About the 2026 Forum

The 7th National Adaptation Forum will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from May 12-14, 2026!

“Pittsburgh Named One of National Geographic’s Best of the World” 

– Visit Pittsburgh

The National Adaptation Forum is honored to bring the conference to this city. Pittsburgh has reinvented itself with major cultural upgrades, including new parks, museum expansions, and refreshed downtown landmarks. The city blends its gritty heritage with active experiences, from the Dirty Dozen bike race to easy hikes in Emerald View Park. Check out our Accommodations page below to read all about the city.

The Forum team extends its appreciation to everyone who submitted proposals for the 2026 program. We received a record high number of submissions, and are energized by the clear momentum and energy we have heading into this year’s forum!

Special Sessions

Each year, the National Adaptation Forum team develops special session topics to prioritize specific areas that are becoming increasingly imperative for the growth of the adaptation field. Below, you can learn more about the topics that will be explored in the 2026 program. 

There are 10 Special Session topic areas. Please visit the Special Sessions page to read the full descriptions.

  • Is Adaptation Delivering? Monitoring & Evaluation to Advance the Field
  • Addressing the Money Problem: Funding Adaptation
  • Building Climate-Resilient Health Systems Through Adaptation
  • Where Do We Go From Here? The Politics and People of Managed Retreat
  • Catalyzing Behavior Change For Climate Adaptation
  • Bridging Governance for Climate Adaptation: Tribal, State, and Local Collaboration in a Changing Political Climate
  • Adaptation From the Land to the Sea: Addressing Unique Challenges for Rural & Island Communities
  • Protecting the Future of Ecosystems and Biodiversity Through Adaptation
  • Equipping Ourselves For the Path Ahead Through Practical Training and Workforce Development 
  • Navigating the Muddy Waters of a Federal Maelstrom 

Learn more about how your organization can contribute to the Forum on our Sponsorship Opportunities Page.

Head to our Accommodations & Location page to learn more about the venue, hotel, and travel details.

Sponsor the Forum Accommodations Attend the Forum

THE DAVID L. LAWRENCE CONVENTION CENTER

Photo of Outdoor Garden Space at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center

Photo Credit: Visit Pittsburgh

Photo of Rooftop Terrace at David L. Lawrence Convention Center

Photo Credit: Visit Pittsburgh

The 7th National Adaptation Forum will be hosted at the David L. Lawrence Center in downtown Pittsburgh. Forum programming will be confined to the third floor of the convention center. The David L. Lawrence Convention Center has numerous impressive sustainability initiative including, but not limited to:

  • LEED Gold Certified
  • On-site wastewater reclamation facility
  • A natural ventilation system that acts as a zero-cost air conditioner
  • Rooftop terrace gardens acts as a natural rainwater filter, a heat mitigation strategy for the facility, and provides native habitat

Who Plans the Forum?

Since 2013, EcoAdapt has been responsible for the planning and execution of the Forum, along with the help and support of our amazing committee members and sponsors.

You can learn more about the Forum’s goals, history, and attendees by visiting our About the Forum page. Information related to the 7th National Adaptation Forum will be posted to this page and to the pages linked below.