2026 APA National Conference Schedule
Important Notices Regarding the Conference Schedule
All times for sessions, breaks, and events are listed in Central Time (CT). The schedule is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances or speaker adjustments. We recommend checking this page often for the most current information.
Courses marked with *** may be of particular interest to Registered Accessibility Specialists.
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Tour of Q2 Stadium
Optional off-site activity with separate registration and extra fees required. Tour attendees should meet in the hotel lobby at 8:00 a.m. for carpooling to the stadium.
12:00 - 12:15 p.m.
Opening Welcome
Gene Boecker, 2025 APA President
12:15 - 1:15 pm
Featured Keynote Presentation
Accessibility as an Act of Empowerment
Speaker: Karen Braitmayer
Course Numbers: 1 HR, APAC-BE #168 1 CEU, AIA/CES #APA 355 1 LU, ACTCP 1 Elective, ICC #49053 .10 CEU
Description: Since 1990, Karen L. Braitmayer, FAIA, founder and managing principal of Studio Pacifica, has deftly combined her lived experience as a member of the disabled community and her professional expertise in architecture to support project partners in the design, development, and construction community in creating beautiful, barrier-free spaces. In this keynote, Karen will reflect on how perceptions towards accessibility have evolved in her lifetime, how the work we collectively do influences that change, and the impact of environments that strive to truly welcome all. Through a wealth of experiences, some favorite examples, and her wry sense of humor, Karen will open your eyes to life at a different line of sight and encourage attendees to consider how we might better serve our communities.
1:25 - 3:25 p.m.
Accessible Means of Egress ***
Speaker: Kimberly Paarlberg
Course Numbers: 2 HR, APAC-BE #159 2 CEU, AIA/CES #APA 345 2 LU|HSW, ACTCP 2 Elective, ICC #48953 .20 CEU
Description: This seminar explores the provisions for Accessible Means of Egress (AMOE) systems provisions in the International Building Code (IBC), explaining how these systems must comply with ICC A117.1 and the 2010 ADA Standards.
Level: Intermediate
3:40 - 5:10 p.m.
Lived Experience: Lessons from Above the Standard
Panelists: Joshua Klyber (moderator), Kori Allen, Karen Braitmayer, and Marsha Mazz
Course Numbers: 1.5 HR, APAC-BE #156 1.5 CEU, AIA/CES #341 1.5 LU|HSW, ACTCP 1.5 Elective, ICC #48949 .15 CEU
Description: This panel discussion features accessibility experts who will share their lived experiences (including mobility, blindness, stature, and neurodivergency) to offer unique insights. The informal format aims to go beyond minimum standards by exploring the rationale and design provisions that truly improve accessibility.
Level: Intermediate
5:15 - 6:00 p.m.
Speed Networking
Ready to grow your professional circle in minutes? Join this structured, high-energy session to meet new colleagues one-on-one.
Thursday, January 22, 2026
IMPORTANT: Thursday is dedicated entirely to Breakout Sessions.
Two different classes will occur simultaneously during every time slot. Please pay close attention to the schedule and conflicting times as you plan your day and select your sessions.
Breakout #1
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Behind the Paperwork: Ownership Research and State Processes Demystified ***
Speakers: Marsha Godeaux and Jonathan Sparks
Course Numbers: 2 HR, all CE for this course will need to be self-reported
Description: This session takes a deep dive into the essential documentation and state procedures surrounding ownership verification and compliance within the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) process. We’ll walk through the acceptable documents that must accompany the Limited Liability Ownership (LLO) form, discuss how to address discrepancies between County Appraisal District records and client-provided information, and clarify what TDLR looks for when verifying a signer’s authority on the LLO form. Attendees will also learn the correct steps to follow in the Texas Architectural Barriers online System (TABS) when ownership changes occur, and understand the potential penalties that owners, Registered Accessibility Specialists (RAS), and designers may face if required documentation is incomplete or missing. By the end of this session, participants will have a practical roadmap for ensuring accuracy, compliance, and accountability in every stage of the ownership research and submittal process.
Level: Intermediate
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
HUD’s Section 504 Design Requirements and Use of the 2010 ADA Standards under the “Deeming Notice”
Speakers: Bill Hecker & John Torkelson
Course Numbers: 2 HR, APAC-BE #171 2 CEU, AIA/CES #APA 357 2 LU/HSW, ACTCP 2 Elective, ICC #49972 .20 CEU
Description: This session will give an overview of the design requirements for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Section 504 requirements under the Rehabilitation Act that affect almost all federally funded housing projects. Key regulatory requirements affecting construction will be highlighted. Most of the session’s discussion will focus on HUD’s “deeming notice,” which permits state and local governments to align their housing efforts more closely with the requirements of the 2010 ADA Standards, provided that the more stringent provisions of the 504 regulations are maintained. Each provision cited in the notice will be reviewed, with emphasis on the critical differences from the 2010 ADA Standards.
