The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy, research and educational institute.

The CBCF Vision: We envision a world in which all communities have an equal voice in public policy through leadership cultivation, economic empowerment, and civic engagement.

The CBCF Mission: Our mission of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) is to advance the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public.

We achieve this by:

• Facilitating the exchange of ideas and information to address critical issues affecting our communities.
• Promoting public health and financial empowerment for all communities through innovative programs.
• Providing leadership development and scholarship opportunities to educate the next generation of leaders
• Developing strategic research and historical resources for the public, academics, educators, and students

To further support the mission of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc., we encourage you to consider individual giving or corporate giving and sponsorship. Donation opportunities will be available during ALC registration and in-platform during the conference.The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc., (CBCF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and contributions to the Foundation are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

The conference will take place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center located 801 Allen Y Lew Place NW, Washington, DC 20001. For more information on the Convention Center please visit: https://www.eventsdc.com/venue/walter-e-washington-convention-center. 

The CBCF Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) is the leading policy conference on issues impacting African Americans and the global Black community. Thought leaders, legislators and concerned citizens engage on economic development, civil and social justice, public health and education issues. Join subject experts, industry leaders, elected officials and citizen activists to explore today's issues from an African American perspective. This year's conference includes issue forums and established braintrusts, 5 signature events, receptions, and more.

This year’s theme, “Rooted, Ready & Rising” celebrates the unique strengths and perspectives you bring to our community to foster change and solutions around today’s critical issues. Whether you’re seeking to engage in thought-provoking discussions, network with influential leaders or spark lasting change, you belong right here, right now.

We’re proud to announce this year’s ALC Honorary Co-Chairs: Congressional Black Caucus Members, Representative Glenn Ivey  and Representative Alma Adams. Their bold leadership and deep commitment to advocacy and service inspire progress and embody the transformative spirit at the heart of the conference.

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) will host its Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) with 100% of content/signature events offered in-person with select sessions recorded and released after the conference. The conference is scheduled from Wednesday, September 16 - September 20, 2026. The conference will include over 100 issue forums and established braintrusts, our signature events, receptions, and more. CBC members will continue to serve as honorary co-hosts for many of these sessions.

Registration credentials are required to access all ALC programming.

Yes, 100% of content/signature events will be offered in-person

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) is committed to ensuring a safe, secure, and seamless experience for all attendees at the 55th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC).

To provide peace of mind and protect the wellbeing of our conference attendees, CBCF has worked and will continue to work closely with federal and local law enforcement, Convention Center security, and our own private security providers to implement strengthened safety measures throughout the conference and at off-site events.

These efforts reflect a comprehensive security approach that is designed to prioritize the safety, comfort, and freedom of movement of every attendee. Additional safety measures including, but not limited to, an increased-on site law enforcement presence and new entry procedures for all attendees, have been added. CBCF will remain in close communication with our partners throughout the conference and make any additional adjustments as needed to maintain a safe environment.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work together to create a secure and engaging experience. We look forward to welcoming you to Washington, D.C!

General Attendee

$ 250.00 Early-Bird (through 9/2/26);

$375 Standard (9/3/26 - 9/16/26)

Emerging Leader

$ 100.00 Early-Bird (through 9/2/26);

$150 Standard (9/2/26 - 9/16/26)

Attendees 25 years old and under ONLY

Date of Birth must be after 2001; ID will be required at registration

Senior

$ 75.00 

Attendees 65 years old and older

Date of birth must be prior to 1961; ID will be required at registration

All attendees that purchase a conference registration will have access to issue forums, established braintrusts, exhibit hall and some receptions.All tickets include the following:

• Required Access Badge
• Conference Bag
• Mobile App
• Exhibit Hall Showcase
• Exhibit Hall Grand Opening
• Opening Night Reception
• National Town Hall
• Gospel Extravagaza
• CBCF Chair's Reception
• Access to Issue Forums & Braintrust

Tickets are available for sale online on the Registration tab under "A La Carte Special Events Tickets" (until capacity is reached). This year conference registration is separate from Special Events Tickets.  If you are registering for the full conference, you will be directed to the A La Carte Special Events Ticket page upon completing your full conference registration. Special Events Ticket pricing and schedule is as follows:

ALUMNI RECEPTION + Comedy Show
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2026
DOORS OPEN AT 8:00 PM

Must be 21+ to attend

The CBCF Alumni Association was created to foster continuous engagement among previous interns, fellows, and scholarship recipients. CBCF alumni are some of the most accomplished and dedicated professionals in the country, and they work tirelessly to make a difference in their communities. The foundation is proud to recognize more than 2,000 alumni. To give alumni an opportunity to interact with each other, CBCF hosts an annual alumni reception at the ALC.

