WACA National Conference 2026

The 2026 conference is at The Mayflower Hotel in Washington DC.

The organizer lists Council leaders and staff, board members, local Council members and donors, 1918 Society supporters, students, emerging leaders, educators, and community leaders.

It is most useful for staff, board members and donors of local World Affairs Councils who want to trade practices with the wider network, since the conference is described as a working convening of Councils alongside a broader gathering of supporters. Students and emerging leaders are also included in the audience, but foreign policy specialists looking for technical or research-heavy sessions would get less from it, since the stated focus is public engagement with global issues through local Councils.

Attendees at Washington foreign affairs and civic gatherings usually wear business professional, with suits or blazers and dresses or dress slacks. The Mayflower Hotel setting and a November date suggest a coat for getting around the city.