NAATP National 2026 brought together 500 addiction treatment leaders, clinicians, executives, and industry partners May 4 - 6 at the Omni Amelia Island Resort in Amelia Island, Florida, for the association’s 47th Annual Addiction Treatment Leadership Conference. Centered around the theme, Future-Proofing Treatment: Technology in a People-Centered Workplace, the conference explored how innovation, artificial intelligence, workforce transformation, and evolving care models are reshaping the future of addiction treatment while keeping people at the center of care.
Beginning on May 4, attendees embraced the conference’s playful and timely theme of “May the FoRSE Be with You,” highlighting the growing momentum and excitement surrounding NAATP’s FoRSE Outcomes Program. The energy carried throughout the conference and culminated in an impactful session: an update on the FoRSE Addiction Treatment Outcomes Program and the release of the latest annual outcomes findings. The FoRSE initiative continues to unite providers nationwide around shared outcomes reporting and collaborative research.
Over three days, attendees participated in keynote presentations, panel discussions, NAATP Talks, networking events, and hands-on training sessions designed to address the most pressing operational and clinical challenges facing providers today. Educational programming covered a wide range of topics, including artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, brain science and pharmacology, insurance reimbursement and value-based contracting, workforce development, clinical outcomes research, marketing and communications, and public policy advocacy.
The conference keynote address was delivered by healthcare strategist Mark Johnson, who challenged attendees to think “future-back” as they navigate rapid technological and societal change. Additional featured programming included the C-Suite Lunch with healthcare consultant Quint Studer and the Women in Leadership Luncheon featuring Dr. Inger Burnett-Zeigler, Chief Behavioral Health Officer for the state of Illinois.
NAATP National 2026 also introduced several new conference experiences, including a new dynamic NAATP Talks format and interactive, skills-based learning opportunities such as Operationalizing AI and the Middle Management Academy. A particularly noticeable enhancement this year was the redesigned flow of the exhibit hall, which created a more energetic and connected environment throughout the conference. Attendees moved seamlessly between educational sessions, networking opportunities, and exhibitor interactions, creating a palpable sense of engagement across the property.
As part of the annual tradition, conference attendees gathered for Opening Night at NAATP and the Addiction Treatment Leadership Awards celebration, recognizing individuals whose leadership and service continue to elevate the addiction treatment profession. The conference also featured the NAATP PAC Golf Tournament, networking receptions, leadership luncheons, and exhibitor experiences that fostered collaboration and connection throughout the event.
Another standout addition was the Snapshot Podcast experience, which brought live conversations and storytelling directly into the conference atmosphere and offered attendees a fresh way to engage with thought leaders and peers across the field.
Beyond the educational programming, the setting itself added to the overall experience. With sessions and networking taking place steps from the beach at the beautiful Omni Amelia Island Resort, attendees enjoyed an atmosphere that fostered both professional connection and personal renewal.
NAATP National remains one of the addiction treatment field’s leading educational and networking conferences, serving as a national gathering point for organizations committed to advancing ethical, evidence-based addiction treatment and recovery support services.
Conference materials and additional post-conference resources are now available.
NAATP National 2026 post-conference resource center