Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA), I am pleased to invite you to attend the 2026 NEMA Mid-Year Forum, a premier gathering of emergency management leaders and partners from across the nation.
The Mid-Year Forum presents a vital opportunity to connect with peers, cultivate professional relationships, and engage in thought-provoking discussions on the most pressing issues facing emergency management today. At a time when disasters are increasing in frequency, complexity, and cost, collaboration among federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners has never been more crucial.
This year’s Forum will feature timely discussions on emerging and evolving emergency management priorities, including disaster readiness and response, recovery and mitigation strategies, workforce challenges, federal–state coordination, and the policies and programs
that directly impact our ability to serve disaster survivors and build resilient communities. Participants will gain insights from national leaders, share best practices, and explore innovative approaches that can be applied within their own jurisdictions.
Equally important, the Mid-Year Forum offers unparalleled networking opportunities. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with emergency management directors, senior officials, private sector partners, and federal stakeholders in an environment designed to foster collaboration, share ideas, and establish lasting professional connections.
Your participation will help ensure that the collective voice of emergency management remains strong, informed, and unified as we work together to prepare for future challenges and support communities before, during, and after disasters.
We hope you will join us for the 2026 NEMA Mid-Year Forum and be part of these important conversations. Thank you for your continued leadership and commitment to emergency management.
Sincerely,
A.J. Gary
Director and State Homeland Security Advisor, Arkansas Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management
NEMA 2025-2026 President
Diamond Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Hospitality Suite Sponsors
Registration & Fees
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED
Don’t know your registration category?
We can help! Check out the table below. If you still need help, feel free to contact us!
By registering, you agree to abide by the NEMA Forum Code of Conduct, Terms and Conditions. Be sure to read them.
Important Notables:
- On-time registration: January 12-February 13
- Cancellation date: February 13
- Late Registration: Add $300 after February 13
- Registration closes forever: February 20
- No on-site registration
- Registration may close without notice if capacity is reached.
| Registration Categories and Costs | NEMA Member | Non-NEMA Member |
|---|---|---|
| State Member: State emergency management director or state emergency management agency staff | $625 | — |
| Company: Persons representing for-profit entities | $850 | $1550 |
| Organizational & Individual: Federal agency staff, other state agency staff*, local emergency managers, non-profit organizations, and international entities (*Any state staff not employed by the state emergency management agency.) | $725 | $925 |
| Sponsor Exhibit Staff: Limited registration for confirmed exhibit staff. Includes meals and events on March 12-13 only. Registration links will be sent to the sponsor’s pre-planning contact. | $450 | — |
| Student: Full-time students. This registration includes daytime events only. Evening receptions are extra. | $125 | $225 |
| Spouse: Registration for spouse/partner to attend evening activities. | $175 | $225 |
Logistical Information
Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC Downtown
815 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 783-7800
Book online
$289 (single/double) per night plus tax and fees. This rate is available while inventory remains until February 17, 2026, so book early! Reservations made after that date are subject to the current prevailing rates. Please book hotel reservations only for confirmed forum registrants.
Hyatt Place Washington DC/White House
1522 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 830-1900
Book online
$359 (single/double) per night plus tax and fees. This rate is available while inventory remains until February 27, 2026, so book early! Reservations made after that date are subject to the current prevailing rates. Please book hotel reservations only for confirmed forum registrants.
Capital Hilton
1001 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 393-1000
Book online
If calling the hotel directly, please request the “NEMA Forum block” to receive this special discounted room rate.
$289 (single/double) per night plus tax and fees. This rate is based upon availability until February 9, 2026, so book early! Reservations made after that date are subject to the current prevailing rates. Please only book a hotel reservation for confirmed forum registrants.
If you are contacted by a company trying to assist you with registration or hotel reservations, or promising lower rates, DO NOT give them your personal information. This is a scam. NEMA does not use third-party booking companies for any meetings.
Rooms are assigned at check-in. If the type of bed you prefer (e.g., king, double) is unavailable, please book an alternative and note your preference under “special requests” to ensure a confirmed room reservation. The discounted hotel rate will be available 3 days before and 3 days following the forum, based on availability.
