National Association of Dental Plans - NADP Converge Conference 2026
Event Date
September 28 – October 1, 2026
Location
Indianapolis, IN
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe NADP Converge Conference is the annual meeting of the National Association of Dental Plans (NADP) and is widely regarded as the premier professional development and networking event for the dental benefits industry. The dental benefit industry leaders and decision makers come together for two and a half days of dynamic networking and professional development opportunities at CONVERGE, the NADP annual conference.
CONVERGE 2026 takes place in Indianapolis, Indiana. The conference features a balanced agenda of traditional general sessions, smaller breakout sessions, meetings of NADP's many commissions and workgroups, and solution-focused mini-presentations in the Discovery Zone. Attendees are largely executives and decision-makers from dental plans, insurers, and industry service providers. More than half, 52%, of CONVERGE attendees are the key decision makers regarding purchasing, another 24% recommend and 17% evaluate.
The event is worth attending for its concentrated access to the people who shape dental benefits. With a market share greater than 90%, NADP represents the vast majority of prospective and current customers: dental plans. Sessions cover industry trends, public policy, technology, and operations, making it valuable for anyone seeking to stay ahead of change in the dental benefits market.
Show Highlights
CONVERGE centers on high-level education, networking, and its exhibit hall experience. Signature features include:
- The Discovery Zone — the conference's exhibit hall, where attendees explore the latest innovations and cost-saving solutions, plus fast-paced DZ Demos presenting products and services to decision-makers.
- Dental Interact — an engagement tool that lets attendees connect with speakers, industry leaders, and peers in real time.
- CONVERGE Mobile App — an on-the-go event hub for schedules, updates, attendee connections, and contact lists.
- General sessions, breakouts, and commission/workgroup meetings. Recent programs have included a presentation by the CMS chief dental officer on the federal government's oral health priorities, a panel of CEOs on industry trends (including a DSO CEO for the provider perspective), and breakout sessions on AI and technology, operational topics, medical loss ratio and public policy, and dental-medical integration.
- Networking and sponsored social events, plus games and giveaways throughout the conference.
Attendance
CONVERGE has grown steadily in recent years. In 2023, in-person attendance reached 650, with many standing-room-only sessions, a dynamic Discovery Zone exhibit hall, and volunteer meetings. In 2024, for the third straight year, the conference set a new high for in-person attendance, with 704 people attending. In 2025, more than 700 people attended, tying the prior year's record attendance.
Audience demographics skew heavily toward senior buyers. More than half, 52%, of CONVERGE attendees are the key decision makers regarding purchasing, another 24% recommend and 17% evaluate. Attendee satisfaction has been consistently high — 100% of survey respondents said they would recommend CONVERGE to their colleagues, while 96% rated the conference as either good or excellent.
Registration
Registration for CONVERGE 2026 is handled through the NADP portal (portal.nadp.org). The event runs Monday, September 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM (EDT) to Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 12:00 PM (EDT).
Published registration rates (with an increase taking effect after September 12, 2026) are:
- Attendee Rate (Member): $1,495 (increases to $1,695 on 9/13/26)
- Attendee Rate (Non-member): $2,395 (increases to $2,595 on 9/13/26)
- Sponsor Rate: $1,095 (increases to $1,295 on 9/13/26) — Copper-level sponsors are not eligible
- Exhibitor Rate: $1,095 (increases to $1,295 on 9/13/26)
A first-timer rate offers $505 off the attendee rate for NADP members who have never attended CONVERGE in person. Note: NADP is only offering an in-person event option in 2026 — no virtual component.
Cancellation policy: A 100% refund is available when notified by June 30; from July 1–July 31, NADP refunds 50% of the amount paid; starting August 1, no refunds are provided. Substitutions are allowed by notifying NADP in writing at any time.
History
CONVERGE is the annual conference of the National Association of Dental Plans and has established itself as the principal gathering for the dental benefits industry. In recent years the conference has rotated among U.S. cities: CONVERGE 2019 was held Sept. 16–19 at the Omni Orlando Resort in ChampionsGate, Florida, followed by St. Louis, Missouri in September 2022.
The event has grown consistently. CONVERGE 2023 set record-breaking in-person attendance and high ratings, reinforcing its position as the premier industry event for the dental benefits market. CONVERGE 2024 was held September 23–26 at the Hilton Minneapolis, and CONVERGE 2025 took place in Indian Wells, California. The 2025 edition sold out its host hotel and a backup room block at a nearby hotel, prompting organizers to move to larger host cities. The 2026 edition brings CONVERGE to Indianapolis.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is NADP CONVERGE 2026 taking place?
CONVERGE 2026 runs from September 28 to October 1, 2026, at the JW Marriott Indianapolis (10 South West Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204). It is an in-person only event this year, with no virtual component offered.
Who should attend CONVERGE?
CONVERGE is the annual conference for the dental benefits industry, drawing leaders and decision-makers from dental plans, insurers, and industry service providers. More than half of attendees are key purchasing decision-makers, making it valuable for both attendees and exhibitors.
How much does registration cost and how do I register?
Registration is handled through the NADP portal at portal.nadp.org. Member attendee registration is $1,495 and non-member registration is $2,395, with prices increasing on September 13, 2026. NADP members who have never attended in person can get $505 off with the first-timer rate.
What is the host hotel and room rate?
The JW Marriott Indianapolis is the official host hotel, with a standard room rate of $249 plus fees and taxes. The booking deadline is September 8, 2026, or until the room block sells out; you must be registered for CONVERGE to access the room block information.
How do I get to the venue from the airport?
Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is about 13 miles away, roughly a 20-minute drive. The Go Green shuttle runs to and from the airport every 30 minutes for $10, and rideshare and taxi services are also available.
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