2026 Legislative Conference

Registration is now open for NAST’s Legislative Conference in Washington, DC at the Conrad Washington, DC. Events will take place at the hotel unless otherwise noted. The conference is business casual, except for the gala which is cocktail preferred. For a list of speakers, please see the conference app. Sessions are open to all attendees unless otherwise noted. Agenda is subject to modification.

The 2026 Advocacy Primer is available here.

Sunday, February 22

3:00-4:00 PM Deputy Treasurers/Chiefs of Staff Caucus Meeting (Invitation only)

3:00-4:00 PM Treasurers Emeritus Meeting (Invitation only)

3:00-4:00 PM CSPN Federal Initiatives Committee Meeting

4:00-5:00 PM NAST Board of Directors Meeting

5:30-6:00 PM New Members & First Time Attendees Reception (Invitation only)

6:00-7:30 PM Welcome Reception at the Conrad Hotel

Monday, February 23

8:00-9:00 AM Networking Breakfast

9:00-9:20 AM Welcome from the Hon. Rachael Eubanks (MI) & NAST President and Shaun Snyder, NAST CEO 

9:30-10:30 AM Plenary Session #1 – Protecting the Promise of Unclaimed Property
Unclaimed property programs return billions to consumers each year, yet they face growing federal and state-level challenges. This session will explore current legislative threats, including proposals affecting SURCH, savings bonds, securities, cryptocurrency, and long-standing consumer protections, and discuss how states can proactively safeguard their programs.

Speakers will also highlight strategies for engaging state legislatures, strengthening relationships with policymakers, and adopting model statutory language to prevent future attacks. With insights from state leaders and national experts, this conversation will provide a clear roadmap for defending and modernizing unclaimed property programs.

10:45-11:45 AM Plenary Session #2 – Strengthening Federal Relationships: Insights from Former Members of Congress
Veteran members of Congress will share straightforward advice on how state officials can build and maintain effective relationships with members of Congress, what approaches work best, and common missteps to avoid. The conversation will offer clear, actionable guidance for navigating today’s political environment while keeping state priorities front and center.

12:00-1:15 PM Networking Lunch
                       Chris Allen Memorial Award for Outstanding Advocacy in Public Finance

Afternoon Sessions 

1:30-2:30 PM Corporate Affiliate Advisory Board Meeting

1:30-2:30 PM Media Training
Sharpen your confidence with the media and learn to deliver clear, compelling messages with our specialized media training designed exclusively for conference attendees. Join us to gain practical skills that help you represent your office—and your state—with clarity, credibility, and impact.

1:30-2:30 PM Advocacy 101: From First Call to Final Ask
This session covers the fundamentals of federal outreach, including how to contact a legislative office, schedule a meeting, and structure an effective advocacy conversation from start to finish — whether you’re engaging Members and staff in Washington DC or back home in your state.

2:30-3:30 PM State Facilitated Retirement Working Group 

2:30-3:30 PM Legislative Update: Advancing NAST’s Federal Priorities
This session provides a concise review of where NAST’s key issues stand on Capitol Hill and outlines the strategic asks members can make to help drive progress on behalf of their states.

2:30-3:30 PM Advocacy 101: From First Call to Final Ask
This session covers the fundamentals of federal outreach, including how to contact a legislative office, schedule a meeting, and structure an effective advocacy conversation from start to finish — whether you’re engaging Members and staff in Washington DC or back home in your state.

3:30-4:30 PM Treasurers’ Meeting (Invitation only)

3:30-4:30 PM Intro to Hamilton and other AI Tools
Experience a demo of Hamilton, NAST’s new AI powered tool, and have an open discussion on how your organization has found value with this emerging technology.

6:30-9:30 PM 50th Anniversary Gala

Tuesday, February 24

8:00-9:00 AM Networking Breakfast

9:00-9:30 AM Keynote Address

9:45-10:30 AM Plenary Session #3 – Navigating the Current Digital Environment – Federal Policy, Cybersecurity, AI, and Cryptocurrency
As federal policymakers advance new rules on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital assets, State Treasurers are navigating a rapidly shifting financial environment. This session will outline key federal legislative and regulatory developments—from emerging AI governance proposals to SEC cybersecurity requirements and Treasury/FinCEN actions on cryptocurrency—and their implications for state financial operations.

Speakers will highlight evolving federal and market expectations, rising AI-driven and crypto-enabled threats, and the practical steps state financial officers should take to strengthen security, protect public funds, and prepare for upcoming federal mandates.

10:45-11:30 AM Plenary Session #4 – The Future of ABLE – Expanding Opportunity, Inclusion, and Financial Security
As ABLE programs enter their second decade, State Treasurers remain at the forefront of expanding financial inclusion for individuals with disabilities. This session will look ahead to the next generation of ABLE: emerging federal policy changes, opportunities created by the age adjustment, strategies to increase participation, and ways states can deepen collaboration with disability-advocacy partners.

Speakers will highlight how ABLE supports independence, employment, and long-term financial stability, while identifying barriers that still prevent eligible individuals from accessing the program. The session will offer a forward-looking discussion on strengthening ABLE’s impact and ensuring it remains a powerful tool for economic empowerment nationwide.

Congressional Appointments
We encourage you to meet with your delegation while in DC. Please schedule your meetings ahead of time since each office has their own protocols. If you need any assistance with your Capitol Hill schedule, please contact Dillon.