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.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! Please note, if you are applying for travel assistance, DO NOT register until you receive communication from Arthritis Foundation Advocacy Staff. If your JA 13+teen is coming, please register them separately.
Register Here
Advocacy Summit Information
Travel Assistance Program
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. If you are applying for travel assistance, DO NOT register until you receive communication from Arthritis Foundation Advocacy Staff. If your JA 13+teen needs financial assistance, please submit a separate application for your teen.
Apply for Travel AssistanceSummit FAQ
Registration Information
Q: What is included in registration?
A: Registration includes heavy appetizers and drinks at the opening reception; 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 event limit has been reached?
A: We will start a waitlist for those who register after the limit 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 are going to 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
A: Summit will open with a reception on Sunday evening from 5:00–7:00 p.m. ET. Monday programming will begin with an opening session at 9:00 a.m. ET followed by training sessions, lunch, state delegation meetings, and breakout sessions in the afternoon, and will close with an awards dinner at 6:00 p.m. ET. Tuesday will begin with a kick-off breakfast at 7:30 a.m. ET, and then groups will leave for Capitol Hill throughout the morning. Capitol Hill visits will conclude sometime between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. ET.
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 consultants are working closely with Hill offices to secure meetings for you.
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 DC.
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 story on the Hill, are welcome to attend. However, if you do plan on bringing 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 towards the 100-person event limit.
Q: What is the dress code and the anticipated weather?
A: The dress code for the conference 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. The temperature in Washington DC in September averages a high of 81 degrees and a low of 59 degrees.
Hotel Information
Q: Where is the hotel location?
A: DoubleTree by Hilton Crystal City
300 Army Navy Dr, Arlington, VA 22202
Q: What is the room rate?
A: Estimated to be around $216.44 with taxes
Q: What are the room amenities?
A: Visit https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/dcaaedt-doubletree-washington-dc-crystal-city/rooms/?category=guest 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.
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 into a different airport or Union Station you will need to coordinate your own travel. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from the Pentagon Station metro line.
Q: Is there parking on site?
A: Self-parking is available on site for $25 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].