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- 2026 - Charlotte, NC
2026 - Charlotte, NC
Start Your Engines!
Join National PELRA in Charlotte, North Carolina at the Westin Charlotte for the 2026 Annual Training Conference, to be held from April 19-22, 2026. This unique opportunity is a chance for professionals to shift into high gear and to learn, be inspired, and network with other professionals. We hope to see you there!
Please note that speakers for the 2026 ATC have been selected at this time. Stay tuned for future information about session proposals for 2027.
Members: $1,100
Non-Members: $1,315
Cancel prior to December 1, 2025 at no cost
- Full Conference Attendee Registration
- Pre and Post-Conference Registration
- Conference Guest Pass
- Sponsors/Exhibitors/Speakers
Hotel Room Block Reservation Link
$249/night
Room Block Expires: March 26, 2026
Conference keynote and breakout sessions to be held at the Westin Charlotte.
Admission to the conference requires registration. Attendance at the Pre-or-Post Conference sessions require additional registration and are not included in the Conference fee. Unless otherwise negotiated with National PELRA ('National'), all attendees are required to register and make payment to attend the 2026 Charlotte Conference ('Conference'). Failure to make payment prior to the Conference, or provide proof of pending payment such as an official purchase order, may result in denied access to the Conference.
Conference registration is not limited to registered members of National. Attendance is restricted and only available to individuals that would meet the criteria for National membership, whether a membership is obtained. Any attendee or registrant that is determined to not meet membership eligibility may be denied entrance or have their registration canceled by National at its sole and absolute discretion. A refund will be provided, if applicable. Paid conference guests are permitted to attend social events for which they have registered so long as their professional association(s) and or activities do conflict with the Conference and association goals and mission to support public employers. Guest registrations are only available to guests who are accompanying a Conference attendee.
Conference ID badges are required to gain access and attend all Conference functions. Failure to possess your ID badge at any given time may result in denied access to an event or removal from the grounds at the discretion of National. National may take photos or videos of any and all Conference events, which make include conference attendees in the media. By registering for the Conference, you provide your consent to be included in Conference photos and videos for future marketing materials, including materials which may be published by National, its sponsors, speakers, and exhibitors.
Refunds shall incur a minimum $100 fee when made after December 1, 2025. This cancelation fee will increase based on financial commitments National has made to the hotel and conference center and related vendors based on your registration. No refund or future credit is provided for cancelations made after March 13, 2026. The inability to attend due to personal, business, or medical conflicts shall not constitute as cause for cancelation or refunds, provided, however, that any exigent circumstances shall be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and addressed after the Conference closes. Registration may be transferred to another member of the same organization to avoid cancelation fees and canceled registration, provided National is notified in writing no later than April 3, 2026. New attendee shall pay the difference in member/non-member registration, if any, immediately to complete the transfer process.
Retired and want to stay engaged? Connect with National PELRA team member Kelsia Buxton to receive 50% off the registration rate.
Air Travel
- Charlotte-Douglas International Airport
- 15 Minutes from the Westin Charlotte
- Public transit to hotel available via CATS
Rail Travel
- Amtrak - The Carolinian
- Stops from New York to Charlotte
- 10 minutes from the Westin Charlotte
- Public transit to hotel available via CATS
National PELRA Board of Directors positioned the organization as an official recertification provider. Pre-and-Post Conference Sessions list the eligible SHRM credits, and all conference attendees will receive information after the program on the 2026 Charlotte conference SHRM and HRCI credits.
National PELRA does not officially register with each state of all conference attendees and does not provide official CLE credits for attorneys. Consistent with recent years, attendees will have the option to digitally check in/out of sessions and receive a document after the conference listing the sessions that attendees may try to utilize for CLE credits and recertification(s).
Everyone's favorite photographer from is back!
Keep an eye on the final program schedule to ensure you take advantage of an updated professional headshot to download for free.
Explore the Queen City
Dive into the Motorsports Experience
Located only a few blocks from the Conference hotel, the NASCAR Hall of Fame offers interactive experiences and exhibits highlighting the history of NASCAR. For those looking for more, the Charlotte Motor Speedway hosts tours daily and various racing experiences.
Check out Local Eats
Looking for a place to eat in town? The Market at 7th Street is a non-profit food hall and retail space designed to showcase small businesses in the community. There is also Optimist Hall, which is known as Charlotte's premier food hall and features three dine-in restaurants, 20+ food stalls, local retail shops, and events all year long.
Find Adventure
Just 20 minutes south of Charlotte is Carowinds, an award winning amusement park located between North and South Carolina. Thrill-seekers can also visit the popular Whitewater Center, which offers whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and a host of ropes courses and ziplines.
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Carowinds
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Freedom Park
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Market at 7th St
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Optimist Hall
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NASCAR Hall of Fame
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Charlotte Motor Speedway
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Whitewater Center