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2026 September Symposium: 

Reframing Power and Influence: Exploring Intentional Ombuds Sway and the Tension Around Influence

30 September - 1 October 2026 | Washington, D.C. 
An In-Person Event for Intermediate and Advanced Practitioners
 

Dates and Time  |  Location  |  Registration  |  Hotel Options  |  Schedule  |  Partnership Opportunites | Past Events

Register Today

Dates and Time

  • 30 September: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM ET
  • 1 October: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM ET

Location 

Dr. Charles Drew Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Center
1730 E Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20006

In-Kind Sponsor


Thank you to our In-Kind Sponsor, the American Red Cross, for providing the 2026 venue.

Registration 


Registration Type Pricing
Retired / Distinguished Emeritus Member $400
Member $495
Non-Member  $650

 

Register Today

Hotel Options

Attendees are welcome to book accommodations that best suit their budgetary needs for the Symposium, as D.C. hotels can be expensive. While we do not have an official room block for this event, below is a list of nearby hotels within walking distance or a short drive from the venue.

Courtyard by Marriott Washington, DC/Foggy Bottom
515 20th St NW, Washington, DC 20006 | 0.4 miles

State Plaza Hotel
2117 E St NW, Washington, DC 20037 | 0.4 miles

Hampton Inn Washington, D.C./White House
1729 H St NW, Washington, DC 20006 | 0.4 miles

JW Marriott Washington, DC
1331 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004 | 1 mile

Residence Inn by Marriott Washington, DC/Foggy Bottom
801 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037 | 0.8 miles

Schedule-at-a-Glance


This is a draft agenda and is subject to change!

Day One | 30 September 2026 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Welcome And Setting The Stage 

Practice Edge- Challenges And Opportunities Around Ombuds Influence 

How Do You See Your Identity? 

Psychology Of Tension 

Lobbying And The Gentle Art Of Influence

Day Two | 1 October 2026 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Media Coaching for Ombuds 

Improv Skills For Influence 

Being More Flexible In The Moment 

Broadening The Visitor Centric Perspective 

Debrief, Next Steps, and Closing 

Plus, small group work and opportunities for informal networking throughout the Symposium!

Partnership Opportunities 


Partner with IOA

Past September Symposiums


2025 IOA September Symposium: Advocating for Your Office and the Ombuds Role

2024 IOA September Symposium: Organization as Visitor

2023 IOA September Symposium: Ombuds as Change Agents: Ombuds Intersections in the Modern World