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.

ACA 156th Congress of Correction 2026 - Pittsburgh, PA | Trade Show Event Directory

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ACA 156th Congress of Correction 2026 - Pittsburgh, PA | Trade Show Event Directory | Trade Show Directory

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.