Social & Special Activities
Beyond the Program: Moments that Connect Us
Wednesday, March 12 – Friday, March 13, 2026
Hilton Arlington National Landing Hotel
Discover the moments that bring the conference to life—from live podcast recordings to shared receptions and interactive gatherings designed to spark connection beyond the lecture rooms.
NABIS Live: The Podcast Studio 
Step inside the conversation. In collaboration with the Open Ears Open Opportunities, Inc./The Hidden Workforce and Craig Hospital, NABIS is excited to debut the NABIS Live: The Podcast Studio—a dynamic, behind-the-scenes recording set straight to the heart of the conference. Housed in a glass-walled studio, these conversations will unfold in real time and in full view, featuring timely topics and thought-provoking discussions with leading voices in the brain injury field. You’ll also see select exhibitors and supporters’ step into the studio, offering them a platform to share insights into the services and innovations shaping care today. These sessions are designed to extend the impact of the conference well beyond the meeting, amplifying the conversation around brain injury long after attendees head home.
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Launch Night Lecture: A New Era of Brain Injury Research and Care—Lighting the Path Forward
- Time: 5:00-6:00pm
- Location: Madison, Plaza Level
- Registration: Open to all NABIS registrants
Immediately following an action-packed day of NABIS pre-conference sessions and advocacy-oriented conversations with members of Congress on Capitol Hill, Dr. Kristen Dams-O’Connor will discuss the milestones achieved and how past successes have ushered in a New Era of Brain Injury Research and Care. Learning from our past, from one another, and from the patients and families we serve, we are now on the cusp of unprecedented advances that change what it means to live with brain injury. Join us to be part of the path that will light our way forward.
The Connection Hour: Connecting the BIAA, NABIS & NASHIA Communities
- Time: 6:00-7:00pm
- Location: Virginia Foyer, Plaza Level
- Registration: Open to all BIAA, NABIS and NASHIA registrants
Don’t miss the only event uniting BIAA, NABIS, and NASHIA in one space. The Connection Hour is designed for mingling, cross-discipline connection, and energizing conversation—paired with light refreshments to keep the momentum going.
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Connect & Collaborate: NASHIA/NABIS Breakfast
- Time: 7:00-8:00am
- Location: Virginia Foyer, Plaza Level
- Registration: Open to all NABIS and NASHIA registrants
Kick off the day with a relaxed, social breakfast alongside colleagues from NABIS and NASHIA. Enjoy fresh coffee, juices, and a light breakfast spread while connecting, catching up, and easing into a day of learning together.
Poster Session A & Interactive Exhibit Hall
- Time: 9:00-10:10am
- Location: Crystal Ballroom, Plaza Level
- Registration: Open to all NABIS and NASHIA registrants
Engage directly with Poster Session A presenters as they share their latest research and clinical insights. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations while enjoying house-made granola, lemon bars, and fresh coffee in a relaxed, interactive setting.
This poster session is supported by Craig Hospital.
Welcome Reception
- Time: 6:00-7:00pm
- Location: Virginia Foyer, Plaza Level
- Registration: Open to all NABIS registrants
After a full day of learning and exchange, unwind and connect with colleagues at our Welcome Reception. Enjoy a relaxed evening of conversation, light refreshments, and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, with gentle live music creating an inviting atmosphere. This gathering offers a perfect opportunity to reflect on the day, build new connections, and continue conversations with fellow professionals dedicated to advancing brain injury care.
Friday, March 13, 2026
Poster Session B & Interactive Exhibit Hall
- Time: 10:05-11:15am
- Location: Crystal Ballroom, Plaza Level
- Registration: Open to all NABIS registrants
Continue the conversation during the Poster Session B as presenters guide attendees through a new set of scientific posters highlighting emerging research and practice innovations. Connect with colleagues, spark new partnerships, and enjoy freshly popped popcorn, brownies, blondies, and coffee as ideas—and conversations—flow.
Advancing Neuroprotection and Brain Injury Prevention
- Time: 12:15-1:30pm
- Location: Commonwealth, Lobby Level
- Registration: Invitation Only
This private symposium convenes leading scientists, clinicians, stakeholders, and advocates to examine opportunities to enhance the treatment and/or prevention of brain injury sequalae by the emergence of non-invasive technologies. Anchored by the first double-blind randomized controlled trial demonstrating that transcranial photobiomodulation (PBM) confers measurable neuroprotection in collegiate athletes,this educational and interactive symposium aims to translate these scientific updates into actionable policy, military and civilian best practices health frameworks,. Participants will engage with key stakeholders including HHS, DoD, NIH, and the NCAA—to explore further research and clinical implementation opportunities which incorporate the scientific relevance of PBM into National Brain Health and Aging Initiatives.
Presented by Vielight Inc., and the PBM Foundation
