2026 Collaborative Conference

Rooting Deeper, Rising Together

When & Where: September 24-25, 2026 | The Penn Stater Hotel & Conference Center in State College, PA
Room Block: Reservations for Wednesday, September 23, and/or Thursday, September 24 can be made online or by calling 814-863-5050 (reference booking code PANO26A) at a discounted rate of $149/night plus tax.
Registration: Will open early July and close on Sunday, September 20, 11:59 PM

About The Conference

The work of our 2025 Collaborative Conference, Meeting the Moment – Rooted Together, was finding each other beneath the surface. With our 2026 theme of Rooting Deeper, Rising Together, we’ll begin the work of doing more together, turning connection into action. We will go deeper into that work and rise into our strength together, claiming a more visible role in our communities, in policy, and in shaping what comes next. We rise together because our roots run deep and stay connected. The conference is where we’ll practice what rising together actually looks like.

Request for Session Proposals & Synthesizers

Thanks to all who have participated in this year’s request for proposal (RFP) process – we can’t wait to learn with and from many of you this fall.

The Request for Session Proposals is now closed. We are still accepting Synthesizer Applications! Submit here.

Session Proposals will be reviewed by our RFP committee and selection decisions will be shared by 5:00 PM ET on Thursday, June 18, 2026.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Interested in Sponsoring the 2026 Conference?

This year’s theme, Rooting Deeper, Rising Together, calls Pennsylvania nonprofits and those that support them (YOU!) to lay the foundation of our shared root system, then use what we build to take action – rising together into our individual and collective potential. 

We invite you to participate as:

Your investment strengthens the root system that supports nonprofits in every corner of the Commonwealth. A stronger sector means a more resilient Pennsylvania. Scroll down to see a brief description of the Stand-Out Benefit associated with each level, and click here for a detailed look at what each sponsorship level includes.  Or contact Anne Gingerich to discuss your role as a sponsor.

Below is a brief description of the Stand-Out Benefit associated with each level. 

Ready to invest in this event now?  

Make an online payment now.

Location & Accommodations

The conference will once again take place at The Penn Stater Hotel & Conference Center, 215 Innovation Blvd., State College, PA 16803.

Reserve Your Room

Thank You To Our Partners

Our conference is hosted in partnership by PANO and the Department of Public Administration at Villanova University.