United States Ombudsman Association’s 45th Annual Conference
Ripples of Impact: Enhancing the Ombuds Role from the Great Lakes
The Grand Traverse Resort
100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd, Acme, MI 49610
Pre-Conference Workshops: August 31-September 1, 2026
Main Conference: September 2-4, 2026
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Please continue to check the USOA Conference webpage for updates.
Main Conference registration options: (September 2-4, 2026)
- 1. Main Conference
- 2. Single-Day Conference
Pre-Conference registrations options: (August 31-September 1, 2026)
- 1. New Ombudsman Training (Monday & Tuesday)
- 2. Strategic Planning (Monday Only)
- 3. Conflict Management and Mediator Techniques (Tuesday Only)
- 4. Recentering Ombuds Principles Through Equine Assisted Learning (Tuesday Morning Only)
- 5. Future Proofing Child & Family Advocacy: A Pre-Conference Power Session
As you click into each registration option page, scroll down to find the "Register" button.
Early Bird Rate: Early Bird rates will be offered until July 17, 2026.
Registration will tentatively close on August 7, 2026.
*Payment notifications will be sent out August 10, 2026 for unpaid invoices. No registration refunds will be issued after August 14, 2026. Substitutions are allowed if someone is unable to attend after August 14, 2026. If the USOA does not receive confirmation of payment by August 14, 2026, then the registration will be canceled. (Please see additional information in Terms and Conditions below.)
For registration assistance, please CONTACT US.
USOA MEMBERS NOTE: To see and secure the member only pricing you must be logged in to the USOA website using your email and password. CLICK HERE to login. Email would be the email you use for USOA interactions. If you have forgotten your password, simply hit forgot password and the system will send a new password to your email.
NOT A MEMBER and want to secure the member pricing for the conference as well as, enjoy all the other benefits of membership? CLICK HERE to join.
Main Conference Registration
(September 2-4, 2026)
Includes:
- Attendance at the USOA Networking Event on Thursday, September 3, 2026
- Breakfast and lunch on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, Thursday, September 3, 2026, and Friday, September 4, 2026
Main Conference Registration Rates:
- USOA Early Bird Member: US $945.00
- Early Bird Non-Member: US $1050.00
- USOA Member: US $995.00
- Non-Member: US $1100.00
- Student: US $400.00 (*Confirmation of enrollment is required at the time of registration.)
Single-Day Registration:
Single-day registrations for Wednesday, Thursday, and/or Friday includes breakfast and lunch.
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
- USOA Early Bird Member: US $375.00
- Early Bird Non-Member: US $425.00
- USOA Member: US $400.00
- Non-Member: US $450.00
Thursday, September 3, 2026
- USOA Early Bird Member: US $375.00
- Early Bird Non-Member: US $425.00
- USOA Member: US $400.00
- Non-Member: US $450.00
Friday, September 4, 2026
- USOA Member: US $200.00
- Non-Member: US $225.00
Pre-Conference Registration
(August 31-September 1, 2026)
Pre-Conference Option #1: New Ombudsman Training (Two Day)
Monday, August 31, and Tuesday, September 1, 2026
This is a two-day, renowned training workshop for public sector ombudsmen and their staff new to the field. The faculty is made up of seasoned experts and fellow members of USOA. This training will take attendees through each stage of a dispute process and provide some of the tools necessary to better handle a variety of issues faced by ombudsman offices.
The pre-conference registration fee includes breakfast and lunch on Monday, August 31 and Tuesday, September 1. Attendance is capped at 80.
- USOA Early Bird Member: US $750.00
- Early Bird Non-Member: US $850.00
- USOA Member: US $800.00
- Non-Member: US $900.00
- Student: US $400.00 (*Confirmation of enrollment is required at time of registration.
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Pre-Conference Option #2: Strategic Planning Workshop
Monday, August 31, 2025 (Full Day)
The fee for this preconference session includes breakfast and lunch.
- USOA Early Bird Member: US $375.00
- Early Bird Non-Member: US $425.00
- USOA Member: US $400.00
- Non-Member: US $450.00
Strategic planning is both art and science, but most importantly it is an essential executive skill. This full-day pre-conference session will connect first-order research with practical tools to grow your ability to lead strategic planning. In this session you will learn:
- How to anchor your strategic plan in your organization’s culture.
- How to develop a true strategy at the heart of your plan.
- How to conduct a thoroughgoing environmental scan that delivers the right information to build a successful Plan.
- How to lead your people through a process that results in a shared mental model of the future and garners the buy-in to be successful.
- How to anticipate the inevitable obstacles and problems that will arise.
- How to develop an implementation strategy that ensures that your Plan does not sit on a shelf and gather dust.
- How to scope a project proposal if you choose to engage an outside consultant to guide your process.
This workshop will be led by Dr. Steven Goodwin, CEO of TurningWest. With his doctorate in Organization Development and more than 20 years of experience in consulting, he and his colleagues at TurningWest have led hundreds of strategic planning projects for nonprofits, government entities, and businesses from across North America. He will share from his vast experience what works and what doesn’t. You will come away from this workshop a stronger strategic thinker as well as a strategic leader.
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Pre-Conference Option #3: Conflict Management and Mediator Techniques
Tuesday September 1, 2026 (Full Day)
The pre-conference registration fee includes breakfast and lunch on Tuesday.