Level: Intermediate
Breakout #2
11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
2017 A117.1 Significant Changes ***
Speaker: Kimberly Paarlberg
Course Numbers: 1 HR, APAC-BE #158 1 CEU, AIA/CES #APA 344 1 LU|HSW, ACTCP 1 Elective, ICC #48952 .10 CEU
Description: This course offers an overview of the major changes from the 2009 to the 2017 A117.1 Accessibility Standard. It identifies important revisions to the organization of the standard, including changes and new technical provisions for accessible elements, as well as the applicability of these requirements to design, plan review, and inspection.
Level: Intermediate
11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Alterations: A Review of Requirements in the ADA Standards
Speaker: Josh Schorr
Course Numbers: 1 HR, APAC-BE #157 1 CEU, AIA/CES #343 1 LU|HSW, ACTCP 1 Elective, ICC #48951 .10 CEU
Description: This presentation will outline the requirements in the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for alterations to existing facilities.
Level: Introductory
12:15 - 12:45 p.m.
Lunch and networking
12:45 - 1:15 p.m.
APA Annual Meeting
Breakout #3
1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Starting Your Own Business: Best Practices and Lessons Learned ***
Panelists: Nanette Odell (moderator), Kimberly Goss, James Terry, John Torkelson, and Shannon Black from SCORE
Course Numbers: 1.5 HR, APAC-BE #167 1.5 CEU, AIA/CES #APA 354 1.5 LU, ICC #49052 .15 CEU
Description: If you've just started or want to start your own business, you don't want to miss this panel discussion from entrepreneur experts. Come prepared to hear how they started, what they would have done differently, what they've learned, and best practices for getting started.
Level: Introductory
1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Inspector Skills (Part 1)
Speaker: Tim Ryan
Course Numbers: 1.5 HR, APAC-BE #165 1.5 CEU, AIA/CES #APA 352 1.5 LU, ACTCP 1.5 Elective, ICC #49050 .15 CEU
Description: This course addresses the soft skills essential for construction inspectors to excel in their mission to ensure safe, code-compliant buildings for the public.
Level: Introductory
3:10 - 3:40 p.m.
APA Committee Meetings
Explore APA's committees, learn what they do, and discover how you can get involved to contribute directly to the association's work.
Breakout #4
3:40 - 5:40 p.m.
Tools of the Trade: Accessibility Review Platforms ***
Speaker: Joshua Kuphal and Leah Schoelles
Course Numbers: 2 HR, APAC-BE #124 2 CEU, AIA/CES #APA 305 2 LU, ACTCP 2 Elective, ICC #41533 .20 CEU
Description: This presentation will familiarize attendees with the unique characteristics of BlueBeam Revu and its practical application in reviewing drawings as part of providing accessibility consulting services. The course will also explore the features of Autodesk Construction Cloud’s (ACC) software, Build, and its potential for recording site observations and issuing field reports.
Level: Intermediate
Important Note: This course was previously offered as a webinar by APA. Depending on the rules of your licensing agency, credit may not be available for repeated courses.
3:40 - 5:10 p.m.
Inspector Skills (Part 2)
Speaker: Tim Ryan
Course Numbers: 1.5 HR, APAC-BE #166 1.5 CEU, AIA/CES #APA 353 1.5 LU, ACTCP 1.5 Elective, ICC #49051 .15 CEU
Description: This course addresses the soft skills essential for construction inspectors to excel in their mission to ensure safe, code-compliant buildings for the public.
Level: Introductory
5:45 - 7:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Happy Hour with Cash Bar / JBMS Raffle Winners Announced
Texas Chapter Dinner at La Margarita Restaurante
1530 I 35 N Frontage Rd, Round Rock, TX 78681
Join your fellow chapter members for an informal networking dinner. RSVPs required. The TXC dinner is at capacity. RSVPS are closed at this time.
Attendees are responsible for their own meal and beverage charges.
Rocky Mountain Chapter Dinner Jack Allen's Kitchen
2500 Hoppe Trail, Round Rock, TX 78681
Join your fellow chapter members for an informal networking dinner. RSVPs required.
Attendees are responsible for their own meal and beverage charges.
Friday, January 23, 2026
IMPORTANT: Friday has two breakout sessions.
Two different classes will occur simultaneously during these time slots. Please pay close attention to the schedule and conflicting times as you plan your day and select your sessions.
7:40 - 8:40 a.m.
