CSWE's Annual Conference is the premier event in social work education, bringing together social work educators, practitioners, administrators, and students from across the country for four days of learning, connection, and inspiration. Our 2026 theme, Rooted in Resilience: Honoring the Past, Grounding the Present, invites the social work education community to reflect on the enduring strength and adaptability of the profession, especially as we navigate times of transformation and challenge. Join us as we celebrate the legacies of justice, advocacy, and care that inform our work, while also exploring the core values that root us as a profession.

Registration is now open!

Whether you're attending one of our six powerful pre-conference events, exploring Atlanta between sessions, or earning continuing education credits, CSWE’s conference has something for every social work educator, student, administrator, and practitioner. This year’s gathering is packed with opportunities to deepen your impact, network with peers and thought leaders, explore an energizing exhibit hall, and be part of a powerful national dialogue. Take advantage of early bird pricing and save $250 on the cost of registration! 

• Ready to register? Click here!
• Interested in sponsorship options for the 2026 Annual Conference? Click here!
• Exhibiting? Reserve your booth here!

Frequently Asked Questions

Annual Conference Programming

Yes! Please view our marketing toolkit for sample emails, social media posts, and graphics!
 
How can students volunteer?
Student volunteers at CSWE’s Annual Conference play a vital role in ensuring the event runs smoothly and effectively. Available opportunities include welcoming and directing attendees as they check in, assisting users with our mobile conference app, offering assistance to participants with special needs and ensure everyone feels included and valued, and much more.

Students can volunteer for 4-hour consecutive shifts, Thursday through Sunday, October 22–25, 2026, during daytime hours. There are no evening volunteer hours. Students can be full-time or part-time. Additional qualifications include:

• The student cannot hold a full-time academic appointment
• Student enrollment status must be verified for each student registration or membership match
• Confirmation of student membership will be sent after review of the required documentation
• Students must submit verification from their program directors to CSWE with the following documentation:
  • Enrollment status (degree level) with projected graduation date for that degree level
  • Confirmation that the student does not hold a full-time professional position, including an academic appointment.

If I am presenting, do I have to register for the meeting?
Yes. All presenters are required to register to present their abstracts and research.
 
What are the 2026 Annual Conference Cancellation, Refund, and Substitution Policies?
Submit registration cancellations via e-mail to [email protected], by Friday, October 2, 2026. No requests for refunds will be honored if they are emailed after this date. Registrants who do not cancel by Friday, October 2, 2026, and fail to attend the Annual Conference will be charged the full registration fee. Note: Institutes and Summitt session fees are nonrefundable.

Refunds will be less a $75 administrative fee and must specify the payee. Refunds will be based on the original form of payment and processed within 30 days after the completion of the meeting. Refunds will not be processed after Tuesday, December 1, 2026. Please cancel housing reservations directly with your hotel.

CSWE is not liable for cancellation fees charged by hotels, airlines, or other means of transportation. By submitting a completed registration form, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the cancellation policy. 

Substitution of registrations is permitted prior to the Annual Conference and on site. Submit substitutions via email by Friday, October 2, 2026. After this date, please make any substitutions at the Annual Conference Registration Desk on site.

Only one substitution is permitted per original registrant. The individual submitting the substitution request is responsible for all financial obligations (any balance due) associated with that substitution as well as updating any contact information.
 
Where are the Annual Conference sessions being held?
All plenaries and educational sessions will be held at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis.. 

Will there be workshops or professional development opportunities at the 2026 Annual Conference
Please visit the Summits and Institutes page for more information. In addition, more than half the sessions offer CE credit. You must purchase a CE package to claim these credits.

Where can I find a list of sessions and event times?
View the full schedule for a list of sessions and event times and locations are not yet available. The session listings will also be available in the conference app. 

Is there a program book?
CSWE no longer publishes a program book. Sessions are available online and in the conference app only.

What are the advantages of using the website and app to manage my schedule?
You can save sessions to your profile that sync between the website and app by logging in and using the "favorite" feature on the schedule pages. In addition, changes to the schedule are reflected in real-time, and notifications help ensure you don't miss out on key events. 

What types of sessions are being offered?
The 2026 Annual Conference will provide a multitude of educational offerings. Annual Conference presentations are organized by tracks, allowing meeting participants to quickly locate and gauge their interest in specific sessions. You can find a list of the 2026 conference tracks here.

Session proposals are assigned to tracks by their submitters. Each track is led by two volunteer chairs, who review scores and comments submitted by proposal reviewers and provide recommendations regarding acceptance to the Council on Conferences and Faculty Development. Track chairs and co-chairs may help answer questions related to the tracks' subject areas.
 

Support Services

What kind of accessibility arrangements are available?
CSWE will provide support services on request. Please request accessibility services or accommodations for people who experience disabilities at the time of registration and/or 4 weeks in advance to maximize our efforts. Contact information for accessibility services is forthcoming.

What kind of childcare services are available?
Please inquire about childcare services with the concierge at your selected hotel. Be certain to make arrangements prior to your arrival in Atlanta.

Will there be areas for privacy at the meeting venue (e.g., lactation, prayer, quiet)?
The conference venues will have designated areas for privacy. Please check back for specific locations and information.

Will there be wheelchairs or scooters available to rent?
Please inquire at the registration desk.

What kind of seating will be available at events for those with mobility needs or who are unable to stand for long periods of time?
There will be seating marked “Reserved for Accessible Seating” at all plenaries. All events and receptions will have seating available for those who are unable to stand for long periods of time.

What accessibility services will be available during the plenaries?
All plenary events will have interpreting services and will have front-row seating reserved for those with mobility, visual, or interpreting needs.

Are meals included with conference registration?
No meals are included with conference registration. However, food and beverage served at the networking, opening, and closing receptions are complimentary with conference registration.

What if I have a question that hasn't been answered yet?
Please contact us at [email protected].