Overview

The PA profession needs advocates at all levels, from every state and specialty, so whether you’re new to advocacy, a seasoned advocate, or somewhere in between, remember that your voice matters. We’ll provide the tools you need to enhance your advocacy and leadership skills and have a successful visit to Capitol Hill! First-time attendees are encouraged to attend.

AAPA’s 2025 Leadership and Advocacy Summit (LAS) takes place Sept. 18-20 at the Ritz-Carlton in Arlington, Va., in the Washington, D.C. area. The event kicks off with a full day dedicated to federal advocacy: Attend learning sessions in the morning to prepare you for afternoon visits with legislators on Capitol Hill. As PAs and PA students, you are uniquely qualified to educate Congress about policies affecting your patients’ healthcare.

A key goal of the summit is to help you strengthen your advocacy and leadership skills and stay up to date on the latest issues. Leaders and colleagues will share their insights on key developments facing the profession, association management, leadership best practices, and advocacy skill-building. Breakout sessions will feature three tracks: Emerging Advocates, Association Leadership Best Practices, and Advanced Advocacy Tactics.

You will have many opportunities to exchange ideas with fellow attendees during networking breaks throughout the event.

Register starting May 1 to secure your spot at one of our most popular conferences. Please contact us if we can answer any questions or provide guidance as you prepare for LAS.

Registration

Registration opens May 1, 2025. Sign up to be notified when registration opens!

Registration Rates

Registration rate includes breakfasts, coffee breaks, Friday luncheon, welcome reception, entrance to all sessions, and access to session recordings for 6 months after the conference concludes.

Please note that while registration for the Leadership and Advocacy Summit is discounted for AAPA members, registration is not included in Fellow Plus or Fellow Premium memberships. Learn more about fellow membership benefits.

LAS Registration Cancellation and Refund Policy

• Please submit your cancellation request in writing to [email protected].
• We can offer a full refund for cancellations received by June 30, 2025.
• From July 1 to August 29, we will offer a 50% refund for cancellations.
• No refunds or credits will be granted after Thursday, August 29, 2025.
• All hotel cancellations must be made directly with the hotel.

Agenda

This agenda may be updated or modified without notification. Further details will be posted as they become available. Check back frequently for updates.

Accreditation Statements

This program is not yet approved for CME credit.

Venue and Travel

Conference Venue

The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City
1250 S. Hayes Street
Arlington, VA 22202

Reservations will be available when registration opens.

Benefits of Staying at the Conference Hotel

Reserving within our block of rooms at the venue helps AAPA negotiate the best hotel rates and gives you easy access to sessions, meals, and countless networking opportunities. There’s really no reason to stay anywhere else!

Hotel Perks

• Complimentary Wi-Fi in guest rooms
• Direct access to The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, offering more than 250 dining and shopping options
• State-of-the-art fitness center
• Indoor access to the Metro station in Arlington

Travel

This hotel is only 3.8 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

Hotel shuttle service to and from the airport is not provided. However, the hotel is conveniently located next to the Pentagon City Metro Station on both the blue and yellow lines. Please visit http://www.wmata.com/ for more information.

Things to Do

Take advantage of your time in the nation’s capital!

• The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City is conveniently located next to the Pentagon City Metro Station on both the blue and yellow lines, making access to the National Mall and its iconic memorials a breeze!
• Register for one of our PA Adventures! Choose from a moonlight D.C. monument tour or a tour and wine tasting at District Winery.
• Visit one of the city’s many FREE museums.
• Shop ‘til you drop at the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City located next to the Ritz-Carlton and the nearby Pentagon Row shopping area.

Attendee Information

On-Site Conference Registration and Tips

• Registration will open at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18. Please pick up your registration and Hill Day materials before heading into the sessions. You only need to check in once at the on-site registration desk.
• Use your smartphone, computer, or tablet to answer questions in CME sessions that use audience response system technology.
• Meeting rooms might get cold. Don’t forget your sweater or light jacket!
• Bring along your business cards and get ready to network!

Electronic Handouts

There is no paper syllabus for this course. Lecture materials will be available in AAPA’s Learning Central  before the conference start date.

