2027 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.
Wednesday, January 20, 2027
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Off-Site Optional Field Trips
Optional off-site activities with separate registrations and extra fees required. Tour attendees should meet in the hotel lobby at 8:00 a.m.
12:00 - 12:15 p.m.
Opening Welcome
Walter Qualls, 2026 APA President
12:15 - 1:15 p.m.
Featured Keynote Presentation
Inclusion through Innovation
Keynote Speaker: Gordon Hartman
Course Numbers: 1 HR, all credit self-report
Description: Inclusion through Innovation explores how challenging conventional thinking can transform communities and create opportunities for people of all abilities. Gordon Hartman will share how a commitment to inclusion has inspired innovative solutions—from accessible recreation and workforce development to education and research—demonstrating that when we design with everyone in mind, we create stronger communities for all.
1:15 - 1:30 p.m.
Break
Visit Exhibitors and the JBMS Raffle Table
3:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Break
Networking Activity
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Designing to Accommodate
Presenter: Robert Luna
Course Numbers: 1 HR, APAC-BE #182 1 CEU, AIA/CES #APA 371 1 LU|HSW, ADACC 1 Elective, ICC #53426 0.10 CEU
Description: Minimum code compliance ensures legality, but does it ensure usability? This course highlights the everyday spatial challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and demonstrates how architects and designers can seamlessly design beyond baseline ADA standards. Our discussions will allow us to understand and learn how to create fully integrated, inclusive environments that do more than just accommodate—they empower everyone to live, travel, work, and thrive together.
Level: Intermediate
5:10 - 5:50 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 21, 2027
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 - 10:30 a.m.
Playground Doozies: Tackling Complex Play Area Compliance Challenges
Presenters: Bill Botten & Jennifer Skulski
Course Numbers: 1.5 HR, APAC-BE #183 1.5 CEU, AIA/CES #APA 372 1.5 LU|HSW, ADACC 1.5 Elective, ICC #53427 0.15 CEU
Description: More than 25 years after the playground accessibility guidelines were introduced, compliance challenges remain common—even in new construction. In this session, Jennifer and Bill explore some of the most complex and frequently misunderstood issues in accessible playground design. Through real-world examples and challenging technical questions, attendees will examine the application of ADA play area standards, the relationship between ADA and ASTM requirements, common pitfalls with innovative play components, and the ongoing challenge of accessible surfacing. Participants will gain practical strategies to improve design review, construction oversight, and long-term accessibility in public play environments.
Level: Intermediate
9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
2026 ICC A117.1: Significant Changes
Presenter: John Gonzales
Course Numbers: 1.5 HR, APAC-BE #184 1.5 CEU, AIA/CES #APA 373 1.5 LU|HSW, ADACC 1.5 Elective, ICC #53428 0.15 CEU
Description: This course offers coverage of the important changes from the 2017 to the 2026 ICC A117.1 Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. The seminar identifies important changes in organization, accessibility standard requirements and the applicability of these requirements to design, plan review and inspection. This high-level overview will assist attendees in identifying the specific changes and the reasons for the changes.
Level: Intermediate
10:30 - 10:45 a.m.
Break
Visit Exhibitors and the JBMS Raffle Table
Breakout #2
10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Beware: Accessibility Amendments - The Code Gotchas!
Presenters: Matt Lescher & Angela Shapiro
Course Numbers: 1.5 HR, APAC-BE #185 1.5 CEU, AIA/CES #APA 374 1.5 LU|HSW, ADACC 1.5 Elective, ICC #53429 0.15 CEU
Description: This course travels across a great number of states and jurisdictions in the US to explore unique accessibility code amendments. We will dive into the Building Code adoption process and discuss the research methods necessary to discover and correctly apply these differences in the codes. Accessibility amendments cannot be ignored! Otherwise, they may rear their heads during plan check or building inspections, and that's when the Gotchas Getcha!
