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2026 Chapter Leadership Conference

SCHEDULE

FRIDAY
JANUARY 30, 2026

TOPIC

LOCATION

SPONSORED BY

1:00 pm – 1:30 pm REGISTRATION - Meet the Friday Conference Sponsor Bel Aire Foyer

Yes to Therapy

1:30 pm – 2:45 pm

Welcome session, including  CAMFT and Chapter Management Updates
Kick off the conference with an overview of what to expect during the event and hear the latest updates from CAMFT. This session will include important information on CAMFT bylaws, chapter annual reports, upcoming events such as the Annual Conference and Symposium, chapter hosting opportunities,  updates to the Chapter Agreement, and the much anticipated Pre-Licensed Ambassador Program.  

Presenters: Ava Phillips, CAMFT Board President, CAMFT Staff and Chapter Advisory Council Chair 

Bel Aire Ballroom Sponsored by CAMFT
2:45 pm – 3:00 pm Break - Visit with the Friday Conference Sponsors Bel Aire Foyer fusion Academy sponsor
3:00 pm  4:00 pm

Getting to Know Each Other and Building Connections -  Don't miss out on this newly added conference networking session! It is a fun way to meet new peers, share experiences, and re-engage with colleagues you already know.

Facilitators: The Chapter Advisory Council (CAC)

Bel Aire Ballroom Sponsored by Nitto
4:00 pm  4:15 pm Break - Visit with the Friday Conference Sponsors Bel Aire Foyer Sagepoint sponsor
4:15 pm  5:15 pm

First-time Attendee Idea-Share- New to the CLC? Join other first-time attendees in small groups to connect, discuss your main questions or challenges, and exchange fresh ideas. The collective outcomes will help guide discussions and learning throughout the conference.  

Facilitators: CAMFT Staff and CAC Members

Bel Aire Ballroom CAMFT Logo
4:15 pm  5:15 pm

Long-time CLC Attendee Idea-Share -  Seasoned CLC attendees will come together to share their most meaningful successes and lessons learned from past years. Key insights and takeaways from these discussions will be shared throughout the conference.

 Facilitators: CAMFT Staff and CAC Members    

Bel Aire Ballroom Sponsored by CAMFT
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Welcome Reception (Included in Registration)
Join us for a fun and social evening of networking, heavy hors d'oeuvres, connection, and raffle drawings, as we celebrate the start of an inspiring and collaborative event.

Facilitators:  The Chapter Advisory Council  

Catalina Ballroom & Terrace Acadia, Healthcare

 

SATURDAY
JANUARY 31, 2026

TOPIC

LOCATION

SPONSORED BY

7:30 am   8:30 am Registration  Bel Aire Foyer

Yes to Therapy

7:30 am 8:15 am

Breakfast (Included in Registration) 

Fairbanks ABC  
8:15 am 8:30 am Meet the Saturday Sponsors Bel Aire Foyer Sponsored by Nitto
8:30 am 9:45 am

Welcome and Opening Keynote:  "How to Recruit, Retain & Lead Effectively and with Ease!"      
During this talk, global success coach and speaker Chris Atley will help you connect to your bigger why and share how this is integral for attracting new Chapter members. You will learn how being of service and self-care play essential roles in retaining and leading members and volunteers by inspiring them to be the best versions of themselves, as you do. Delegating versus micro-managing will be addressed to enable a more therapeutic care approach to be applied and felt by members and leaders. Practical action steps such as setting expectations and follow-up strategies, along with role-playing for delegating and leading effectively, will also be included in Chris’s follow-up breakout sessions.      

Welcome: Ava  Phillips, CAMFT Board President
Presenter:
 Chris Atley

Bel Aire Ballroom Sponsored by Newport HealthCare
9:45 am  10:00 am Break - Visit with the Friday Conference Sponsors Bel Aire Foyer Sagepoint sponsor

10:00 am 10:45 am
(Breakout 1)




 

Topic 1: How to Recruit, Retain & Lead Effectively and with Ease (Workshop)
Join us in this deep dive as we continue the conversation, focusing on practical, actionable strategies for effective leadership. This interactive session will explore how to set clear expectations, implement effective follow-up strategies, and build confidence through role-playing exercises that strengthen skills in delegating and leading effectively.  