Tech Talk: Thorny Accessibility Issues: Apartment Projects
Speaker: Jim Safranek, APA Tech Standards Committee
Course Numbers: 1 HR, APAC-BE #164 1 CEU, AIA/CES #351 1 LU|HSW, ACTCP 1 Elective, ICC #48959 .10 CEU
Description: The presentation will address a handful of highly challenging accessibility issues (with unique attributes) that accessibility consultants often encounter when reviewing privately funded apartment projects. Presentation attendees will be encouraged to engage on the various issues and participate in a discussion, sharing their related knowledge and experience, to provide a broader, richer perspective on the matter.
Level: Advanced
8:40 - 8:50 a.m.
The Year Ahead: Growing Stronger Together
Remarks from Walter Qualls, 2026 APA President
Breakout #5
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
The Accessible Design Accreditation Initiative: Critical Redirection in Designer Education
Speaker: Richard Sternadori
Course Numbers: 2 HR, APAC-BE #169 2 CEU, AIA/CES #APA 356 2 LU, ACTCP 2 Elective, ICC #49054 .20 CEU
Description: The Accessible Design Accreditation Initiative (ADAI) is a long-overdue educational program proposing that architectural schools and their national accreditation agencies incorporate academic learning objectives based on the foundational principles of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, the International Code Council model codes, and the ICC/ANSI A117.1. The ADAI aims to better educate future architects by ensuring educational outcomes emphasizing the core philosophies of accessible design, and that the national accreditation systems recognize the model codes and the ADA regulations as essential texts. The participants learn about the current progress, supporters, and discuss the ADAI Best Practices Guidance. (BPG) The BPG is an extensive tutorial designed to assist faculty and students, inform academic curricula, accreditation protocols, and relevant licensing examinations.
Level: Advanced
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Follow-Up Q&A Panel: TDLR Ownership Verification and Compliance ***
Panelists: Marsha Godeaux and Charlotte Melder
Course Numbers: 1 HR, all CE for this course will need to be self-reported
Description: This will be a Q&A follow-up session designed to provide clear, authoritative answers to questions arising from Thursday's course, "Behind the Paperwork: Ownership Research and State Processes Demystified." To ensure the most productive use of time, questions will be gathered and vetted following Thursday's session.
Level: Intermediate
10:05 - 11:05 a.m.
Tech Talks: Texas Caucus 2026 ***
Discussion Leader: Corey Credeur, 2026 APA Texas Chapter President
Course Numbers: 1 HR, APAC-BE #170 1 CEU, AIA/CES #342 1 LU, ACTCP 1 Elective, ICC #48950 .10 CEU
Course participants will engage in a discussion session on topics that RASs frequently encounter.
Level: Intermediate
Breakout #6
11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
When Firmness and Stability Count: Adopting a Field Test Method for 302
Speaker: William Botten and Jennifer Skulski
Course Numbers: 1.5 HR, APAC-BE #161 1.5 CEU, AIA/CES #APA 347 1.5 LU|HSW, ACTCP 1.5 Elective, ICC #48955 .15 CEU
Description: How do you really know if the surface material for an exterior accessible route, a pedestrian trail, shared use path, within a pedestrian access route, picnic area, or playground really is firm and stable as required by the accessibility standards? In this session, leading national experts on park and recreation access, Bill and Jennifer will present the RESNA proposed standard and field test protocol to measure the firmness and stability of ground surfaces.
Level: Intermediate
11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Universal Design of Airports: Beyond the ADA
Speaker: Joshua Klyber
Course Numbers: 1.5 HR, APAC-BE #160 1.5 CEU, AIA/CES. #APA 346 1.5 LU|HSW, ACTCP 1.5 Elective, ICC #48954 .15 CEU
Description: Airports are coming under additional scrutiny regarding inclusionary practices, and their design now requires them to go above and beyond ADA compliance. This presentation details many of the current universal design best practices in airport design using Portland, SeaTac, and others as examples. Addressing wayfinding, ticketing, lounges, sensory, and multi-faith rooms, we will address critical elements to incorporate and pitfalls to avoid. Additionally, there will be a brief introduction to the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) and how it is being applied at airports.
Level: Introductory
1:30 - 5:00 p.m.
APAC-BE Exam
NOTE: Conference registration does not include exam registration. Separate registration is required, and all exam candidates must be approved before registering for the exam.
Continuing Education: APA is a registered provider with the American Institute of Architects (AIA/CES Provider #G583), the APA Certification Program (APAC Preferred Provider #101), the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR Provider #0007855 / License #PVD312), and the International Code Council (ICC Preferred Provider #1321), and it offers pre-verified credits for the ADA Coordinator Training Certification Program (ACTCP). Numerous organizations, including the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, accept APA training for CE requirements; attendees are responsible for confirming course requirements for their licenses and certifications.
DISCLAIMER: APA makes no representation or warranty as to services provided by its members/specialists/professionals, including, but not limited to, any errors or omissions of such members/specialists/professionals in the performance of services offered by such members/specialists/professionals. APA does not give legal advice, and the opinions offered in training presentations are those of the author and not APA itself.