Level: Intermediate
10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
When Product Selection Makes or Breaks Accessibility: Innovative Solutions for Multifamily Housing
Presenters: Rex Pace & Rita Kuhn
Course Numbers: 1.5 HR, APAC-BE #186 1.5 CEU, AIA|CES #APA 375 1.5 LU|HSW, ADACC 1.5 Elective, ICC #53430 0.15 CEU
Description: Product selection can be the difference between an accessible design that works and one that fails in the field. This session explores how product decisions affect accessibility in multifamily housing, using examples ranging from everyday hardware and cabinetry to specialized accessible and adjustable products. We’ll examine common failure points, innovative solutions, and practical strategies for evaluating and specifying products. American Bath Group then serves as a manufacturer case study, demonstrating how accessibility requirements, user needs, design constraints, installation realities, and innovation can help bridge the gap between minimum code compliance and real-world usability.
Level: Intermediate
12:15 - 12:45 p.m.
Lunch and Networking
12:45 - 1:15 p.m.
APA Annual Meeting
1:15 - 1:25 p.m.
Break
Breakout #3
1:25 - 3:25 p.m.
In the Weeds: Parsing the Language of Standards with a Purpose
Presenter: Jonathan White
Course Numbers: 2 HR, APAC-BE #187 2 CEU, AIA/CES #APA 376 2 LU, ADACC 2 Elective, ICC #53431 0.20 CEU
Description: This session discusses the importance of using precise language when writing reports, and discusses how to analyze the language of applicable standards to ensure that the conclusions you draw and the opinions that you give have a solid foundation. The session will give examples of precise and imprecise language, offer suggestions on how to improve the language you use when writing reports, and provide an opportunity for participants to debate various interpretations of language.
Level: Advanced
1:25 - 2:25 p.m.
Accessibility in Design: Comparing TAS, PROWAG, and 2017 ANSI A117.1
Presenter: Elaine Andersen
Course Numbers: 1 HR, APAC-BE #190 1 CEU, AIA/CES #APA 379 1 LU|HSW, ADACC 1 Elective, ICC #53434 0.10 CEU
Description: This course provides a practical comparison of three key accessibility standards and guidelines used in the design of accessible sites: the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS), Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG), and 2017 ANSI A117.1.
Participants will examine the similarities, differences, and intended applications of each code as they relate to accessible design in sites, sidewalks, streets, and other public spaces. Through side-by-side comparisons, the course will explore how requirements for exterior pedestrian elements and other accessibility elements may vary depending on the project type and applicable standard with specific project examples to include typical ROW, multifamily and commercial sites.
Level: Intermediate
2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Tech Talks: Texas Caucus 2027
Presenter: Robert Green
Course Numbers: 1HR, APAC-BE #194 1 CEU, AIA/CES #APA 383 1 LU, ADACC 1 Elective, ICC #53677 0.10 CEU
Description: Course participants will participate in a discussion session on topics that RASs face on a regular basis.
Level: Intermediate
3:25 - 3:35 p.m.
Break
Visit Exhibitors and the JBMS Raffle Table
3:35 - 4:10 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.
4:10 - 4:15 p.m.
Break
4:15 - 5:45 p.m.
Review of Civil Drawings for Compliance: Key Considerations
Presenter: Jim Safranek
Course Numbers: 1.5 HR, APAC-BE #180 1.5 CEU, AIA/CES #APA 369 1.5 LU|HSW, ADACC 1.5 Elective, ICC #53424 0.15 CEU
Description: Non-compliant sidewalks and parking spaces are a common, easily noticed issue when it comes to accessibility compliance. They often appear near the final stages of new construction and are very challenging to fix. This presentation will seek to prevent this and other non-compliant site elements from occurring, by aiding individuals, at the design stage, to recognize and address key issues when reviewing civil engineering drawings for accessibility compliance.
Level: Advanced
4:15 - 5:15 p.m.
What's New with Elevators and Accessibility
Presenter: Eric Powell
Course Numbers: 1 HR, APAC-BE #188 1 CEU, AIA/CES #APA 377 1 LU|HSW, ADACC 1 Elective, ICC #53432 0.10 CEU
Description: This course highlights the accessibility code requirements for elevators and platform lifts. It includes information on recent code updates as well as a description of existing requirements. It focuses on ICC/ANSI A117.1, but includes provisions in other codes.
