Let’s take a look at what you can expect at this year’s HLAA 2026 Convention.
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) 2026 Convention is heading to Louisville, Kentucky, this June, and we could not be more excited. Taking place June 10–12 at The Galt Hotel, this year’s convention brings together people with hearing loss, their families, hearing health professionals, and advocates from across the country for three days of learning, connection, and celebration. As a presenting sponsor, CapTel is proud to be part of this incredible event once again.
Whether you’ve attended the HLAA Convention before or this will be your first time, here’s a preview of what to expect and how to make the most of your experience.
The Schedule at a Glance
This year’s convention packs a lot into three days. Wednesday, June 10, kicks things off with registration, HLAA Chapter Leaders Training, the Voices of Impact award ceremony, and a Welcome to Louisville reception that runs from 7 to 10 p.m. It’s a great chance to meet other attendees and settle into the convention atmosphere.
Thursday, June 11, is a full day of activity. Educational workshops and product demonstrations run throughout the day, and the morning features a general session titled “Inside Hearing Innovation: Insights with the Experts Shaping Your Sound.” The exhibit hall opens at 11:15 a.m. and stays open until 5:30 p.m., giving you plenty of time to explore the latest hearing technology and connect with exhibitors.
Friday, June 12, rounds out the convention with more workshops and demonstrations, along with a Research Symposium focused on “The AI Revolution in Hearing Health: Smarter Tech, Greater Access.” The exhibit hall is open again from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Workshops and Educational Sessions
One of the highlights of any HLAA Convention is the range of educational workshops available to attendees. These sessions cover a wide variety of topics, from the latest advances in hearing health technology to advocacy strategies, communication tips, and personal wellness. Whether you’re looking to learn something new about hearing loss technology or want to hear personal stories from others in the community, there is something for everyone.
Workshops are scheduled throughout Thursday and Friday, and you can choose the sessions that interest you most. Past conventions have featured topics like navigating workplace accommodations, finding the best wireless devices, and living confidently with hearing loss. Keep an eye on the HLAA Convention page for the full workshop schedule as it becomes available.
Tips for Making the Most of the Convention
A few days at the convention can be exciting and busy, so a little planning goes a long way. Be sure to read our tips on traveling to a convention for some ideas! Review the schedule ahead of time and mark the sessions and events that interest you most. Bring comfortable shoes for walking between sessions, a notebook for jotting down ideas, and any hearing devices or accessories you rely on, along with spare batteries or a charger.
If you’re traveling to Louisville from out of town, plan your accommodations early, as rooms near the convention venue can fill up quickly. Don’t forget to build in some downtime between sessions to recharge, grab a bite to eat, and process everything you’re learning. Conventions are a lot of fun, but pacing yourself helps you enjoy the full experience without feeling worn out.
Registration Details
Registration for the HLAA 2026 Convention is open now. Pre-registration rates are available through May 18 and start at $475 for individuals, $815 for couples, and $200 for students. A day rate of $225 is also available if you can only attend for one day. On-site registration begins Wednesday, June 10, at slightly higher rates. You can learn more and register on the HLAA website.
Why Attend?
Beyond the workshops, exhibits, and research, what makes the HLAA Convention truly special is the sense of community. It is one of the largest hearing-accessible events in the country, with captioning, assistive listening devices, and other accommodations available throughout the venue. For many attendees, it’s a great opportunity to be in a space where hearing loss is understood, accommodations are the norm, and everyone is there to support one another. You may meet new friends or run into old acquaintances if you’ve been to an HLAA event before.
Whether you’re attending to learn about the latest technology, connect with others who share your experience, or simply spend a few days in a welcoming and accessible environment, the HLAA 2026 Convention is an event worth making plans for. We hope to see you in Louisville! For more hearing loss events and resources, visit the CapTel blog. And if you’re interested in getting a captioned phone, stop by our booth and see which CapTel phone might be right for you.
