NASHIA invites you to submit a proposal to host the annual 2026 State of the States (SOS) in Brain Injury conference.

Our event is designed to foster communication and professional development among state brain injury program professionals, advocacy agencies, community providers, researchers, clinicians, and other partners who are interested in expanding and improving services. 

BENEFITS FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION

Hosting the conference provides:

  • Opportunity for your state brain injury network to hear information on current trends and issues in best practices, federal policy, and research from state and federal leaders.

  • Educational credits for providers and professionals in your state.

  • Face-to-face connections with peers across the country to exchange information.

  • Economic benefits for your state.

  • Opportunities to highlight your state's leadership in promoting brain injury service delivery.

SCOPE OF WORK

Includes:

  • Identifying one person from your agency to work as a co-chair with NASHIA staff who are experienced in hosting the conference.

  • Working with the SOS planning committee to provide input on the agenda content and help to identify speakers. 

  • Guidance in developing a list of potential participants, sponsors, exhibitors, and oversight of conference arrangements.

  • Assistance with marketing the event, local arrangements, accessibility needs if possible, logistics as needed. 

*The host state co-chair must have a membership with NASHIA.

CONFERENCE VENUE

Must be able to accommodate:

  • A 3 1/2 day event, including a pre-conference workshop on Monday and a general conference Tuesday through Thursday noon. 

  • Meeting rooms for plenary sessions for approximately 250+ attendees and breakout rooms for concurrent sessions (3-4) for approximately 75 people.

  • Meals and breaks onsite.

  • Space for 25+exhibitors.

  • Lodging with a room block discount to at least local per diem pricing

  • Space for registration.

  • Access to transportation (i.e. nearby regional or larger airport, shuttle, or taxi service to hotel).

  • Conference to be held in September or October, avoiding general and religious holidays.

  • Any requested accessibility needs. 

WRITTEN PROPOSALS

Should include:

  • Location (city/state).

  • Ease of access to transportation for individuals across the country.

  • Hotel and Conference Center availability, cost, and accessibility.

  • Local commitment to develop planning, assist with onsite coordination, and ability to identify local sponsor support.

  • Commitment to securing at least $25,000 in sponsorships (NASHIA has existing SOS sponsors; the expectation is that the host identifies new connections to potential sponsors and provides a warm handoff to staff).

  • Commitment to marketing the conference to local staff and community partners with the goal of significant local attendance and support. 

  • Commitment to assisting with the annual service project and identification of additional local activities that enhance the experience of attendees.

  • Optional: provide photos of venue lobby and meeting spaces 

Submit your proposal to:


Rebeccah Wolfkiel, Executive Director
Email: rwolfkiel@nashia.org
 
Deadline for submissions: March 1, 2025