Summit Info

Navigating the Changes in Corrections

Navigating the Changes in Corrections

Advancing Professional Development, Wellness, and Risk Management

The corrections profession continues to face evolving challenges that require agencies and staff to adapt, innovate, and lead with confidence. The American Jail Association's Navigating the Changes in Corrections Virtual Summit brings together correctional professionals from across the country for three half-days of focused education on the issues shaping today's detention environment. Through expert-led sessions in Professional Development & Wellness and Risk Management, participants will gain practical strategies, emerging best practices, and actionable solutions to strengthen their organizations, support employee well-being, reduce risk, and prepare for the future of corrections. Whether you are a frontline supervisor, administrator, executive leader, or support professional, this summit offers valuable insights to help you successfully navigate change and drive positive outcomes within your agency.

📅 Virtual Summit Dates: September 29 – October 1, 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM EST Daily
💻 Format: Three Half-Days of Interactive Virtual Learning
🎯 Educational Tracks: Professional Development & Wellness | Risk Management

3

Half-Day Sessions

14

Educational Sessions

2

Specialized Tracks

Educational Tracks

🧭 Professional Development & Wellness

Explore leadership development, employee engagement, staff wellness, resilience, recruitment and retention strategies, and creating healthier workplace cultures that support long-term success.

⚖️ Risk Management

Learn practical approaches to reducing liability, improving operational effectiveness, addressing emerging risks, strengthening accountability, and implementing best practices that enhance facility safety and performance.

Summit Schedule

Day 1

  • 10:00–11:00 AM – Opening Keynote
  • 11:00–11:15 AM – Break
  • 11:15 AM–12:15 PM – Concurrent Sessions
  • 12:15–12:30 PM – Break
  • 12:30–1:30 PM – Concurrent Sessions

Day 2

  • 10:00–11:00 AM – Concurrent Sessions
  • 11:00–11:15 AM – Break
  • 11:15 AM–12:15 PM – Concurrent Sessions
  • 12:15 PM - 12:30 PM Transition to the Virtual Exhibit Hall
  • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM – Virtual Exhibit Hall & Networking Hour

Day 3

  • 10:00–11:00 AM – Concurrent Sessions
  • 11:00–11:15 AM – Break
  • 11:15 AM–12:15 PM – Concurrent Sessions
  • 12:15–12:30 PM – Break
  • 12:30–1:30 PM – Hot Topics Forum / Closing Session

Program Highlights

🎤 Opening Keynote

Hear from a nationally recognized corrections leader on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of detention operations.

📚 14 Educational Sessions

Choose from two concurrent educational tracks featuring practical, real-world solutions and emerging best practices.

🔥 Hot Topics Forum

Engage in a closing discussion focused on current issues impacting correctional facilities and the professionals who lead them.

Registration Pricing

Early Bird Registration
Through August 14

Member $149
Non-Member $199
Non-Member + AJA Membership $225
Student $49
Agency Watch Party $399

Standard Registration
August 15 and After

Member $199
Non-Member $249
Non-Member + AJA Membership $275
Student $59
Agency Watch Party $499

Agency Watch Party

What's Included

  • One facility login
  • Multiple staff members viewing together
  • Group participation opportunities
  • Certificates for individual attendees
  • Eligibility for Watch Party Challenge

Challenge Components

  • Submit a group photo
  • Share one strategy or best practice to implement

Prize Categories

  • Most Participants
  • Best Action Item
  • Random Prize Drawing

Navigate Change. Strengthen Your Agency.

Join correctional professionals from across the nation for three half-days of focused learning, leadership development, wellness strategies, and risk management solutions designed specifically for today's detention environment.

Register Individual Register-Watch Party