American Correctional Association Annual - ACA 2026
Event Date
July 30 – August 2, 2026
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe American Correctional Association (ACA) Congress of Correction is one of the corrections field's premier national gatherings, and its 2026 edition marks the 156th Congress of Correction. Hosted by the American Correctional Association, the conference runs in Pittsburgh, PA from July 30 to August 2, 2026.
The event convenes correctional professionals from across the country, including administrators, wardens, policymakers, healthcare providers, accreditation specialists, and vendors. The Congress explores key issues impacting the corrections landscape, including rehabilitation programs and services, mental health and medical initiatives, and advancements in technology across all disciplines.
Attendees come for professional development, networking, and a large exhibit hall showcasing products and services for the corrections sector. The program offers cutting-edge education, CE credits and skill-building opportunities, plus networking designed to build a professional network that lasts well beyond the conference. With workshops, general sessions, award ceremonies, and certification opportunities, it is a worthwhile stop for anyone advancing a career in corrections.
Show Highlights
Signature features of the 156th Congress of Correction include general sessions, workshops, an exhibit hall, and marquee award events:
- General Session with Jerome Bettis — The ACA General Session is scheduled for Friday, July 31, 2026, 8:15–10 a.m., featuring Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis.
- Commission on Accreditation for Corrections Luncheon & Awards — Held Saturday, August 1, 2026, with featured speaker Richard Stalder, retired State Secretary and 95th President of the American Correctional Association (1999–2000).
- E. R. Cass Award Reception & Banquet — Held Friday, July 31, 2026, 6:30pm–9:30pm at the Omni William Penn in Pittsburgh.
- Education and certification — Programming includes standards and accreditation training and professional certification opportunities.
- Exhibit Hall — Exhibitors showcase products, services, and innovations to correctional professionals from across the nation.
Registration
Registration is handled through the official ACA conference registration portal.
- Register online — Registration for ACA's 156th Congress of Correction in Pittsburgh, PA (July 30 – August 2, 2026) is available through the official registration site (mcievents.com/acacoc2026).
- Register before booking a hotel — In order to book your hotel room, you must first complete your conference registration.
- Take advantage of early-bird savings — An Early Bird Special is available for those who register before June 15, 2026, to secure a spot and save.
- Companion Pass — A Companion Pass is intended for companions of registered attendees who are not attending the conference; it is valid for entry into the Exhibit Hall and ACA-hosted evening receptions, and can only be purchased in conjunction with a full conference registration.
- E. R. Cass Award Banquet tickets — The on-site banquet ticket price is $120 after June 15, 2026, until sold out.
Exhibitors can register through ACA's Sales & Marketing department. Questions can be directed to Director, Sales & Marketing Da'Shawn Burnette at DaShawnB@aca.org or 703.224.0030.
History
The event is organized by the American Correctional Association, a long-established professional body in the corrections field. For more than 152 years, the American Correctional Association has championed the cause of corrections and correctional effectiveness. The association's roots trace to 1870, and the Pittsburgh gathering is its 156th Congress of Correction, reflecting more than a century and a half of continuity as a national convening event for the profession.
A hallmark of the Congress is its awards tradition. The E. R. Cass Correctional Achievement Award was established in 1962 to recognize the extraordinary legacy of Edward R. Cass and those who follow his example of tireless service to the profession. Cass had dedicated more than 50 years of his life to corrections and served as general secretary of the American Correctional Association for 40 consecutive years.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 ACA Congress of Correction?
The American Correctional Association's 156th Congress of Correction takes place July 30 to August 2, 2026, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Fort Duquesne Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
Who should attend the ACA Congress of Correction?
The event is designed for correctional professionals from across the country, including administrators, policymakers, practitioners, healthcare providers, and accreditation specialists. Vendors and industry professionals also attend to connect with corrections decision-makers.
How do I register, and are there early-bird savings?
Register online through ACA's official registration portal (mcievents.com/acacoc2026). An early-bird rate is available for those who register before June 15, 2026, and you must complete registration before booking a conference hotel.
What are the highlights of the 2026 program?
Highlights include a General Session featuring Jerome Bettis on Friday, July 31, the E. R. Cass Award Reception and Banquet that same evening at the Omni William Penn, and the Commission on Accreditation for Corrections Luncheon and Awards on Saturday, August 1. The program also includes workshops, education sessions with CE credits, and a large exhibit hall.
Where should I stay and how do I get there?
The Omni William Penn and The Westin serve as the large block hotels, with 11 conference hotels within walking distance of the convention center; The Westin is directly connected to the venue. Pittsburgh International Airport is about 20 miles away (roughly a 25-minute drive), and a 700-car parking garage is adjacent to the convention center.
From the blog
Recent guides and industry insights for exhibitors and planners.
August 6, 2026Trade Show Lead Capture: What Actually Works
Why scan counts mislead, the three questions that qualify a visitor in thirty seconds, and the 48-hour follow-up window where trade show ROI is won or lost.
Read more
July 30, 2026Drayage Explained: The Trade Show Cost Nobody Warns You About
What material handling actually pays for, why it is billed per hundredweight, the surcharges that double estimates, and six decisions that genuinely reduce it.
Read more
July 23, 2026How to Choose the Right Trade Show for Your Business
Attendance numbers are close to useless on their own. Five questions that tell you whether a show will work, and how to build a portfolio instead of a list.
Read more
July 16, 2026The 12-Month Trade Show Planning Timeline
Every deadline that matters, counted backwards from show open — including the advance-order deadline that saves 20–40% and the 48-hour window that decides your ROI.
Read more
July 9, 2026Trade Show Booth Sizes Explained: 10x10 to Island
What each booth size actually gives you, the height and setback rules that catch first-timers, and how to size a booth from your staffing rather than your budget.
Read more
July 2, 2026What Does It Actually Cost to Exhibit at a Trade Show?
A line-by-line breakdown of the nine costs of exhibiting — including drayage and staff time, the two that blow up budgets and never appear in the quote.
Read more
June 10, 2026Top Trade Shows in Las Vegas in 2026
A guide to the biggest trade shows and exhibitor opportunities in Las Vegas through 2026 — dates, industries, exhibitor counts, and what each show is best for.
Read more- September 2, 2025tradeshows.fyi
Trade Shows Demystified: Your Ultimate Guide to Exhibiting, Attending, and Everything in Between
Introduction to Trade Shows Trade shows serve as significant events in various sectors, acting as a focal point
Read on tradeshows.fyi 
November 14, 2024tradeshows.fyi10 Essential Tips for Successfully Attending Trade Shows
10 Essential Tips for Attending Trade Shows Attending trade shows offers a unique platform to showcase products, network,
Read on tradeshows.fyi- November 13, 2024tradeshows.fyi
The Ultimate Trade Show Exhibitor Checklist: Planning, Preparation, and Execution
Trade Show Exhibiting Checklist Trade shows present a unique opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their products, network with
Read on tradeshows.fyi
Advertisement