2026 ACA 156th Congress of Correction Pittsburgh_Pre-Conference Blueprint

PRE-CONFERENCE BLUEPRINT Get the earliest access to hotels! www.mcievents.com/acacoc2026 Registration is open now!

• Stretch Every Dollar — Learn about early registration savings , hotel discounts and cost-effective travel tips so you can make the trip without breaking the budget. • Prove the ROI – Use the “What to Expect” page to show your leadership how the sessions, networking and resources directly benefit your agency, your team and your career. • Professional Growth that Lasts – Access cutting-edge education , CE credits and skill-building opportunities that give you long-term career advantages. • Connections that Count – Build a professional network that continues to support you well beyond the conference. When budgets are tight, invest where it matters most. Invest in yourself. Invest in your employees. Invest in each other. We know times are tough — budgets are tighter, travel dollars are stretched and every expense has to prove its worth. The ACA Pre-Conference Blueprint shows you exactly how this event delivers maximum value for your investment.

Smart planning, big impact. Justify the trip, plan smart and walk into ACA Conferences with confidence — with the ACA Pre-Conference Blueprint.

WELCOME TO

PITTSBURGH

JULY 30–AUG. 2, 2026

WHERE THREE RIVERS CONVERGE AND STEEL-BUILT RESILIENCE RUNS DEEP, ACA’S 156TH CONGRESS OF CORRECTION IN PITTSBURGH BRINGS THE PROFESSION TOGETHER WITH ENERGY, RESOLVE AND ONE SHARED PURPOSE:

“Advancing Corrections”

G RIT RUNS DEEP IN PITTSBURGH. Built by steel, shaped by three rivers and defined by resilience, the city sets a powerful backdrop for this year’s conference, taking place July 30–Aug. 2, 2026. As correctional professionals from across

the country gather here, Pittsburgh’s spirit of perseverance and progress reflects the profession itself — many paths, one purpose, advancing corrections. We cant’ wait to see “yinz” there!

Pittsburgh | ACA 156 th Congress of Correction — 1

ACA’s 156 th Congress of Correction At the American Correctional Association’s (ACA) 156 th Congress of Correction on July 30–Aug. 2, 2026 in Pittsburgh, the American Correctional Association will explore key issues impacting the corrections landscape, including rehabilitation programs and services, mental health and medical initiatives and advancements in technology across all disciplines.

THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF CORRECTIONS! As correctional leaders, practitioners and experts, your participation is vital. Together, we shape the future of our profession, address the pressing needs of our facilities, enhance the safety of our staff and increase our focus on the programs and services to change the lives of those committed to our care. We hope you will once again join us in this important conversation — your insights and experiences are what make these conferences truly valuable.

of the American Correctional Association to see all correctional professionals reflected in every effort we undertake. The ACA serves as a unifying platform where diverse perspectives and experiences come together to drive meaningful information exchange and transformational experiences. When every discipline — from custody and security to programs and services; to facility management and community corrections — engages with the ACA, whether prisons, jails, community corrections and juvenile corrections, it fosters a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities within our system.

Every corrections discipline plays a vital role in shaping the future of our work and it is the mission

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THE “STORY OF US” We were delighted by the extraordinary attendance at our Long Beach Conference. Your acknowledgment of positive conference experiences have been, to say the least, appreciated and inspiring. ACA will continue to listen and grow these opportunities for you as the “Story of Us” continues.

By recognizing their place within the ACA, professionals can collaborate, share exemplary practices and enhance the standards that govern our work and create the culture of our systems. This inclusivity not only strengthens our collective voice but also promotes innovation and accountability in addressing the challenges we face. Each discipline’s participation affirms its unique contributions to public safety and rehabilitation, empowering us to advance our mission more effectively. Ultimately, seeing themselves in the ACA encourages every corrections professional to participate actively in shaping an effective corrections system for all.

8 IMPACTFUL WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE AT ACA CONFERENCES Every discipline in the corrections field holds unique opportunities to contribute and make a powerful impact within the American Correctional Association’s conferences. You can drive our success by delivering a workshop presentation in your area of expertise, joining one of our committees, or any of these other impactful ways below.

Sharing Exemplary Practices: Corrections professionals can share successful methods, programs and strategies that

5 Advocacy: Advocating for the unique needs and concerns of your specific discipline within ACA ensures a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced in corrections. 6 Networking and Collaboration: Engaging with colleagues leads to partnerships and collaborative efforts that transcend individual disciplines, building a stronger corrections community. 7 Feedback on Expected Practices: Providing input on the development and revision of ACA expected practices ensures that guidelines are relevant and applicable across all areas of corrections. 8 Mentorship and Support: Experienced professionals offer mentorship to those entering the field, promoting a culture of continuous learning and support within the ACA community.

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work well in their specific disciplines.

