We’re looking forward to seeing you soon at Pittsburgh for #ACUI26!
Event check-in will be on the Third Level of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center (East Lobby, City View), available Noon–5 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, and 8 a.m.–5 p.m. on Sunday, March 8. Please be sure to wear your name badge throughout the conference space and during all conference activities.
The full schedule is available in the ACUI Event Guide. Some information related to the conference, including session materials and the attendee list, are only available to registered conference attendees. You will need to create an account with Eventsential to access locked down features via the desktop site or the mobile app. Here is how you do that:
- Either visit the desktop site or download the Eventsential app from your phone’s app store.
- Select “Log In” in the upper right corner.
- As prompted, enter the email address used when you registered.
- If you have never created an account with Eventsential, it will ask for your first and last name, then send an email for you to sign in to the event (as confirmation of your identity).
- If you have created an account with Eventsential before, it will simply send an email that will allow you to sign in to the event.
- When logging in to Eventsential in the future, you will simply need to provide your email address, then use the link provided via email to access your account. There is no requirement to create a password.
- After our first all conference session, we will travel together to Acrisure Stadium and “kick-off” the conference. Attendees are invited to add songs to our #ACUI26 Opening Event Playlist to collaborate on the soundtrack at our opening event!
- Learn more about our all conference speakers on the app or web-based schedule.
- Celebrate your colleagues’ success! Awards will be presented throughout the all conference session all four days.
- This year’s sessions are organized by audience and core competency throughout the nine blocks in the schedule.
- Tuesday’s sessions will have mixed formats (25-minute flash sessions, standard 50-minute presentations, and 90-minute extended workshops).
- Wednesday afternoon will feature roundtable discussions to seek advice on topics you haven’t had a chance to explore, as well as Second Chance sessions—those determined onsite to be presented a second time.
- To increase access to educational content to a broader audience, some sessions will be recorded onsite in Pittsburgh.
- The ACUI Adventure is back offering on Monday, March 9 between 2–6 p.m.
- Register for adventure before 5 p.m. on Sunday at Hospitality in the Convention Center West Atrium on the Third Floor.
- If you have any questions about your #ACUI26 Adventure registration, please contact adventure@acui.org.
- Throughout the ACUI Marketplace and a Resource Fair on Tuesday, you’ll have chances to connect with various components of ACUI to learn more about their initiatives and opportunities to get involved—volunteering, fundraising, Communities of Practice, Regions, and more!
- New to ACUI? First-time attendees are encouraged to join us on the first day of the conference, Sunday, March 8 at 1 p.m. at the in-person Newcomers Welcome. A video recording of our virtual welcome session is available here.
- Regional engagement opportunities are available throughout the conference.
- Regional Welcomes & Meetings will be held on Sunday, March 8, 4–5 p.m.
- Battle of the Regions will be running throughout the conference with the Champions being announced at the closing banquet on Wednesday.
- There are still shifts available to help with the conference—sign up to volunteer here.
- Some socials and activities will have available slots, so be sure to sign up here.
- The Career Center will be open during key hours on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday—featuring sessions, resume reviews, and career connections. Check out the schedule here, and be sure to visit on site!
- The Conference Program Team has been actively partnering with Communities of Practice to offer at least one opportunity to connect in Pittsburgh. Review the schedule to find opportunities to network with others with similar interests!
All core activities will be hosted at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
Arriving by plane? You’ll enjoy the newly renovated Pittsburgh International Airport, reopening just in time for our arrival! For more resources to plan your trip, check out these resources from Visit Pittsburgh.
Getting from your hotel to the convention center:
- Westin Pittsburgh: take the second floor skybridge, an indoor walkway that offers direct access to the Convention Center. Once in the Convention Center, take the elevator to the 3rd Floor, and you will enter ACUI’s event space.
- AC Hotel: located directly across 11th St. and less than .2 miles to the main entrance. Enter the Convention Center through the East Lobby off of 10th St; take escalators to the 3rd Floor; and cross the pedestrian walkway to the City View side, where you’ll find ACUI’s meeting space.
- Courtyard Marriott Pittsburgh Downtown: located directly across Penn Ave, a short 1000 ft walk. Enter the Convention Center through the East Lobby off of 10th St; take escalators to the 3rd Floor; and cross the pedestrian walkway to the City View side, where you’ll find ACUI’s meeting space.
- Drury Plaza Pittsburgh Downtown: just over a ¼ mile, the hotel is a short 3½ block walk north to the convention center. Enter the Convention Center through the East Lobby off of 10th St; take escalators to the 3rd Floor; and cross the pedestrian walkway to the City View side, where you’ll find ACUI’s meeting space.
#ACUI26 Check-In: Event check-in will be on the Third Level of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center (East Lobby, City View), available Noon–5 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, and 8 a.m.–5 p.m. on Sunday, March 8. Please be sure to wear your name badge throughout the conference space and during all conference activities.
Wear what is comfortable and makes you feel good.
- Don’t forget comfortable shoes and a warm jacket for activities that may put you outdoors, and layers for Pittsburgh’s unpredictable weather.
- The closing banquet is dressier attire.
- Show your school spirit at our opening event in your favorite campus gear.
- Consider bringing a water bottle, notepad, bag/backpack to carry your belongings and device charger.
- You may want to pack items for the Conference Community Service program or Silent Auction.
Support the Education and Research Fund at this year’s conference and make a lasting impact by participating in exciting fundraising activities. Your contributions are an investment in the future of the profession, supporting scholarships and research. Below are the ways you can contribute during the conference.
- Silent Auction – Bid on incredible items or donate experiences, gift cards, and more!
- 50/50 Region Slip the Pot – Make a donation through Auctria or at the Education & Research Fund Desk. Half of your contribution supports scholarships and awards in your region, while the other half benefits the Education & Research Fund.
- ERF Fund Pin – Purchase a limited-edition 2026 Education and Research Fund Pin and show your support!
ACUI has partnered with Beverly’s PGH in their mission to celebrate children and families through their Three B’s—Birthdays, Babies, and Basics—providing essential items and joyful experiences that meet needs, build connection, and spark lasting hope.
Delegates will be able to contribute in the following ways:
- Drop off purchased items at the Hospitality & Information Center. We are collecting items for teenagers in the Pittsburgh area.
- $10 fast food gift card (McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy’s, Starbucks)
- Store gift cards (Walmart, GetGo, Sheetz Convenience Store)
- Card Games
- Speakers/Headphones
- Journals/Pens
- Deodorant/Body Spray
- Contribute online for Beverly PGH’s Classroom Cheer campaign.
You can learn more about our community service partner by visiting their website at beverlyspgh.org.
- Keep an eye on the weather! Add zip code 15222 to your weather app.
- Don’t forget, the clock springs forward one hour from 2 a.m. Eastern to 3 a.m. Eastern on Sunday, March 8.