2026 ACA Winter Conference Long Beach CA_Pre-Conference Blueprint
This publication is a Pre-Conference Blueprint for the American Correctional Association's 2026 Winter Conference in Long Beach, CA on Feb. 5-8, 2026. More details coming soon!
American Correctional Association
pRe-ConfeRenCe BluepRint
RegistRation is open now!
Get the earliest access to hotels! www.mcievents.com/acawinter2026
• 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 Schedule of Events 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 for Long Beach shows you exactly how this event delivers maximum value for your investment.
Smart planning, big impact. Justify the trip, plan smart and walk into Long Beach with confidence — with the ACA Pre-Conference Blueprint.
WELCOME TO
Long Beach
CALIFORNIA
FUELED BY THE SPIRIT OF SPEED AND RESILIENCE, ACA’S 2026 WINTER CONFERENCE IN LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA CONNECTS THE CITY’S RACING LEGACY WITH THE DRIVE FOR INNOVATION, COLLABORATION AND STRENGTH IN CORRECTIONS — ALL SET AGAINST A VIBRANT COASTAL BACKDROP. “Driving the Future of Corrections”
I In February 2026, we will gather in Long Beach, California, to strengthen connections, share expertise and confront the evolving challenges and successes shaping the future of corrections. This conference will provide a powerful stage for bold ideas, collaborative
growth, and lasting partnerships that advance our impact worldwide. With its vibrant coastal energy, rich cultural spirit and legacy of speed and resilience, Long Beach offers the perfect backdrop for fresh perspectives and meaningful progress in our field.
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ACA’s 2026 Winter Conference At ACA’s 2026 Winter Conference on Feb. 5–8, 2026 in Long Beach, CA, 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. Experience the excitement all over again! Check out these highlights from the unforgettable special events at our 155 th Congress of Correction in Denver. And get ready — our ACA 2026 Winter Conference in Long Beach, CA will be even larger, livelier and full of opportunities you won’t want to miss. We can’t wait to see you there!
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
2 — ACA 2026 Winter Conference | Long Beach, CA
THE “STORY OF US” We were delighted by the extraordinary attendance at our Denver 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 their specific discipline within ACA discussions will promote a more cohesive 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.
Long Beach, CA | ACA 2026 Winter Conference — 3
We’re excited to share a sneak peek of the tentative schedule of events! Mark your calendars and start planning now — there will be something for everyone! RegiSTRaTion iS now open! ACA 2026 WINTER CONFERENCE
TenTaTive Schedule of evenTS
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 Registration at 2–5 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 6, 2026 (continued) Standards Committee Meeting at 1 p.m. CJJA/CLLA Meeting Workshops Tactical Scenarios Feature Session Technology in Education Showcase at 2 p.m. Military Reception at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 Registration Workshops Exhibit Hall/Grand Prize Giveaway at 1:45 p.m. New Auditor Training Panel Hearings CJJA Meeting Safety & Security Summit at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026 Workshops Panel Hearings CJJA Meeting Evolving Spaces (Half-Day Symposium) Training: Faith-Based Services & Programming (Half-Day)
Executive Committee Meeting Delegate Assembly Meeting Board of Governors Meeting CCHA Meeting Creative Kickoff Event Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026 Registration Accreditation Manager Training Auditor Training AI Return on Investment: Lessons from the Field Workshops Health Care Luncheon Juvenile Summit Health Care Networking Reception at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, 2026 Registration General Session at 8:30–10 a.m. Exhibit Hall Open House at 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Stay tuned for updates as we finalize the full lineup! Don’t wait — secure your spot today! 4
reGISter BeFore dec. 22, 2025!
Secure your Spot early and Save! REGISTER BEFORE DEC. 22, 2025 to take advantage of advance discount rates!
