ACA CampForward Conference

Date

October 27-29, 2026

Location

Grand Geneva Resort
7036 Grand Geneva Way
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
CampForward Conference Logo

Cost

Save the date! Registration details coming soon

Join us in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin for the ACA CampForward Conference, a brand-new conference where you will build skills, strengthen community, and advance the impact of camp. Conference attendees will attend engaging educational breakout sessions, network with peers and experts, and explore the exhibit hall showcasing products and services relevant to camps. Save the date October 27-29, 2026 and plan to join us in Wisconsin!

Call for Proposals

The conference planning team is now accepting dynamic and relevant breakout sessions. Lectures, interactive presentations, and panel discussions are welcome. Submit a session today and help us build a program that educates, connects, and sparks ideas. The deadline to submit is September 12, 2026. 

Submit a Session Proposal

Registration for the 2026 CampForward Conference will open in July.

Save by registering early! Early bird registration is available through September 28, 2026.

Registration Includes:

  • Full Conference Registration for October 27-29, 2026 includes the full conference program, two breakfasts (Wednesday and Thursday), exhibit hall, networking and social events. 
  • Wednesday ONLY Registration includes breakfast that morning, educational breakout sessions throughout the day, and the exhibit hall.

Hotel lodging is available at the Grand Geneva resort. See the hotel and travel tab for additional details and information on how to book your stay.

Not an ACA member? Join today for FREE and get the best rates for this event!

Type Early-Bird (Ends 9/28) Standard (Ends 10/20) Final Wave
Member $299 $329 $362
Nonmember $399 $440 $484
Additional person from same organization - Member  $280 $308 $338
Additional person from same organization - Nonmember  $380 $418 $460
Speaker - Full Conference $190 $190 $240
Wednesday ONLY - Member $150 $165 $182
Wednesday ONLY - Nonmember $185 $204 $224

Understanding Registration Pricing:

We encourage you to register early - not just to save money, but to help us plan the best possible event!

Early Bird: Lock in the best rate by registering early! You'll get the lowest price and the best deal.

Standard: This is our standard registration rate, available after the Early Bird period ends.

Final Wave: Begins one week before the event and includes onsite registration.

As the conference gets closer our team is finalizing all the details, including meal numbers, room setups, and materials. Our host site needs final numbers well in advance of the event. We are always happy to welcome last minute registrations when possible. Registering early helps us serve everyone better!

Monday - October 26

12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Preconference Workshop Check-In

1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Executive Director Workshop

1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. EPIC Workshop

Tuesday - October 27

8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Preconference Workshop Check-In

8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Accreditation Visit Mini Bootcamp

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Local Area Camp Tour

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Conference Check-In

1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Solo Conference Attendees Meet-Up

2:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Opening General Session & Keynote

3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Educational Breakout Session

5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. Networking Activity

5:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Welcome Reception & Networking

Wednesday - October 28

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast & Conversations

9:15 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. Welcome to Day 2 of CampForward!

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Educational Breakout Session 

11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Educational Breakout Session 

12:15 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Lunch on your own/Break

2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Educational Breakout Session 

2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Educational Breakout Session 

3:45 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Exhibit Hall Opens!

4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Educational Breakout Session 

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall & Social Reception

Thursday - October 29

7:30 a.m. - 8:15 a.m. Breakfast & Conversations

8:15 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. Educational Breakout Session 

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Educational Breakout Session 

10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Closing General Session & Keynote

We are excited to be at the Grand Geneva Resort in charming Lake Geneva, Wisconsin for the CampForward Conference. Surrounded by scenic woodlands and rolling hills, Lake Geneva is the perfect setting to unwind, learn, and enjoy outdoor adventures.

The Grand Geneva Resort is located on the Illinois-Wisconsin border, just an hour south of Milwaukee and ninety minutes north of Chicago. 

Book your stay at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa or Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark

Two hotels, all on one resort property, with lodging choices to meet your teams needs and budget. Guests will enjoy views of the private lake, Wi-Fi, on-property shuttle service, easy parking, a fully-equipped fitness center, and miles of scenic, wooded hiking paths. 

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa: Each room has been completely reimagined, creating an inviting space with new modern finishes and furnishings. Stay where the action is: conference spaces, guest rooms, dining, and amenities all seamlessly connected. 

  • Standard Deluxe - $179 per night: Guaranteed to accommodate up to two guests. Rooms feature a mini-refrigerator and in-room coffee maker. 
  • One Bedroom Villa - $179 per night: This spacious villa accommodates up to four guests and features a full kitchen and living area. 
  • Two Bedroom Villa - $279 per night: A multi-level villa that features two private bedrooms that can accommodate up to six guests. Also includes a full kitchen and living area. 
  • Three Bedroom Villa - $477 per night: Sleeps up to eight guests with three private bedrooms and features a full kitchen and living area.

Timber Ridge Lodge & WaterparkIt's the SUITE life at Timber Ridge Lodge! The hotel suites include a full kitchen, private bedroom(s), living area, and outdoor fire pit area. Waterpark passes are included with your hotel reservation.

  • One Bedroom Suite - $159 per night: The one bedroom suite can sleep up to four people and includes four waterpark passes.
  • Two Bedroom Suite - $259 per night: The two bedroom suite can sleep up to six people and includes six waterpark passes.

Book Your Hotel Stay Today!

Book by October 5 to lock in the best conference hotel pricing. 

 

Flying to the CampForward Conference? Here are some options of airports that are near Lake Geneva: 

  • Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (50 minutes away)
  • Chicago Rockford International Airport (65 minutes away)
  • Dane County Regional Airport (75 minutes away)
  • Chicago O'Hare International Airport (90 minutes away)

Connect with Camp Professional From Across the Midwest

Join us at the new ACA CampForward Conference in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and connect with camp professionals, leaders, and decision-makers from across the region. 

Exhibit Hall Schedule - Wednesday, October 28, 2026

1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Exhibitor Setup

3:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open

7:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall Closed

Booth Cost: $450 Member / $950 Nonmember

Register to Exhibit