Level: Intermediate
5:45 - 7:00 p.m.
Happy Hour with Cash Bar / JBMS Raffle Winners Announced
Friday, January 22, 2027
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: IBC & A117.1: Doubts About The Dynamic Duo
Presenter: Jim Safranek, APA Tech Standards Committee
Course Numbers: 1 HR, APAC-BE #189 1 CEU, AIA/CES #APA 378 1 LU|HSW, ADACC 1 Elective, ICC #53433 0.10 CEU
Description: For accessibility compliance, the connection between scoping and technical requirements is paramount. However, what if that connection is tenuous or in some cases…missing? This presentation will discuss this topic and identify several notable locations of weak and omitted links between scoping and technical requirements. The presentation will also compare areas with these weak/omitted links between several prominent, overlapping accessibility standards, to understand their impact.
Level: Advanced
8:40 - 8:50 a.m.
The Year Ahead: The Wonders of Accessibility
Remarks from Matt Lescher, 2027 APA President
8:50 - 9:00 a.m.
Break
Visit Exhibitors
Breakout #5
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
What Laws Apply to Housing Access & Why: Follow the Money
Presenters: Bill Hecker & Mark Mazz
Course Numbers: 2 HR, APAC-BE #191 2 CEU, AIA|CES #APA 380 2 LU|HSW, ADACC 2 Elective, ICC #53435 0.20 CEU
Description: In this time of massive ADA, Section 504 and FHA public housing litigation in Chicago and LA, it is critical to understand which accessibility laws apply to various housing developments and why. Mark Mazz & Bill Hecker will draw on years of federal litigation experience to share lessons learned via regulations, standards, flow charts and interactive case studies to synthesize the complex accessibility laws often required in residential projects. Join us for a deep dive into housing accessibility.
Level: Intermediate
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Administrative Requirements of the RAS per Law and Rule
Presenters: Marsha Godeaux & Jonathan Sparks
Course Numbers: 2 HR, AIA/CES #APA 384 2 LU, ICC #53687 0.20 CEU
Description: Designed for both newly licensed and experienced Registered Accessibility Specialists (RAS), this comprehensive course provides an in-depth analysis of the regulatory frameworks and operational workflows governing accessibility compliance in Texas. Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the statutory intent behind administrative documentation, ensuring greater precision, compliance, and efficiency in their daily practice.
Level: Intermediate
11:00 - 11:15 a.m.
Break
Visit Exhibitors
Breakout #6
11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Confusion in Plain “Site”: Common ADA Mistakes
Presenter: Josh Schorr
Course Numbers: 1.5 HR, APAC-BE #193 1.5 CEU, AIA/CES #APA 382 1.5 LU|HSW, ADACC 1.5 Elective, ICC #53437 0.15 CEU
Description: This course will highlight commonly missed, misunderstood, or forgotten requirements of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. The presenter will highlight and clarify technical requirements in the Standards. The course will focus on correct design of features and elements that are required to be accessible in new construction and alterations of most Title II and Title III facilities. Some examples of elements to be covered include lavatories, doors, signs, and handrails.
Level: Intermediate
11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Canadian Accessibility: What We Can Learn from Our Neighbors to the North
Presenter: Joshua Klyber
Course Numbers: 1.5 HR, APAC-BE #192 1.5 CEU, AIA/CES #APA 381 1.5 LU|HSW, ADACC 1.5 Elective, ICC #53436 0.15 CEU
Description: An introduction to the accessibility code landscape in Canada. Looking at existing federal, national, and provincial codes, all scales will be discussed from high-level legal frameworks to specific technical details that are different from US based approaches. We will also review standards currently under development and non-profit certifications to identify where we can advance our own through amendments and best practices.
Level: Intermediate
1:30 - 5:00 p.m.
APAC-BE Exam
NOTE: Conference registration does not include exam registration.
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 Certification (ADACC). 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.