General Admission $ 125.00, Early Bird (through 9/2/26)

                               $ 175.00 (9/3/26 - 9/16/26)

SOJOURNER TRUTH WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP RECEPTION
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
DOORS OPEN AT 8:00 PM

The Sojourner Truth Legacy Project (STLP) recognizes women leaders making a positive difference in the lives of the communities they serve in the spirit of Sojourner Truth’s fearless, courageous, visionary spirit for freedom, justice, and equality. The reception at ALC honors extraordinary Black women leaders and the women of the Congressional Black Caucus for their leadership nationwide.

General Admission $ 90.00

BLACK PARTY
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2026
DOORS OPEN AT 8:00 PM

Must be 21+ to attend

A play on Jay-Z’s 2003 “Black Album,” the Black Party is one of the most popular events at the Annual Legislative Conference. Since its debut in 2004, the Black Party has been a highlight of the Emerging Leaders Series (ELS), the special track of sessions during ALC designed to address the unique needs of young professionals between the ages of 21 and 35. Twenty years later, the tracks have grown from just a few attendees to thousands of registrants from across the world. The CBCF’s signature party with a purpose features celebrity musical talent and is a must-attend event for ELS registrants.

General Admission $ 100.00

VIP $ 200.00

DAY OF HEALING PRAYER BREAKFAST
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19, 2026
DOORS OPEN AT 7:00 AM

Generations of Black Americans have relied on their spiritual strength to guide them through the challenges of life. The Day of Healing formerly known as the Prayer Breakfast was founded more than two decades ago to honor the critical role faith has played in the lives of Black Americans. Over the years, the event has become more ecumenical in nature, incorporating representatives from multiple religious faiths. The Day of Healing has hosted celebrities, political leaders, top gospel artists and ministers, making it one of the most popular events in the nation’s capitol. Music and a strong message resonate across denominations and religions. To that end, the event boasts a rich mix of talent messengers and ministers of music.

Patron Ticket $ 90.00

Table (10 seats) $ 950.00

PHOENIX AWARDS
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19, 2026
DOORS OPEN AT 6:00 PM

Each year, the CBCF recognizes extraordinary individuals who, through their efforts and accomplishments, have made significant contributions to society. The Phoenix Awards Dinner pays tribute to the legacy and achievements of these extraordinary individuals. At the dinner, they receive the prestigious, CBCF-commissioned Phoenix Award. Traditionally held on the Saturday night of the conference, the Phoenix Awards Dinner celebrates the achievements of the awardees for their exceptional contributions to our communities, our culture and the nation. This dinner is one of the largest gatherings anywhere of Black political leaders, educators, diplomats and other influential individuals. The Phoenix Awards Dinner is also an opportunity to honor the members of the Congressional Black Caucus for their service, accomplishments and efforts to eliminate the many disparities that continue to exist for millions of Black Americans.

Bronze Ticket $ 750.00

Silver Ticket $ 1,000.00

DONALD M. PAYNE SR. FOREIGN POLICY FELLOWSHIP CRUISE
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 20, 2026
BOARDING BEGINS AT 10:00 AM

This annual cruise is a tribute to the late Rep. Donald M. Payne, former chairman of the CBCF, and honors his commitment to the foundation’s education programs. The funds raised by the cruise will support the CBCF Donald M. Payne Foreign Policy Fellows Program, which provides training and leadership development for early-career policy professionals who are dedicated to advancing positive global change. The relaxing cruise aboard the Washington Odyssey traditionally occurs on Sunday, the final day of the conference, and features breakfast, brunch, live entertainment, special guests, VIPs, and current Donald Payne Foreign Policy Fellows.