2 Innovative Research: Conducting and sharing research relevant to the field will provide valuable insights that inform policy, training and future needs across our scope of work. 3 Participation in Committees: Joining and attending ACA committees allows individual practitioners to contribute their expertise and help shape guidelines, policies and standards that reflect the realities of their disciplines. 4 Education and Training: Workshops, seminars or training sessions at ACA conferences empower attendees with new skills and knowledge, fostering professional development across the field. You will meet like-minded colleagues and establish contacts for the future.

Pittsburgh | ACA 156 th Congress of Correction — 3

REGISTER BEFORE JUNE 15, 2026! Early Bird Special!

Secure your spot early and save!

ON-SITE RATE AFTER 6-15-26

ADVANCE RATE ON OR BEFORE 6-15-26

$275 $325

Members

$325

Non-Members

$375

$50

Students

$50

$800 $500

Nonexhibitors — Full Conference

$900

Nonexhibitors — One Day

$600

$30 $95

Companion Pass*

$30

E.R. Cass Award Ticket

$130

Register today and lock in the best deal! *The Companion Pass is intended for companions of registered attendees who are not attending the Conference. This pass is valid for entry into the Exhibit Hall and to ACA hosted evening receptions. A companion pass can only be purchased in conjunction with a full conference registration.

Not a member? Scan the QR code to join or renew today and unlock your registration discount!

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Unlock Exclusive Hotel Discounts When You Register!

Register Now!

ACA Preferred Lodging Partners

The Omni William Penn and The Westin serve as our large block hotels, while all 11 ACA Summer Congress of Correction hotel properties offer easy walking access to the convention center, downtown dining, and entertainment — each with its own unique amenities. Once you are registered for conference, your confirmation letter will provide booking links for discount rates at the official conference hotels.

Photo courtesy VisitPittsburgh.com Photo courtesy VisitPittsburgh.com

Photo courtesy Hilton.com Photo courtesy Marriott.com

Photo courtesy OmniHotels.com Photo courtesy VisitPittsburgh.com

AC Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown 1126 Smallman Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222 $229 per night plus tax

Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh Downtown 945 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 $239 per night plus tax

Drury Plaza Hotel 745 Grant St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219 $239 per night plus tax

Embassy Suites by Hilton 535 Smithfield St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222 $215 per night plus tax

Omni William Penn 530 William Penn Place Pittsburgh, PA 15219 $229 per night plus tax

Hilton Garden Inn 250 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 $199 per night plus tax

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Pittsburgh | ACA 156 th Congress of Correction — 5

More Pittsburgh Hotel Options!

Photo courtesy VisitPittsburgh.com

Photo courtesy Marriott.com

Photo courtesy VisitPittsburgh.com

Pittsburgh Marriott City Center 112 Washington Place Pittsburgh, PA 15219 $219 per night plus tax

Renaissance 107 6th Street

Westin 1000 Penn Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15222 $249 per night plus tax

Pittsburgh, PA 15222 $229 per night plus tax

Registration Cancellation Policy There will be a $50 cancellation fee regardless of reason. No refunds will be given unless a written request is received on or before June 15, 2026 . Registration transfers to another attendee for the same conference are free of charge.

Click here for a map of hotel locations and proximity to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center

6 — ACA 156 th Congress of Correction | Pittsburgh

Registration is Now Open! ACA 156 TH CONGRESS OF CORRECTION What to Expect:

Tuesday, July 28

10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Commission on Accreditation for Corrections Panel Hearings

Pre-Conference Activities

2:30–4:30 p.m. 6:30–9:30 p.m.

Workshops

E.R. Cass Reception and Banquet

Wednesday, July 29

Saturday, Aug. 1

7:30–11 a.m.

ACA Business Meetings

12:35 p.m. 3–6 p.m.

Baseball Game/Kickoff event

7 a.m.–5 p.m.

Registration

Registration

8–11 a.m.

Commissions on Accreditation for Corrections Panel Hearings Plenaries/Features/Use Case Scenarios/Learning Labs Commission on Accreditation for Corrections Luncheon and Awards Exhibit Hall (Grand Prize Giveaway 4:30 p.m., with exhibitor events following)

Thursday, July 30

8:30–10 a.m.

7 a.m.–5 p.m. 8–11:30 a.m. 8 a.m.–12 p.m. 9 a.m.–12 p.m. 12–1:30 p.m.

Registration Workshops

8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Workshops 12–2 p.m.

Health Care Committee Meetings

Standards Committee Health Care Luncheon

2–5 p.m.

1–4:30 p.m.

Workshops

5–6 p.m.

Military Reception

1–5 p.m.

Commission on Accreditation for Corrections Panel Hearings Plenaries/Features/Use Case Scenarios/Learning Labs

Sunday, Aug. 2

1:30–4:30 p.m.