- USOA Early Bird Member: US $375.00
- Early Bird Non-Member: US $425.00
- USOA Member: US $400.00
- Non-Member: US $450.00
Participants will gain insight into the individual approach of addressing conflict, learn skills related to mediator techniques for use in conflict management, enhance and build upon current skills of conflict management, and be introduced to conflict intervention models rooted in the theories of mediation and restorative practices.
During the session, participants will complete an exercise for self-assessment of individual conflict styles and participate in small group activities to experiences techniques and meetings models to determine efficacy for real situations. Presenters will also introduce and discuss a variety of techniques – deemed best practices – used by mediators who perform as neutral third parties. They will also introduce and discuss meeting models aligned with theories of mediation and restorative practices.
The Dispute Resolution Center’s model is endorsed by the Michigan Supreme Court, State Court Administrative Office and resource that is evidenced based for conflict management and intervention.
The lead trainer is Belinda Dulin, executive director of the Dispute Resolution Center. She, along with members of her team, have a combined 80+ years of experience in dispute resolution.
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Pre-Conference Option #4: Recentering Ombuds Principles Through Equine Assisted Learning - Offsite location
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 (Morning Only)
The fee for this preconference session includes breakfast and transportation to the session.
- USOA Early Bird Member: US $225.00
- Early Bird Non-Member: US $250.00
- USOA Member: US $250.00
- Non-Member: US $275.00
Visit Peace Ranch to learn with horses. Experience neutrality, independence, and presence through embodied learning. Practice non-coercive influence and ethical leadership. Understand how systems respond to clarity vs. force. Reflect on how ombudsman principles operate beyond policy—in real-time human systems.
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Pre-Conference Option #5: Future Proofing Child & Family Advocacy: A Pre-Conference Power Session
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 (Afternoon Only)
The fee for this preconference session includes lunch.
- USOA Member: US $200.00
- Non-Member: US $225.00
Join the Children and Families Chapter for a fast-paced, essential half-day pre-conference deep dive into what's next for child and family well-being. Ombudsman work is always changing, so this pre-conference session is your go-to spot for exploring new advocacy tricks, emerging best practices, and killer ways to stand up for kids and their families.
We're packing this session with expert insights, lively discussions, and hands-on skill-buidling to give you practical tools you can use right away. Whether you're looking for fresh take on old problems or wants to network with colleagues who are pushing the envelope in advocacy, this pre-conference is your chance to team up, recharge, and renew your passion for this important mission. Walk out with solid, actionable know-how and a stronger network to crush your office's goals in the year ahead.
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NETWORKING EVENT GUEST REGISTRATION
Networking Event Guest Ticket Details
This ticket is only for those who wish to purchase an additional networking event ticket for their guest who is a non conference attendee (i.e. spouse).
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Payment Instructions:
If you are paying with a credit card, simply select pay online and the system will guide you through the process.
If you are paying by check, simply print a copy of your invoice and mail the check to: United States Ombudsman Association, 2500 W. 2nd Avenue, Suite 15, Indianola, IA 50125.
USOA conference attendee room block rate: $219/night + taxes/fees*
*Please note, the Grand Traverse Resort will match the federal rate based on the set rate at the time of the conference.
You must first register for the conference and then you will receive a link in your confirmation email for access to book a room at the USOA conference rate.
ROOM RESERVATIONS/LODGING MUST BE BOOKED SEPARATELY.
Hotel Rates, Reservations and Cancellation: After completing this registration form, you will be sent a unique link to book your rooms for the discounted rate of $219/night. This discounted rate will apply for August 26, 2026 and extending to September 7, 2026.
Additionally, please note, if you cancel your room within the conference block your deposit is refundable as long as you cancel more than 72 hours prior to scheduled arrival minus a $25 cancellation fee.
Cancellation and Refund Policies: The USOA will NOT refund any registration fees for cancellations made on or after August 14, 2026. Cancellations made prior to this date will be refunded in full.
Terms and Conditions: I understand participation in the 2026 United States Ombudsman Association (USOA) Conference is entirely voluntary, and as a conference attendee, I voluntarily assume all risks that may occur as a result of my participation in the conference, including, without limitation, the risk of property damage, illness, or personal injury (including death).
I understand and acknowledge I risk exposure to and contraction of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) by attending the 2026 USOA Conference in person, and my related travels to, from, and during the conference. I understand the risk of becoming exposed to or infected by COVID-19 at the 2026 USOA Conference may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of others who may attend the conference or their families, colleagues, or others with whom they may have contact. I acknowledge USOA makes no representations it has taken any safety precautions that relate to COVID-19 or exposure, and I understand, even if USOA has taken any proactive measures to reduce potential exposure, USOA has made no representation that those measures will in any way reduce or prevent the risks associated with exposure.
I hereby agree to release and hold harmless USOA, its directors, officers, employees, and representatives from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action, and all expenses incidental thereto (including attorney's fees), based upon or arising out of any loss (including financial loss), property damage, illness (including COVID-19), or personal injury (including death) caused by or resulting in any way from my participation in the 2026 USOA Conference.
Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this contract, including the formation, interpretation, breach or termination thereof, including whether the claims asserted are arbitrable, will be referred to and finally determined by arbitration in accordance with the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its Commercial Arbitration Rules. The place of arbitration will be Colorado. The language to be used in the arbitral proceedings will be English. Judgement upon the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. This Agreement and the rights of the parties hereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Alaska, exclusive of conflict or choice of law rules.
By completion and submission of any USOA Conference registration form, I certify I have read, fully understand, and agree to the terms of the terms and conditions stated above.
