ACCE 2026 Annual Convention: what to expect in New Orleans
Every July, chamber of commerce leaders from across the country gather for the ACCE Annual Convention. Here is a practical look at what the 2026 event in New Orleans holds, and how to get the most out of it if you are planning to attend.
· 5 min read
The basics
- Event
- ACCE 2026 Annual Convention (#ACCE26)
- Dates
- July 20–22, 2026
- City
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Venue
- Hyatt Regency New Orleans
- Registration
- $1,279 members (early) · $1,499 non-members
- Who attends
- Chamber CEOs, executives, and senior staff
What is the ACCE convention?
ACCE, the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, has supported chamber professionals since 1914. Today it connects more than 9,000 leaders from over 1,300 chambers, including most of the largest metro chambers in the country. Its Annual Convention is the year’s flagship gathering: a few days of education, peer connection, and best-practice sharing built specifically for the people who run chambers of commerce.
More than 60% of attendees are CEOs and vice presidents, with the rest made up of senior directors and managers, plus partners from economic development organizations and convention and visitors bureaus. If you lead or help run a chamber, it is one of the few rooms where nearly everyone shares your job.
When and where is ACCE 2026?
The 2026 convention, branded #ACCE26, runs July 20–22, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana, centered at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. Registration this year is simplified into a single all-inclusive ticket: $1,279 for ACCE members at the early rate (through July 3), $1,299 after that, and $1,499 for non-members. That ticket covers the major social events, including the welcome reception, the awards show, and the closing celebration at Mardi Gras World.
What does the schedule look like?
The program spans three days, moving from arrival-day orientation into two full days of plenaries, keynotes, and educational sessions. Here is the shape of it:
Monday, July 20
- Registration opens (12–6 p.m.)
- First-timer orientation and CEO peer networking groups
- Educational sessions and staff professional development
- Welcome gathering in The Circuit (4:30–6 p.m.)
Tuesday, July 21
- Opening plenary and ACCE annual meeting
- Keynote: Sheree Anne Kelly on “Thriving in Uncertainty”
- Educational content blocks throughout the day
- Awards reception and ceremony (5–7 p.m.)
Wednesday, July 22
- Keynote: Cheria Young on “Innovation Is Inefficient”
- Final educational sessions
- Closing celebration at Mardi Gras World (8–10 p.m.)
Who is keynoting?
Two keynotes anchor the 2026 program. On Tuesday, July 21, Sheree Anne Kelly speaks on “Thriving in Uncertainty,” exploring how resilience and innovation help chamber leaders build more agile, adaptable organizations. On Wednesday, July 22, culture strategist Cheria Young closes with “Innovation Is Inefficient: The Truth About Building Cultures of Innovation,” drawing on her work helping organizations like ALSAC/St. Jude top Fast Company’s list of best workplaces for innovators.
Tips for getting the most out of it
Register before July 3
The early ACCE member rate is $1,279; it rises to $1,299 after July 3, and non-member registration is $1,499. The all-inclusive ticket covers the welcome reception, awards show, and the closing party at Mardi Gras World.
Book the host hotel early
The convention is centered at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. Staying at the host hotel keeps you close to sessions, meals in The Circuit, and the impromptu hallway conversations that make ACCE worthwhile.
Start with the first-timer orientation
If this is your first ACCE, the Monday orientation and CEO peer groups are the fastest way to get oriented and meet people before the main program begins.
Plan around the peer connections
More than 60% of attendees are CEOs and vice presidents. Come with a short list of people and chambers you want to learn from, and leave room in your schedule for the conversations between sessions.
Heading to ACCE 2026?
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Details are based on information published by ACCE for the 2026 Annual Convention and may change. Confirm dates, pricing, and schedule at the official convention site before making plans.