Registration is now open for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s 11th Annual National Convening – and you won’t want to miss it!  

Join us on May 19, 2026, in Washington, D.C., at the iconic Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, where leaders, advocates, and caregivers from across the country will come together for a powerful day of connection, conversation, and action. If you are unable to join us in-person, you can register for virtual attendance using the same link.

Last year, Convening attendees helped begin to develop the National Blueprint for Action—a practical, solutions-driven roadmap designed to strengthen support for the 14.3 million military and veteran caregivers nationwide.

This year, we officially launched that Blueprint—bringing together caregivers, business and industry leaders, and policymakers to advance a nationwide Culture of Caregiving. Inspired by thought-provoking plenary speakers, you will participate in interactive working sessions and breakout discussions to learn how you can make a difference in the lives of caregivers nationwide.

In-person attendees will also experience our dynamic Innovation Expo, featuring more than 30 organizations across military and veteran services, healthcare, and beyond. There, explore valuable resources, spark meaningful connections, enjoy a complimentary headshot, and take a moment for yourself at our chair massage station.

We look forward to seeing you as we shape the journey ahead.

Schedule:

8:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M.

• Innovation Expo

9:00 A.M. - 9:20 A.M.

• Opening & Welcome Remarks: Launching the National Blueprint for Action

9:20 A.M. - 9:50 A.M.

• VA Spotlight: Creating a Culture of Care at the VA with VA Secretary Doug Collins

9:50 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.

• Caregiver Spotlight

10:00 A.M. - 10:40 A.M.

• The Future of Caregiving: Role of Technology, AI, and Innovation

10:40 A.M. - 10:50 A.M.

• Presentation of the Dole Caregiver Fellow Award

10:50 A.M. - 11:20 A.M.

• Partners in Action / Call to Action

11:45 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.

• Breakout Groups:
  
  • The Blueprint by Role: What Leadership Looks Like
  • Policymakers & Advocates
  • Providers & Payors
  • Philanthropy & Nonprofits
  • Communicators

12:30 P.M. - 1:30 P.M.

• Lunch & Networking

1:45 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.

• Workshops: Shared Outcomes, Shared Responsibility
  
  • Advancing Wellbeing: Innovations in Mental and Emotional Wellness
  • Sustaining Economic Mobility: Supporting Caregivers in the Workplace
  • Fostering Supportive Ecosystems: Caregiver Integrated Care
  • Supporting Children & Families: Navigating the Hidden Helpers Journey

3:15 P.M. - 3:17 P.M.

• Caregiver Spotlight (Video)

3:17 P.M. - 3:25 P.M.

• Caregiver Action Network

3:30 P.M. - 4:15 P.M.

• Closing Plenary: Advancing a Culture of Caregiving

4:15 P.M. - 4:45 P.M.

• Governor's Leadership Spotlight: States as Engines of Caregiving Innovation

4:45 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.

• Closing Remarks