AFA National Convention | Workshops
Saturday, September 12, 2026 | Workshops 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | AFA Education Council and Region Presidents Meetings 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Workshops will be given twice in a 2-hour period in order to let delegates visit more than one.
| 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | AFA Education Council Meeting | Chesapeake 1 |
| 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | AFA Region Presidents Meeting (State Presidents Welcomed) | Chesapeake F |
| 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | TBD | Chesapeake 2 |
| 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. | AI MADE EASY: A CHAPTER LEADER’S GUIDE TO WORKING SMARTER Presenters: Laurie Orth, East Georgia Chapter and Brent Sawicki, Mile High Chapter Description: Simple AI techniques for writing, designing, and creating stronger chapter communications. | Chesapeake 1 |
| 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. | STRATEGIES AND STORIES FOR HERITAGE AND AIMS ACTIVITIES Presenters: Mike Sumida, Mel Harmon Chapter Description: Join Mel Harmon leadership and the recipients of the 2025 AFA Heritage and AIMS Awards for an inspiring session on storytelling and relationship-building. In this workshop, award winners will share: *Who they connected with to share their Heritage and AIMS stories * How they built and sustained those meaningful relationships * What stories they told—and why they made an impact Through real-world examples and practical insights, participants will gain valuable strategies for communicating their own stories and strengthening connections that advance AFA’s mission. | Chesapeake F |
| 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. | AFA ADOCACY – ACTIONS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE Presenter: Paul Hendricks, Advocacy Committee Chair and Bill Castle, AFA VP Legislative Affairs Description: In this workshop, participants will gain insight into the processes used to develop legislative positions and secure approval from the AFA Board. The session will also explore advocacy efforts at both the national and field levels, with an emphasis on encouraging active engagement and participation from AFA members. Attendees will receive an update on the status of Fiscal Year 2027 legislative positions, along with a preview of emerging concepts under consideration for FY 2028. The workshop will conclude with an interactive discussion, providing field members the opportunity to share feedback, offer recommendations, and help shape future advocacy priorities. | Chesapeake 2 |
| 9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | BUILD AN AEROSPACE EDUCATION PROGRAM Presenters: Mary Ann Thompson and Megan Tucker, AFA AE Council Description: Interactive program to review options for and build a tailored plan for Chapter level Aerospace Education (AE) Programs. You will leave the workshop with an executable AE plan to use at your Chapter Note: No WIFI in room – participants should access a hotspot on their device (smart phone, laptop, IPad, etc.) | Chesapeake J |