The Washington, DC Metro Area is serviced by 2 major airports, Washington Reagan International Airport (DCA) located approximately 4 miles from the Capital Hilton Hotel and Dulles International Airport (IAD), located approximately 25 miles from the Hilton. Most major carriers service both airports.
The Capital Hilton does not offer shuttle service; however, ride share, cabs, and public transportation are readily available.
The dress code for NEMA Forum committee meetings, workshops, and receptions is business casual. Business attire is appropriate for the General Session.
We care about your safety! When registering, you must present your state or federally issued photo identification to verify your identity. Your badge is required for access to all events, including receptions, so keep it with you at all times. If lost, please visit the Registration Office for a replacement.
Forum Materials
119th Congress Legislative Priorities – coming soon
Download
Forum Sponsorship
Becoming a NEMA Mid-Year Forum Sponsor means achieving a significant return on investment. You will be face-to-face with the decision-makers and supported through every step of the forum experience. Want to generate awareness and get in front of the decision-makers? Select the sponsorship opportunity that aligns with your marketing strategy.
Already a sponsor? Here is everything you need to know:
Shipping & Ordering
Shipping Instructions
Electrical or equipment ordering – Use code NEMA2026
Exhibit Floorplan
Exhibits will be located in the Capital Terrace and Upper Lobby of the Capital Hilton Hotel. The floor plan is in the Forum Materials section ⬆️ and will be made available as soon as possible.
We ask that exhibitors provide electronic versions of written materials and that all giveaways, if offered, be packaged or easily sanitized.
Attendee List
The pre-forum attendee list will be sent to all sponsor pre-planning contacts on March 4.
Forum Registration
Please see your designated pre-planning contact for registration information. You must register by February 13 to receive your complimentary registration. Even comps will be subject to late fees, so don’t delay!
New State Director Welcome Reception
Diamond and Platinum sponsors receive 2 invitations to an exclusive reception with the state emergency management directors. Please email the names of your representatives to NEMA staff by February 27. This is a closed reception, and only those on the invitation list will be admitted. No additional invitations will be issued.
Important Dates and Deadlines
To realize the full benefit of NEMA sponsorship, sponsors should note all deadlines associated with the forum. A list of important dates and deadlines is below. All dates are subject to change. The pre-planning contact for each sponsor will be notified of changes, provided with reasonable notice to respond, and informed of the potential consequences of missed deadlines, which may result in the loss of benefits or opportunities. Please note these dates on your calendar.
|
December 31 |
Company logos, final payment due. |
|
January 12 |
Registration opens – Pre-registration is required. |
|
February 13 |
On-time registration ends. |
|
February 20 |
Late registration ends – No additional registrations accepted after this date. No on-site registration. |
|
February 9 |
Hotel cut-off date. |
|
March 11 |
Exhibitor set-up from 4:30-8:30 pm. |
|
March 13 |
Sponsor reception at 6 pm. |
|
March 13 |
Exhibitor tear-down begins at 7:00 pm. |
**Times subject to change. See forum agenda for additional meeting dates and times.
Important Notices
- Submitting your registration and payment constitutes an agreement on your part to accept the NEMA Forum Code of Conduct, Terms and Conditions. PLEASE READ THEM CAREFULLY.
- Please reserve only the number of hotel rooms to accommodate confirmed forum attendees. Past forums have seen the room block fill very early, necessitating an overflow hotel be contracted, only to see large numbers of cancellations at the original hotel just prior to the forum. This makes NEMA vulnerable to fees for not meeting the room block and inconveniences other forum attendees who are forced to stay at different hotels. Your cooperation in this is appreciated. Payment in full prior to the forum is required. Credentials and forum materials will not be assigned to those with outstanding fees.
- Cancellations received in writing prior to February 13, 2026, will receive a refund less a $300 administration charge.
- Registration fees for cancellations received after February 13, 2026, will not be refunded.
- Registrations are transferable.
- You will be given a confirmation number at the end of your registration that serves as your proof of registration. If you do not receive a confirmation number, please contact NEMA as you will *NOT* be registered for the conference.
- Registration could close without notice if the capacity limit is reached.