Advocacy Summit
September 28-30, 2025
This annual event empowers advocates to make their voices heard among lawmakers to improve treatments and lives of those living with arthritis.
By bringing together patients, caregivers, and health care professionals, the Arthritis Foundation Advocacy Summit empowers advocates with the training and tools needed to influence lawmakers. This initiative not only amplifies the lived experience of patients but also drives tangible policy changes that improve access to care and quality of life for the nearly 60 million people in the U.S. living with arthritis.
I thoroughly enjoyed the 2023 Advocacy Summit. It was wonderful to gather in person again and have the opportunity to reconnect with other advocates. The trainings that were provided were great. I especially liked that they were offered for people at different levels of experience. The event was well organized, uplifting, and impactful.
2023 Advocacy Summit Attendee
2025 Advocacy Summit
Registration is Open
The 2025 Advocacy Summit will be held Sept. 28-30 in Washington D.C. Join us for training on Monday, Sept. 29 at the Hilton Arlington National Landing in Arlington, Virginia to get ready for Capitol Hill Day on Tuesday, Sept. 30!
Register Here
Travel Assistance Application
Travel Assistance is Now Closed
Travel Assistance is available to those who demonstrate a need for financial assistance to attend the Advocacy Summit. Travel assistance is not guaranteed for all applicants as there is limited funding available. Please note that we are unable to guarantee placement should travel assistance be denied and you choose to cover expenses independently.
Summit FAQ
Registration Information
Q: What is included in registration?
A: Registration includes heavy appetizers and drinks at the opening reception, three meals on Monday, breakfast on Tuesday and transportation to and from Capitol Hill on Tuesday.
Q: What is not included in registration?
A: Attendees are responsible for flights and hotel, incidentals, baggage fees and meals outside of those listed above.
Q: What happens if I register after the 100-person cap has been reached?
A: We will start a waitlist for those who register after the cap has been reached.
Q: What if I cannot attend Summit in September or registration is closed but I want to participate in the activities?
A: We will have an opportunity for people who are not attending Summit to participate throughout August as part of our August recess activities.
Q: If I register but find I can no longer attend, what do I do?
A: Contact [email protected].
A: Registration includes heavy appetizers and drinks at the opening reception, three meals on Monday, breakfast on Tuesday and transportation to and from Capitol Hill on Tuesday.
Q: What is not included in registration?
A: Attendees are responsible for flights and hotel, incidentals, baggage fees and meals outside of those listed above.
Q: What happens if I register after the 100-person cap has been reached?
A: We will start a waitlist for those who register after the cap has been reached.
Q: What if I cannot attend Summit in September or registration is closed but I want to participate in the activities?
A: We will have an opportunity for people who are not attending Summit to participate throughout August as part of our August recess activities.
Q: If I register but find I can no longer attend, what do I do?
A: Contact [email protected].
Advocacy Summit Information
Q: What is the agenda for the Summit?
A: Summit will open with a reception on Sunday evening. Monday programming will begin with an opening session followed by training sessions, lunch, state delegation meetings and breakout sessions in the afternoon, and will close with an awards dinner. Tuesday will begin with a kick-off breakfast and then attendees will depart for Capitol Hill. Hill meetings will be scheduled throughout the day, with the final meetings likely wrapping up around 5 p.m.
Q: Am I required to attend all programming?
A: Yes! We are limiting registration to 100 attendees, so attendance for all events is required. This is particularly critical for the Hill visits, as it is imperative that the Arthritis Foundation maintains a strong working relationship with the offices.
Q: What type of programming will there be during the event?
A: Monday will include Hill visit training in addition to skill-building sessions.
Q: Will there be training available before the event?
A: Yes, once registration closes, we will kick off a series of communications and online training to make sure you are well-prepared before you come to D.C.
Q: How will I know what topics to address with members of Congress?
A: We will have legislative asks and leave-behind materials prepared for you, as well as numerous opportunities throughout the conference to learn more about the legislative asks and to meet with your state delegations to plan your Hill visits.
Q: Will there be children’s programming?
A: There will not be children’s programming. As a result, we do not recommend you bring young children to the Summit. Children older than 13, particularly those living with arthritis who want to tell their stories on the Hill, are welcome to attend. However, if you do plan to bring an older child that has juvenile arthritis and wants to tell their story on the Hill, they need to be registered. Children aged 13 and up count toward the 100-person cap. This year, Summit will include a teen track, allowing teen advocates to break off from the main group to focus more on age-appropriate skill building with peers at a pace that makes everyone comfortable.
Q: What is the dress code and the anticipated weather?
A: The dress code for Summit is business casual; jeans are welcome for the training day on Monday, but we recommend that you do not wear jeans for your Hill visits. Jeans and a blouse or polo are appropriate for Monday training. Some choose to dress up for the awards dinner in cocktail attire, but feel free to stay in your training outfit if you’d like. Tuesday, appropriate dress includes pants and a blouse, polo and slacks, blazers and cardigans. During the Hill day, anticipate being on your feet — we encourage comfortable footwear that is suitable for walking, such as clean sneakers or flats. The temperature in Washington D.C. in September averages a high of 81 degrees and a low of 59 degrees.
Q: What should I expect the Hill day to look like?
A: At 8 a.m. attendees will depart for their Hill meetings. Meetings are scheduled between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
A: Summit will open with a reception on Sunday evening. Monday programming will begin with an opening session followed by training sessions, lunch, state delegation meetings and breakout sessions in the afternoon, and will close with an awards dinner. Tuesday will begin with a kick-off breakfast and then attendees will depart for Capitol Hill. Hill meetings will be scheduled throughout the day, with the final meetings likely wrapping up around 5 p.m.
