How to Make the Most of the 2026 Disability:IN Global Conference & Expo

The Disability:IN Global Conference & Expo is the world's largest event for accessibility and disability inclusion in business. Every aspect of the event is designed to help professionals build relationships, gain practical insights, and identify strategies they can bring back to their organizations. With hundreds of sessions, networking events, and business development opportunities happening throughout the week, a little planning can go a long way.

Whether you're a first timer or a returning attendee, these tips can help you maximize your conference experience.

1. Set Yourself Up for Success

Before you arrive in Dallas, carefully review the Know Before You Go information, emailed to attendees during the two weeks leading up to the event. This is where attendees can learn how to access and use the Conference App, review accessibility information, explore FAQs, and find other key details to help prepare for the week.

This is one you’ll want to pin to the top of your inbox!

2. Build Your Personal Agenda

With multiple days of programming, networking opportunities, and special events, it helps to review the online agenda early and plan ahead.

Explore the sessions and speakers most aligned to your goals, with breakouts and plenaries covering:

• AI and emerging technology
• Neuroinclusive talent strategy
• Accessibility, customer experience, and digital innovation
• Marketing, communications, and brand engagement
• Product and design innovation
• Supplier inclusion and procurement
• Leadership, strategy, and business growth

Then, use the Conference App to build your personal agenda, bookmark sessions, and stay connected throughout the week. (App access will be granted to registered attendees in the weeks leading up to the event.)

Plus: Companies who are part of Inclusion Works gain access to the INsider Summit on Monday, July 27. This closed-door session gives these companies the opportunity to learn from their peers through conversations exclusive to this network.

‍

3. Schedule Meetings Before You Arrive

The conference brings together thousands of professionals from leading companies, creating a rare opportunity to connect with current and prospective business partners in one place.

Use the week strategically. Schedule time with clients, customers, prospects, suppliers, and peers before you arrive. Whether you're strengthening existing relationships, exploring new opportunities, or exchanging ideas with industry leaders, these conversations often become some of the most valuable outcomes of the conference.

Many attendees arrive with a session plan. The most successful attendees arrive with a meeting plan, too.

4. Find Your Next Great Hire

Meet talented emerging professionals with disabilities through the NextGen Leaders Program. ‍

New for 2026, conference partners are invited to attend the NextGen iLab Semifinals on Monday, July 27, from 1:30–4:00 PM. This exclusive session gives organizations the opportunity to watch student teams pitch innovative solutions to real-world business challenges.

Corporate partners can also participate in NextGen Matchmaking, a structured networking opportunity designed to connect students and employers through a series of focused conversations.

5. Discover New Suppliers and Business Partners

The conference is home to one of the largest gatherings of certified Disability-Owned Business Enterprises (DOBEs®), creating unique opportunities to expand your supplier network and build new business relationships.

Corporate Partners can meet innovative suppliers, learn about new products and services, and participate in dedicated matchmaking opportunities.

Plus: Attendees can catch the Pitch Perfect Challenge finals live onstage during the Wednesday Plenary, where disabled entrepreneurs pitch their business idea to a panel of corporate judges.

6. Find the Next Big Idea

The Expo Hall is where innovation comes to life.

Explore emerging technologies, discover new products and services, meet disability-owned businesses, and connect with organizations shaping the future of accessibility and disability inclusion.

More than an exhibit space, it's a hub for discovery, connection, and business opportunity.

7. Take Home More Than Notes

Some of the most memorable moments happen outside the sessions.

Throughout the week, you'll find receptions, committee meetings, and informal networking events designed to help attendees build meaningful connections that last long after the closing plenary.

From the Welcome Party and Disability:IN Celebration to spontaneous conversations between sessions, Conference creates countless opportunities to connect. 

8. Bring Back Ideas You Can Put to Work

As you move through the week, think about what it could mean for your organization.

Ask yourself:

• Which ideas, strategies, or frameworks could we apply within the next 6–12 months?
• Where are other organizations seeing measurable business impact and how are they capturing those success metrics?
• Which new partners, suppliers, or resources could help accelerate our goals?
• What emerging technologies, trends, or consumer insights could impact our business?
• What opportunities should we prioritize over the next year?
• Who do I need to reconnect with after the conference?

Many attendees find that the conference serves as a launchpad for deeper engagement, helping them translate ideas into action long after they return home.

Join Us in Dallas

The 2026 Disability:IN Global Conference & Expo brings together the leaders, innovators, suppliers, entrepreneurs, and emerging talent shaping the future of disability inclusion in business.

Come for the content. Leave with new ideas, new connections, new suppliers, and new opportunities.‍

Need to Save Your Spot? Register Now