Details

Independent Sector’s National Summit 2026 will bring together over 700 nonprofit, philanthropic, and corporate giving professionals from across the country to imagine — and build — a better future together. 

Our theme, The Future We Build Together, emphasizes co-creation, shared leadership, and collective momentum. It recognizes that when organizations across the charitable sector unite, we advance equity, resilience, and lasting change. 

The summit takes place October 13–16, 2026, at the Phoenix Convention Center South Building, located at 100 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004. Pre-summit intensive sessions are available on Tuesday, October 13 ahead of the summit 5:00 PM Opening Reception. 

The Annual Business Meeting for Independent Sector members (and those interested in membership) takes place on Friday morning, October 16 from 8:40 AM-11:00 AM. 

View the online schedule.

Visit the Registration page to secure your spot. The Early Bird discount ends June 30. 

Your registration provides full access to the summit, including: 

• Opening reception for summit attendees on October 13 
• Access to all plenary and workshop sessions on October 14 and 15 
• Entry to the Exhibit Hall 
• Daily continental breakfast and lunch 
• Networking Happy Hour 
• National awards celebration 
• Access to an event app for updates and networking 
• Access to the summit LinkedIn group 
• Optional add-on Pre-Summit Intensive (Additional fee may apply; Free for nonprofit members) 

Attendees are responsible for their own travel and hotel arrangements. We encourage you to make your hotel arrangements as early as possible. Please see the Hotels & Accommodations section of this FAQ for more information. 

Yes! Members of Independent Sector receive discounted registration rates to the summit. Confirm your organization’s membership status online before registering. 

Not yet a member? Find out how your organization can become a member and access discounted rates. 

All members should attend the Annual Business Meeting taking place on Friday, October 16 from 8:40 AM – 11:00 AM. 

Nonprofit members of Independent Sector can also add a Pre-Summit Intensive session to their summit registration at no additional charge until capacity is reached. 

The Pre-Summit Intensives are full-day workshops and training sessions led by experts on key topics: Governance, Public Policy and Advocacy, Workforce, Financial Robustness, and a session for CEOs. Running from 9:00 AM–4:00 PM on Tuesday, October 13, these events will be interactive and provide opportunities for participants to engage directly with peers on timely topics in their field. 

More information about each option is available on the Registration page. You can register for a Pre-Summit Intensive session when you purchase your ticket to the national summit. Nonprofit members of Independent Sector can add a Pre-Summit Intensive session to their summit registration at no additional charge until capacity is reached. 

Space is limited so we encourage you to register early. 

Independent Sector will host its Annual Business Meeting and Breakfast for all members on Friday, October 16 from 8:40 AM – 11:00 AM. We encourage all Independent Sector members and prospective members to attend, engage, and network! There is no charge for this event. 

Not yet a member? Find out how your organization can become a member and also access discounted rates to the summit. 

We hope to see you there! 

Yes, substitutions are allowed up to September 29 which is two weeks before the event. Please reference your registration confirmation email to make the change. 

The cancellation and refund policy is as follows:  

• Before September 11: You’ll receive a refund of your registration fee minus a 10% administrative fee to the original payment method. 

• September 12 through September 28: You’ll receive a refund minus a 25% administrative fee to the original payment method. 

• No Refunds after September 29

To initiate a cancellation, please email summit@independentsector.org. 

Refunds will be to the original payment method and may take 5-7 business days.

We offer group discounts for both members and non-members: 

• 15% off for groups of 3–4 people  

• 20% off for groups of 5 or more 

Discount is off the applicable rate based on membership status. Check your organization’s membership status online.  

Yes. We can accommodate gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and kosher dietary needs. You’ll be able to indicate your dietary preferences during the registration process.

The Phoenix Convention Center & Venues is fully accessible and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), featuring accessible parking and entrances, wheelchair ramps, elevators, automatic doors, and accessible restrooms.  

If you require other accommodations, you may submit your request during the registration process. 

The summit is designed as an in-person experience and virtual attendance will not be available. Independent Sector hosts many virtual opportunities throughout the year; we encourage you to subscribe to our newsletter for updates. 

Select materials may be made available to registered attendees following the summit at presenter discretion. More information will be available post-summit. 

Independent Sector will be in touch directly with accepted presenters to provide registration instructions for the summit. 

Accepted presenters receive: 

• Complimentary pass to the summit for Independent Sector members. 

• 50% discount off the early bird rate for non-members. 

Please note that presenters are responsible for their own travel expenses and hotel arrangements. We encourage you to make your hotel arrangements as early as possible. Please see the Hotels & Accommodations section of this FAQ for more information. 

Sponsorship lets you amplify your impact, elevate your message, and align with a powerful movement for change. Opportunities are available at a range of investment levels. Contact sponsorship@independentsector.org for pricing and availability, or download the sponsorship guide to explore partnership options. 

Information about becoming an exhibitor can be found online. Please reach out to sponsorship@independentsector.org for more information. 

The Schedule-at-a-Glance is available online. This page will be updated – more details about the summit schedule will be available this summer. 

Business casual.

On-site check-in opens at 7:30 AM on Tuesday, October 13, and will be available throughout the summit. 

Parking is available at and around the Phoenix Convention Center. View parking maps and reserve in advance online.

The following options are available from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport: 

• Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) 
• Taxis 
• Hotel shuttles (Select hotels) 
• Public transportation (Valley Metro Trip Planner) 

The Phoenix Convention Center & Venues provides security 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The facility provides house security and event security to ensure a positive experience for guests. 

Yes, prayer and lactation rooms will be available for event attendees.

Hotels in downtown Phoenix can fill up quickly. We recommend booking early to secure preferred rates and proximity to the Convention Center.  

Nearby Hotels

Check out all the great things Visit Phoenix has to offer!

For more information, please reach out to Independent Sector at summit@independentsector.org.