Course Evaluations and CME Certificate

Because we use your feedback to plan future conferences, your completion of course evaluations is a prerequisite for receiving a CME certificate. Evaluations and deadlines will be available closer to the event.

The Michael Powe Leadership in Advocacy Scholarship

The Michael Powe Leadership in Advocacy Scholarship is awarded to PA students who have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to advocacy work on behalf of the PA profession. Up to five (5) scholarships in the amount of $2,000 will be awarded to qualified candidates with a proven track record of maintaining academic excellence while actively engaging in initiatives that drive positive change for the profession. Applicants must demonstrate leadership, collaboration skills, and a clear vision for their future advocacy efforts. The award must be used to support attendance at the 2025 Leadership & Advocacy Summit.

Scholarship Criteria

• PA student with a commitment to leadership and advocacy on behalf of the profession
• AAPA Student Member in good standing
• Member in good standing of an AAPA chapter, specialty organization, special interest group, or caucus
• Available and willing to attend AAPA’s Leadership and Advocacy Summit
• Maintains a satisfactory academic record while engaging in advocacy efforts
• Preference may be given to applicants from states not historically represented at the AAPA

Application Process

Details and deadlines on the application process will be released at a later date.

About Michael Powe

After more than three decades as an unwavering advocate for PAs, Michael Powe, AAPA’s Vice President of Reimbursement and Professional Advocacy, retired in June 2024. In his most recent role, Michael addressed issues surrounding healthcare policy, private third-party payment concerns, the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and various state and federal regulatory agencies. We hope that in perpetuity, the scholarship will honor Michael’s legacy as a strong and vocal advocate and encourage aspiring PAs to become staunch lifelong advocates.

Testimonials

“This conference helps develop your advocacy skills and makes a real impact on our profession.”

“Great for networking, leadership growth, and updates on legislation across the country.

“Excellent opportunity and exposure for someone new to advocacy.”

“This is a great way to learn the basics of healthcare law and advocacy that can be brought home to local advocacy efforts – state and health systems!”

“LAS allows you to understand the current legislative issue regarding PAs and gives you the opportunity to advocate for your profession. LAS is also an excellent way to gain leadership knowledge [especially] when leading a Constituent Organization.”

“It is a wonderful opportunity to get involved in legislative advocacy, network, serve our profession, and earn CME. I highly recommend attending.”

“Some people assume they are not interested in policy without ever having been “boots on the ground.” I would tell them to try it – they won’t be disappointed.”

Exhibit and Sponsorship Opportunities

Leverage the prestige and network of AAPA to connect with key healthcare professionals that are current and future leaders, administrators, managers, and decision-makers. The Leadership and Advocacy Summit is expected to draw more than 250 PAs. We offer a range of cost-effective networking and sponsorship opportunities designed to suit any budget.

Top Specialties

Primary Work Settings

*(Extended Care Facility, Occupational Medicine, Ambulatory Surgical Center, etc.)

Attendees by Profession

Opportunities

Tabletop Displays

Secure your company’s tabletop display available in the conference area during the event, Sept. 18-20, 2025.

Displays Include:

• One (1) 6’ skirted table and two (2) side chairs
• Onsite Signage
• Wi-Fi
• Electric (available upon request)
• Two (2) complimentary registration badges (not eligible to claim CME)
• Spot in Medical Pursuit game. Attendees will participate in the trivia game by visiting all tabletop displays and answering trivia questions provided by companies. Once attendees have visited all tabletop displays, they will drop off their game card at the registration desk and are entered to win a prize.
• Company information posted on the conference webpage

Learn More & Reserve

AAPA provides diverse sponsorship opportunities across three key categories to meet your needs and budget:

• Thought Leadership: Engage with thought leaders and shape discussions on pivotal industry topics.
• Attendee Experience: Enhance the conference experience with interactive and memorable activities.
• Brand Exposure: Maximize your brand’s visibility through prominent placement and targeted marketing.

In addition to the sponsorship benefits for each item, sponsors will also receive:

• General Event Partner & Exhibit Recognition: Conference Webpage, Pre-Promotional Materials, and Onsite Signage
• Access to the Pre- & Post-Conference Attendee Registration List (available four weeks before the conference)

To learn more about each opportunity or to start partnering with AAPA, please contact Heather.