DAV (Disabled American Veterans) 2026
Event Date
August 1–4, 2026
Location
Orlando, FL
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe DAV (Disabled American Veterans) National Convention is the annual national gathering of DAV and its Auxiliary, bringing together disabled veterans, their families, caregivers, and DAV leadership from across the country. The 2026 convention takes place August 1–4 at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida. The convention is a large annual gathering where veterans, their families, caregivers, and DAV leadership meet to advocate for veterans' rights, shape policy resolutions, and connect with fellow service members.
Attendees include DAV members and delegates, Auxiliary members, National Service Officers, chapter and department leaders, and partner organizations. The event unites veterans, their families, and advocates from across the nation, offering opportunities to participate in workshops, hear from speakers, and engage in discussions on issues facing veterans today.
Beyond the formal business sessions, the convention is a hub for networking, education, and camaraderie among the veteran community. As the marquee event of an organization with more than a million members, it combines resolution-setting and advocacy work with recognition ceremonies, social events, and access to sponsors and exhibitors serving the veteran community.
Show Highlights
Signature elements of the DAV National Convention typically include:
- Business and resolution sessions where DAV and Auxiliary delegates set the organization's legislative and policy priorities.
- Auxiliary events, including the Forget-Me-Not Luncheon. The DAV Auxiliary National Commander's testimonial dinner is tentatively scheduled in conjunction with the Forget-Me-Not Luncheon on Monday, Aug. 3, during the 2026 DAV and Auxiliary National Convention in Orlando.
- Reception, Fun Night, and dinner events with published menus.
- Sponsor and exhibitor showcase for organizations serving veterans.
- Full accessibility support, including service dog protocols, mobility scooter and wheelchair access, and scooter rental information.
A tentative schedule, convention program, and sponsor/exhibitor brochure are published on the official event page.
Registration
Registration is handled online through the DAV convention portal. There are separate paths for Member Registration and Guest Registration at convention.dav.org.
- Members register via the member registration portal at convention.dav.org.
- Guests register through the guest registration portal at convention.dav.org/Guests.
- Exhibitors and sponsors can review the sponsor/exhibitor opportunities brochure linked on the official event page.
For hotel reservations tied to the convention, the DAV room block uses Group Code DAV2026 (Group Name: Disabled American Veterans).
History
The Disabled American Veterans was created in 1920 by World War I veterans to help disabled military veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families, and it was issued a federal charter by Congress in 1932. The idea arose at a Christmas party in 1919 hosted by Cincinnati Superior Court Judge Robert Marx, a U.S. Army captain and World War I veteran, and the organization was officially created on September 25, 1920, at its first National Caucus in Cincinnati, Ohio.
DAV held its first national convention in Detroit, Michigan on June 27, 1921, at which time Marx was appointed the first national commander. More than 1,000 disabled veterans from every U.S. state and territory traveled to Detroit to participate in the organization's first national convention. The demands of World War II led the organization to officially change its name to Disabled American Veterans. Today the convention continues as the annual national meeting of DAV, which currently has over 1 million members.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 DAV National Convention?
The 2026 DAV National Convention takes place Saturday, August 1 through Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819.
Who attends the DAV National Convention?
The convention brings together DAV and Auxiliary members, delegates, disabled veterans, their families and caregivers, National Service Officers, chapter and department leaders, and partner organizations. It is a national gathering to advocate for veterans' rights, shape policy resolutions, and connect with fellow service members.
How do I register for the convention?
Registration is online through the DAV convention portal at convention.dav.org, with separate Member Registration and Guest Registration paths. Exhibitors and sponsors can review the sponsor/exhibitor opportunities brochure on the official event page.
Where should I stay, and is the room block still open?
The headquarters hotel is the Rosen Shingle Creek, but its DAV room block is sold out. The designated overflow hotel is the Rosen Centre Hotel at 9840 International Drive, with a $149 rate; reservations can be made online or by calling 1-800-204-7234, using Group Code DAV2026. Complimentary transportation runs between the two hotels during the convention.
What accessibility and parking accommodations are available?
The DAV room block includes a discounted self-parking rate of $8 per day and complimentary valet parking for guests with handicap plates or decals. The organizers publish service dog protocols, mobility scooter and wheelchair access information, and scooter rental details, and accessible rooms can be requested by calling the Rosen Centre at 1-800-204-7234.
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