« All Events

The National Health Council’s (NHC) 2026 Washington Representatives Retreat – Annapolis, MD

November 19 - November 20

About the Event
Barriers across the health care system make it harder for patients to get the care they need. Coverage gaps, high costs, complex navigation, and administrative burdens can delay treatment, interrupt care, or put it out of reach.

The National Health Council’s (NHC) 2026 Washington Representatives Retreat brings NHC members together to consider how policy developments across the health care landscape can reinforce or reduce these barriers. Through candid discussion, practical learning, and peer collaboration, participants will reflect on the lessons of 2026, deepen their professional development, prepare for the opportunities and challenges of 2027, and identify practical solutions the patient community can advance together.

At this year’s Retreat, participants will:

    • Connect policy to patient impact: Examine how individual policy developments and systemic barriers combine to shape patients’ experiences.
    • Look ahead to 2027: Assess emerging policy developments and what they could mean for patients and patient organizations.
    • Strengthen advocacy: Exchange practical tools, messages, and approaches with colleagues across the patient community.
    • Identify opportunities for shared action: Build relationships, compare perspectives, and consider where patient organizations can work together to drive needed change.

Who Should Attend
The Washington Representatives Retreat is designed for policy, advocacy, regulatory, and government affairs professionals at all career stages from NHC member patient organizations and partners of patient organizations including:

    • Senior Level Professionals and their teams from patient advocacy organizations and nonprofit groups who are instrumental in shaping health policy, driving patient-centered initiatives, and advancing legislative and regulatory priorities through active engagement with Congress and federal agencies.
    • Early-career professionals from NHC member organizations looking to deepen their understanding of health policy, expand their professional network, and gain insights into the current advocacy landscape.

NHC business and industry members and non-member for-profit organizations may participate through event sponsorship. Learn more about sponsorship.

Questions?
For questions regarding registration or event logistics, please contact Racquel Codling, NHC’s Senior Director of Meetings & Events. For programming questions, please contact Jennifer Dexter, NHC’s Vice President of Policy. For sponsorship information, please contact Randall Rutta.

Details