ON-SITE RATE AFTER 12-22-25
ADVANCE RATE ON OR BEFORE 12-22-25
$275 $325
Members
$325
Non-Members
$375
$50
Students
$50
$800 $500
Nonexhibitors — Full Conference
$900
Nonexhibitors — One Day
$600
$30
Companion Pass*
$30
*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.
Register today and lock in the best deal!
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Unlock Exclusive Hotel Discounts When You Register!
Once you are registered for conference , your confirmation letter will provide booking links for discount rates at the official conference hotels.
Photo courtesy Marriott.com Photo courtesy Hilton.com
Photo courtesy Hyatt.com Photo courtesy Hilton.com
Photo courtesy Marriott.com Photo courtesy Marriott.com
The Hyatt Centric 285 Bay St. Long Beach, CA Rate: $300 plus tax
The Hilton 701 W Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, CA Rate: $210 plus tax
The Courtyard 500 East First St. Long Beach, CA Rate: $216 plus tax
The Westin Long Beach 333 East Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, CA Rate: $219 plus tax
The Marriott 111 East Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, CA Rate: $228 plus tax
The Hyatt Regency 200 S Pine Ave. Long Beach, CA Rate: $300 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 Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. 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 Long Beach Convention Center
6 — ACA 2026 Winter Conference | Long Beach, CA
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!
PITTSBURGH
156 TH CONGRESS OF CORRECTION JULY 30–AUG. 2, 2026
PHOENIX
COLUMBUS, OH
2027 WINTER CONFERENCE JAN. 7–10, 2027
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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Know BEFORE you go! GENERAL INFORMATION
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE REGISTRATION FEE? Your registration fee includes full access to all conference activities, including workshops, the General Session, the Exhibit Hall, symposiums, and evening receptions. A variety of meal options may also be available, offered on a first-come, first-served basis. WHERE IS THE REGISTRATION DESK LOCATED, AND WHAT ARE THE HOURS? The Registration and Information desk will be located at the Long Beach Convention Center and will open on Wednesday, Feb. 4 th from 5–7 p.m. for registered attendees only. The Registration and Information desk will reopen at 7 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5 th for anyone needing assistance or to register onsite. The desk will have daily
hours through Saturday, Feb. 7 th , which will be posted as conference nears. IS THERE A MOBILE APP OR PRINTED PROGRAM AVAILABLE? A mobile app and digital program book will be available for the conference.
REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE MONEY! Register before Dec. 22, 2025 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.
MONEY-$AVING TIPS
8 — ACA 2026 Winter Conference | Long Beach, CA
Know BEFORE you go! TRAVEL & TRANSPORTATION
WHICH AIRPORTS ARE CLOSEST TO THE VENUE? Long Beach Municipal Airport Daugherty Field (LGB) (10 miles) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) (20 miles) are both options for getting to Long Beach. LAX will have a greater variety of flight options. IS THERE SHUTTLE SERVICE BETWEEN THE AIRPORT AND HOTELS? There is not a shuttle service. IS PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OR RIDESHARE AVAILABLE NEARBY? There are multiple transportation options to Long Beach from both LAX and LGB. Please visit these sites for more information:
Click here for transportation options from LAX
Click here for transportation options from LGB
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. 4. Choose less expensive airport transfers. 5. Bundle and plan ahead.
MONEY-$AVING TIPS
Long Beach, CA | ACA 2026 Winter Conference — 9
Know BEFORE you go! ACCESSIBILITY & SPECIAL NEEDS
IS THE CONFERENCE CENTER ACCESSIBLE? Yes. Please contact Kelle McAfee at kellim@aca.org with any specific questions. WHO SHOULD I CONTACT ABOUT DIETARY OR ACCESSIBILITY REQUESTS? Please contact Kelli McAfee at kellim@aca.org LOCAL AREA & ACTIVITIES WHAT RESTAURANTS AND ATTRACTIONS ARE NEARBY? A great place to start your search is here: Click here for local Long Beach restaurant options Click here for local Long Beach activities
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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
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