Q: Am I required to attend all programming?
A: Yes! We are limiting registration to 100 attendees, so attendance for all events is required. This is particularly critical for the Hill visits, as it is imperative that the Arthritis Foundation maintains a strong working relationship with the offices.
Q: What type of programming will there be during the event?
A: Monday will include Hill visit training in addition to skill-building sessions.
Q: Will there be training available before the event?
A: Yes, once registration closes, we will kick off a series of communications and online training to make sure you are well-prepared before you come to D.C.
Q: How will I know what topics to address with members of Congress?
A: We will have legislative asks and leave-behind materials prepared for you, as well as numerous opportunities throughout the conference to learn more about the legislative asks and to meet with your state delegations to plan your Hill visits.
Q: Will there be children’s programming?
A: There will not be children’s programming. As a result, we do not recommend you bring young children to the Summit. Children older than 13, particularly those living with arthritis who want to tell their stories on the Hill, are welcome to attend. However, if you do plan to bring an older child that has juvenile arthritis and wants to tell their story on the Hill, they need to be registered. Children aged 13 and up count toward the 100-person cap. This year, Summit will include a teen track, allowing teen advocates to break off from the main group to focus more on age-appropriate skill building with peers at a pace that makes everyone comfortable.
Q: What is the dress code and the anticipated weather?
A: The dress code for Summit is business casual; jeans are welcome for the training day on Monday, but we recommend that you do not wear jeans for your Hill visits. Jeans and a blouse or polo are appropriate for Monday training. Some choose to dress up for the awards dinner in cocktail attire, but feel free to stay in your training outfit if you’d like. Tuesday, appropriate dress includes pants and a blouse, polo and slacks, blazers and cardigans. During the Hill day, anticipate being on your feet — we encourage comfortable footwear that is suitable for walking, such as clean sneakers or flats. The temperature in Washington D.C. in September averages a high of 81 degrees and a low of 59 degrees.
Q: What should I expect the Hill day to look like?
A: At 8 a.m. attendees will depart for their Hill meetings. Meetings are scheduled between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Hotel Information
Q: Where is the hotel location?
A: Hilton Arlington National Landing in Arlington, Virginia.
Q: What is the room rate?
A: The room rate is $215/night plus tax.
Q: What are the room amenities?
A: For your convenience, the following items are available:
- Visit https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/dcanahf-hilton-arlington-national-landing/hotel-info/ for more details on the hotel and amenities.
Q: What is the closest airport to the hotel?
A: We recommend flying into Reagan National (DCA), which is less than a mile from the hotel. Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) both service the DMV area but the hotel only provides a free airport shuttle to DCA.
Q: Is there transportation to the hotel?
A: The hotel provides a shuttle service from DCA to the hotel free of charge. However, if you are coming from a different airport or Union Station, you will need to coordinate your own travel. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from the Crystal City Metro line.
Q: Is there parking on site?
A: Self-parking is available on-site for $30 a day.
Q: If I register, but do not receive travel assistance and therefore cannot attend, what do I do?
A: Let Ayesha Ahmed know as soon as possible that you cannot attend by emailing [email protected].
A: Hilton Arlington National Landing in Arlington, Virginia.
Q: What is the room rate?
A: The room rate is $215/night plus tax.
Q: What are the room amenities?
A: For your convenience, the following items are available:
- Visit https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/dcanahf-hilton-arlington-national-landing/hotel-info/ for more details on the hotel and amenities.
Q: What is the closest airport to the hotel?
A: We recommend flying into Reagan National (DCA), which is less than a mile from the hotel. Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) both service the DMV area but the hotel only provides a free airport shuttle to DCA.
Q: Is there transportation to the hotel?
A: The hotel provides a shuttle service from DCA to the hotel free of charge. However, if you are coming from a different airport or Union Station, you will need to coordinate your own travel. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from the Crystal City Metro line.
Q: Is there parking on site?
A: Self-parking is available on-site for $30 a day.
Q: If I register, but do not receive travel assistance and therefore cannot attend, what do I do?
A: Let Ayesha Ahmed know as soon as possible that you cannot attend by emailing [email protected].
Travel Assistance
- All applicants will fill out the same application.
- All travel assistance awards are for a single person.
- Priority will be given to first-time attendees, to those who have not received a travel award in the past, and to those who demonstrate a financial need. Individuals who have received a travel award in the past will be scored based on how much they are engaged with the Arthritis Foundation (through advocacy, local initiatives and events).
- Travel assistance covers hotel stays (not including incidentals) and/or economy airfare/train/mileage within a 250-mile range, depending on whether you receive full or partial assistance.
- The Arthritis Foundation will pay for the listed-above travel award benefits directly. No money will be distributed directly to travel award recipients.
- Meals included: heavy hors d'oeuvres at Sunday night’s reception, breakfast, lunch and dinner on Monday, and a light breakfast on Tuesday.
- Lodging includes a 2-night stay in 1 standard room at the Advocacy Summit hotel.
- Transportation could include coach-class airfare/train fare for one person. Airline/train tickets, whichever will be the least expensive, are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Travel awards DO NOT cover airline baggage fees, transportation to and from the airport (outside of the free airport shuttle), parking fees, room upgrades, or meals (outside of the included meals).
- Travel awards DO NOT cover incidentals that are $50 a night. We recommend using a credit card to cover incidentals.
- Travel award recipients will be required to complete an online commitment form stating they will attend all sessions, get involved with the Arthritis Foundation locally and submit a "thank-you" letter to be shared with donors following the event.
- Failure to comply with the foregoing requirements will likely result in the prohibition of receiving future Arthritis Foundation travel assistance.
- All information in the travel assistance application will be kept confidential.