ALL IN ALWAYS.
POWER IN UNITY.

About

What's It
All About?

The NY Alliance Pre & Annual Conference is a dynamic 3.5-day event that brings together professionals to learn, connect, and celebrate.

The Pre-Conference on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, will focus on "The Future of Human Services, Powered by AI."

From Wednesday, April 15 to Friday, April 17, enjoy:

2 inspiring keynotes
50+ workshops spanning 10+ unique tracks
an art exhibit highlighting creativity in the I/DD community
a 5K Fun Run supporting New York's DSPs
the Annual Excellence Awards banquet

Held at The Sagamore Resort on stunning Lake George, NY, this event offers a perfect blend of learning and relaxation!

Use the menu along the top of the page to learn more about all aspects of the conference and register today!

Special Thank You to Our Premiere Sponsor:

Features

Keynote Speakers

To open and close the conference, check out our two dynamic keynote speakers who will inspire and ignite your conference experience!

Opening Keynote

Nolan Nichols

Nolan Nichols is a Fortune 500 keynote speaker, master storyteller, and founder of A Million Dreams. Based in Washington, D.C., he brings a unique blend of professional storytelling, education, and real‑world business experience to the stage. Drawing on his background as a video producer for top global brands and his master’s degree in education, Nolan delivers highly engaging keynotes designed to inspire, empower, and equip today’s workforce.

Known for his practical, high‑impact approach, Nolan helps organizations build resilience, enhance well‑being, and create thriving workplace cultures. His presentations are tailored to the realities of an ever‑changing work environment and provide actionable strategies attendees can apply immediately. Featured in leading industry publications including Skift Meetings, MPI, Smart Meetings, and Meetings Today, Nolan is recognized for helping teams excel in times of disruption by unlocking the potential of their greatest asset—their people.

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Closing Keynote

Russell Lehmann

Russell Lehmann is an award‑winning, internationally recognized keynote speaker, poet, author, and activist known for his powerful work at the intersection of autism, mental health, disability, and society. Through raw, transparent storytelling and spoken‑word poetry, Russell delivers deeply moving presentations that educate, challenge assumptions, and inspire meaningful change.

A TEDx speaker and contributor to Psychology Today, Russell brings both professional credibility and lived experience to the stage, sharing his personal journey of being diagnosed with autism at age 12 following an extended psychiatric hospitalization. His talks explore resilience, inclusion, and mental well‑being with honesty, candor, and moments of humor, creating a strong emotional connection with audiences. Serving on multiple national boards and councils, Russell is a leading voice in disability advocacy whose presentations leave attendees with a deeper understanding of neurodiversity and the human impact of inequity.

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