8:30 a.m.–12 p.m. Workshops 8:30–10 a.m.

5–6 p.m.

Health Care Reception

Plenaries/Features/Use Case Scenarios/Learning Labs

Friday, July 31

9–11 a.m.

Delegate Assembly

8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Commission on Accreditation for Corrections Trainings

7 a.m.–4 p.m. Registration 8:15 a.m.–10 a.m. General Session Keynote Speaker 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Exhibit Hall Opens

Sunday Afternoon Departure Activities

Stay tuned for updates as we finalize the full lineup! Don’t wait — secure your spot today!

Money-$aving Conference Tips GENERAL INFORMATION

REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE MONEY! Register before June 15, 2026 to take advantage of ACA’s Early Bird Discount rates. JOIN ACA AND SAVE! Become an ACA member and enjoy discounted registration rates. Visit www.aca.org for more information on becoming a member. TRANSPORTATION TOP 5 MONEY-SAVING TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION MOVES 1. Be flexible with dates and airports. 2. Use flight comparison tools and alerts. 3. Check discounts and rewards. Make sure to take advantage of the Show Your Badge program when in Pittsburgh. Find the details here: www.visitpittsburgh.com/meetings-and-events/show-your-badge 4. Choose less expensive airport transfers. Check here for airport transportation options once you get to Pittsburgh: www.flypittsburgh.com/pittsburgh-international-airport/ground-transport 5. Bundle and plan ahead. Register early to save and make sure to book your hotel in advance to take advantage of ACA’s discounted room rates. Hotel booking links are provided in your registration confirmation email.

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How to Talk in “Pittsburghese” WORDS FROM THE ‘BURGH

AHT = OUT BUGGY = SHOPPING CART CHIPPED-CHOPPED HAM = THINLY SHAVED PROCESSED LUNCH MEAT Made from ham pieces, trimmings, and spices. Usually eaten on a sandwich, sometimes with barbecue sauce. CRIK = CREEK Used for just about any flowing body of water smaller than a river. DAHNTAHN = DOWNTOWN “Yinz wanna go Dahntahn?” DIPPY = THE LEVEL FOR DIPPING INTO Mostly used when ordering eggs over easy. “I’ll take an order of dippy eggs with some toast.” GUMBAND = RUBBER BAND “I need a gumband to hold this little box closed.” JEET JET = DID YOU EAT YET? “Jeet Jet? Let’s go to Primanti’s!”

N’AT = AND THAT An extender to just about any sentence. “We were watching the Penguins and eating hot dogs, n’at.” You also might see it as a bumper sticker, spelled “n@.” NEBBY = NOSY, PRYING Used to describe someone who is nosy or gossiping. “Stop being so nebby about my date last night.” POP = SOFT DRINK/SODA “What kind of pop do you want with your Primanti’s sandwich?” REDD UP = CLEAN, TIDY UP “Please go upstairs and redd up your room.” SLIPPY = SLIPPERY Simple and used all the time in winter. “Careful: The sidewalk is slippy.” SWEEPER = VACUUM “Go get the sweeper, the carpet is dirty.” YINZ = YOU ALL “Yinz wanna go to Primanti’s for lunch?” Also said as “Yinz guys.”

JUMBO = BOLOGNA LUNCH MEAT “I’ll take one pound of jumbo, please.”

Pittsburgh | ACA 156 th Congress of Correction — 9

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to meet professionals and key decision makers in the corrections and criminal justice industries. It’s Never Too Early to Plan Ahead to Exhibit at an ACA Conference!

PHOENIX

2027 WINTER CONFERENCE JAN. 7–10, 2027

SAN ANTONIO, TX

COLUMBUS, OH

2028 WINTER CONFERENCE JAN. 13–16, 2028

157 TH CONGRESS OF CORRECTION AUG. 19–22, 2027

Contact our Director of Sales & Marketing to reserve your booth today!

Da’Shawn Burnette 703-224-0030 dashawnb@aca.org

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Advertise with ACA and Reach Your Marketing Goals in 2026!

Advertising with ACA offers an unparalleled opportunity to showcase your brand and products to key decision-makers within the corrections industry. With a readership that spans thousands of ACA members and industry leaders, ACA publications are trusted sources of information both in print and online. By placing your ad in ACA publications, you’ll reach a highly engaged audience throughout the year, including influential professionals who attend ACA’s two major annual conferences. Maximize your brand’s visibility and make a direct impact in the corrections sector by advertising with ACA. Increase sales. Generate leads. Acquire new customers. Improve awareness. Increase web traffic.

Don’t delay!

Contact Da’Shawn Burnette by calling 703-224-0030 or by email at dashawnb@aca.org, to find out more about advertising with the American Correctional Association.

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www.aca.org 206 N. Washington St., Suite 200 Alexandria, VA 22314