomes and bring greater clarity to our field.
Register
Registration is now closed for the 2026 AFB Leadership Summit.
Attendees will take part in a day of collaboration that will transform ideas into action. Through facilitated discussions and shared deliberations, participants will help define priorities for the field and leave with tangible outcomes that can sustain momentum long after the summit concludes.
Schedule
A full buffet breakfast will be available from 7:00 to 8:30 a.m., before the Summit program runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration also includes a boxed lunch and refreshments throughout the day. After the program, join us from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. for the AFB Awards Reception, featuring drinks and hors d’oeuvres. The reception will celebrate the recipients of this year's Corinne Kirchner Research Award and Llura Gund Leadership Award, along with the Migel Medal honorees.
Hotel & Venue Information
Louisville Marriott Downtown
280 West Jefferson Street
Louisville, KY 40202
Room Rate: $239
Please note that the hotel registration booking link will be provided after completing registration.
Find Local Restaurants
Explore accessible menus from local Louisville restaurants, provided by Menus4ALL.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The AFB Leadership Summit is 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 this year’s sponsorships, contact our Partners Team at partners@afb.org.
What to Expect
- 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 marks 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), will host their annual meetings. The week will also include 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.