Facilitator: Chris Atley

Bel Aire Ballroom Sponsored by Newport Healthcare
10:00 am 10:45 am
(Breakout 2)

Topic 2: "Strong Partnerships Help Chapters Thrive"

This session will provide attendees with practical tools and strategies for identifying, approaching, and maintaining sponsor relationships that align with your chapter’s mission and values. Participants will learn how to craft compelling sponsorship opportunities, create mutually beneficial packages, and communicate the value of partnering with your chapter. Whether you’re new to sponsorship outreach or looking to strengthen existing relationships, you’ll leave with actionable steps and sample materials to help grow your chapter’s support network.

Facilitators: Leah DeRose, LMFT, and Amber Tyner, LMFT, Chapter Advisory Council members.

Fairbanks A Sponsored by CAMFT
10:00 am 10:45 am
(Breakout 3)

Topic 3: "Creative Topics & Venues for Networking and Educational Events"

Looking to boost engagement and attendance at your Chapter events? This session will provide attendees with an opportunity to share creative ideas for selecting timely, relevant topics that attract members, as well as unique and accessible venues that enhance networking, learning, and community connection. 

Facilitators: Ashley Green, LMFT, and Omar Gonzalez-Valentino, LMFT, LPCC, Chapter Advisory Council members.

Fairbanks B, C Sponsored by CAMFT
10:50 am 11:5 am

"Empowering Chapter Leaders: Tools and Resources for Success" 
Discover the full range of CAMFT resources available to help you lead your Chapter with confidence. In this interactive session, you’ll explore how other Chapters are using these tools effectively and have the opportunity to share your own ideas and successes. 

Presenter: CAMFT Staff

Bel Aire Ballroom Sponsored by CAMFT
Noon 1:00 pm Networking Luncheon (Included in Registration) Fairbanks ABC Sponsored by evolve
1:15 pm 2:30 pm

"CAMFT Update, Awards Ceremony, and Chapter Recognition"
Join CAMFT’s Executive Director for an update on CAMFT’s strategic goals and the overall health of our Chapters. We’ll also take time to celebrate excellence within our community—recognizing Chapters for their achievements and honoring the recipients of the Outstanding Chapter Leader Awards.    

Presenter: Joy Alafia, MBA, CAE, Executive Director, CAMFT

Bel Aire Ballroom Sponsored by CAMFT
2:30 pm 2:45 pm  Beverage Break - Visit with the Saturday Conference Sponsors Bel Aire Foyer  
2:45 pm 3:30 pm
(Breakout 4)

Topic 4 (Topic 1 REPEAT): "How to Recruit, Retain & Lead Effectively and with Ease (Workshop)"
Join us in this deep dive as we continue the conversation, focusing on practical, actionable strategies for effective leadership. This interactive session will explore how to set clear expectations, implement effective follow-up strategies, and build confidence through role-playing exercises that strengthen skills in delegating and leading effectively.

Presenter: Chris Atley

Bel Aire  Sponsored by Newport HealthCare
2:45 pm 3:30 pm
(Breakout 5)

 

 Topic 5: Cultivating Leadership: Building a Sustainable Succession Plan
Join fellow Board Members for an open discussion on succession planning and leadership development within Chapters. Participants will share experiences, challenges, and strategies for identifying and mentoring future leaders, ensuring smooth transitions, and maintaining strong leadership pipelines. This session is designed to foster peer learning and idea exchange to help chapters build lasting leadership continuity.

Facilitators: Ashley Green, LMFT, Vic Campbell, LMFT and Jodie Shea, LMFT, Chapter Advisory Council

Fairbanks A

Sponsored by CAMFT
 
2:45 pm 3:30 pm
(Breakout 6)

Topic 6: “Real Talk: Building Inclusive Cultures – A Peer-Led DEI Discussion
Join an interactive breakout session designed for open, honest conversation on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In this session, participants will gather in small groups to share personal experiences, explore challenges, and exchange strategies for fostering inclusive environments within their chapters and professional communities.

Facilitators: Jonathan Flier, LMFT and Keonna Robinson, LMFT, Chapter Advisory Council 

Fairbanks B, C

 

Sponsored by CAMFT
3:30 pm 4:15 pm 

 “Share Your Takeaways” 
Consistently rated as one of the most valuable sessions of the conference, this interactive closing session invites attendees to share their key insights and favorite moments—and hear what others found most impactful. We’ll wrap up with exciting conference giveaways you won’t want to miss!  

Facilitators: CAMFT Staff and Chapter Advisory Council

Bel Aire Ballroom
 
Sponsored by  CAMFT
 
4:15 pm DEPARTURE