General Admission $175.00

TICKET TERMS

Take care of your ticket, as it cannot be replaced if lost, stolen or destroyed, and is valid only for event and seat/table printed on ticket.  Your ticket is a revocable license to attend the event listed on the front of the ticket and is subject to the terms below.  Such license may be revoked without refund for non-compliance with terms.  Unlawful sale or attempted sale prohibited.  Tickets obtained from unauthorized sources may be invalid, lost, stolen or counterfeit and if so, are void.  
Only original tickets sold through authorized channels containing CBCF’s fraud-prevention markings will be honored and scanned for admission at event and will be valid for admission.  Tickets must be present in full and complete state, do not rip, tear or cut – it may be considered VOID.  Faxed, duplicated or copied versions of tickets are not valid.  
Events take place rain or shine.  No refunds or exchanges. Customer/user bears all risk including cancellation of the event and of inclement weather.  Do not purchase tickets from unauthorized sources as they may be lost, stolen or counterfeit, and if so, are VOID.  Except as authorized in writing by CBCF, tickets are not transferrable.
Your ticket may not be used for advertising, promotion or other trade purposes without written consent of CBCF.  Holder assumes all risks, hazards, and dangers occurring before, during or after event, including injury by any cause, or arising from or relating in any way to the risk of contracting a communicable disease or illness (including exposure to COVID-19, a bacteria, virus, or other pathogen capable of causing a communicable disease or illness), however cause or contracted, and hereby waives all claims and potential claims against, the venue, CBCF, participants, artists, promoters, and each of their respective representatives, affiliates and personnel.

Click here to view full policy.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations by phone are not accepted. Registration cancellations must be submitted in writing by 5:00 PM (EST) by August 26, 2026 to receive a registration refund, less a $40 processing fee. No refunds will be granted for cancellation requests received by CBCF after 5:00 PM (EST) August 26, 2026. To ensure proper processing, cancellation requests must be emailed to eventsupport@cbcfinc.org. For eligible cancellation requests, CBCF will issue the refund within 45 days following the conference. Refunds will be issued for the registration amount less a $40 processing fee. PLEASE NOTE: Donations are non-refundable. By completing your registration transaction, you signify that you agree to comply with the cancellation policy for this conference.

Substitution Policy

Registration substitution requests must be made in writing and must be submitted by the person who paid for the registration or by the original attendee by August 26, 2026. Requests may be sent via email to eventsupport@cbcfinc.org.

Yes, attendees can engage with one another in person within the Walter E. Washington Convention Center from September 16 - September 20, 2026

The mobile app will be available in the Apple and Android app stores at least one week out from the conference. Please search Annual Legislative Conference to locate the app.

On the app you will be able to access the full conference schedule, speakers, exhibit hall information and so much more.

The cost depends on the registration type that is selected and any additional a la carte events or receptions that are added. Please check out costs and register by visiting the Registration tab.

Click on the Register button at the top of this page. For the conference choose the registration option that you would like on the registration page. Most people will fall into the general attendee category. Please keep in mind that emerging leaders should be 25 and under and seniors are attendees that are 65 and over.

Click on the Register button at the top of this page. For the conference choose the registration option that you would like on the registration page. Most people will fall into the general attendee category. Please keep in mind that emerging leaders should be 25 and under and seniors are attendees that are 65 and over.

Maritz is the official housing provider for CBCF's 55th Annual Legislative Conference. To book a hotel room, simply click "HOTELS" in the top navigation bar to visit the ALC55 Hotel Booking Site.

For issues with the hotel site, contact Maritz at cbcfhotel@maritz.com or 864-541-0780 for support.

All media will need to complete an application to be considered to receive credentials for ALC55. Once your application is approved you will be provided with instructions on how to register. Media will have access to most of the sessions during the conference and will also have access to a media center for exclusive access to interviews. For additional questions, please email media@cbcfinc.org.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Resource Development at RD@cbcfinc.org.

The CBCF website www.cbcfinc.org and the ALC home page, will have the most up-to-date information on registration and the conference schedule. For information related to the Annual Legislative Conference, please contact our registration support team at eventsupport@cbcfinc.org.Due to the volume of inquires response times may vary but we try to respond to all requests within 72 hours.