Registration is now open for the 55th Annual ARNOVA Conference, taking place November 19–21, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel. Pre-conference programming begins Wednesday, November 18.

This year’s theme — Igniting Civic Activism: Grassroots and Voluntary Action and Democracy — invites scholars, practitioners, and community leaders to reflect on the role of voluntary action, nonprofits, philanthropy, and grassroots organizing in shaping civic life. As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, there may be no better place to explore these questions than Philadelphia, a city deeply connected to the nation’s founding and still alive with community organizing, nonprofit leadership, and civic action today.

Conference Highlights

  • 200+ research and panel sessions across nine concurrent blocks
  • Plenary speakers and special events
  • Poster presentations, held this year during the ARNOVA Reception
  • Networking and community-building opportunities

Schedule at a Glance

  • Wednesday, November 18 — Pre-conference events, including Doctoral Fellowship Seminars, the ARNOVA Board of Directors Meeting, the Diversity Scholars & Leaders Professional Development Programs, and an evening Welcome Reception. Registration opens at 2:00 pm.
  • Thursday, November 19 — Opening Plenary Session, Concurrent Sessions A–C, the Membership Meeting, Section Meetings, and an evening ARNOVA Reception, which this year will include Poster Presentations.
  • Friday, November 20 — Concurrent Sessions D–G, the Awards Luncheon, Community Interest Group Meetings, and an evening reception.
  • Saturday, November 21 — Concurrent Sessions H–I, the Sections and Interest Groups Leadership Meeting, and the ARNOVA Board of Directors Meeting.

Presenters: Please Review Your Listing

The full session schedule is now posted, listing every panel, paper, and presenter. If you find any errors in your listing, please email updates to [email protected] by October 2.

Hotel Information

The conference will be hosted at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, a Four-Diamond historic landmark in the heart of Center City, directly across from the Pennsylvania Convention Center and within walking distance of Reading Terminal Market, Independence Hall, and more. Conference room rates start at $235.00 per night (plus applicable taxes). Reservations must be made by Wednesday, October 28, 2026, to receive the conference rate, while rooms remain available.

Thank you to everyone who submitted an abstract this year. The call for abstracts has now closed, and decision notifications have been sent to all submitters.

Register today and join us in Philadelphia for three days of research, discussion, and civic connection, beginning with Wednesday evening’s Welcome Reception.

Register Now | Book Your Room | Schedule at a Glance | Detailed Session Schedule