NBA 101st Annual Convention

Nashville, Tennessee | July 25–31, 2026

The Rhythm of Excellence: The Power of Promise, The Energy of Now

As we gather in Nashville, America’s Music City and home to some of our nation’s most influential Black musical traditions, we step into the NBA’s next century with a theme that reflects both who we are and where we are going.

The Rhythm of Excellence speaks to the steady, intentional, and historic beat of the National Bar Association. For more than a century, our members have shaped the legal landscape with courage, brilliance, and determination. That rhythm continues today: strong, grounded, and unmistakably ours.

The Power of Promise reminds us that the NBA’s future is bright because of the work we commit to right now: our pipeline programs, our advocacy, our leadership development, our partnerships, and our collective investment in the next generation of Black lawyers and judges.

The Energy of Now recognizes the urgency of this moment in America. The challenges facing our communities demand our expertise AND our action. It also demands our influence and our unified resolve. It calls us to step forward strategically and together while doing so boldly.

I look forward to welcoming you to Nashville as we continue the work, lift our voices, and move in a rhythm that will carry our Association and our communities forward, together.

Week-at-a-Glance

Below is an overview of the major events and themes for each day to help members plan their travel. A detailed program, speakers, and room assignments will be released closer to the Convention.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22 – THURSDAY, JULY 23

Arrivals & Early Prep

Members, exhibitors, leadership, and partners arrive in Nashville.
Pre-convention planning meetings and load-in begin for teams, vendors, and production partners.

FRIDAY, JULY 24

Registration Opens + Pre-Convention Setup

Registration and Exhibit Hall load-in
Executive and event-planning pre-meetings
Ideal arrival day for anyone participating in early activities or leadership sessions.

SATURDAY, JULY 25

Pre-Convention Events + Wellness + Retreats

Uncle Nearest Distillery Tour
Unity 5K Run/Walk + Morning Wellness
Board of Governors Meeting
Civil Trial Advocacy Bootcamp (6-hour CLE)
Women Lawyers Division Retreat, Men’s Retreat
Youth Enrichment Program (YEP) Orientation
Community Service Project
Charity Basketball Showcase (“From the Court to the Courtroom”)
Great day for families, wellness lovers, students, and early-arriving delegates.

SUNDAY, JULY 26

Opening Day + Plenary + Welcome Events

Opening Plenary / Public Meeting
Judicial Council Convocation & Service
Associate Advancement Academy Luncheon
Exhibit Hall Ribbon Cutting
Section & Division Meetings
First-Time Attendee Orientation
Progressive Nashville Welcome Reception (Evening)
Best day to arrive if attending the official Opening Ceremony.

MONDAY, JULY 27

Major CLE Blocks + Corporate Counsel Summit + Awards

Corporate Counsel Leadership Summit – Part I
Full CLE programming across 7+ tracks
Judicial Council sessions
Multiple ticketed luncheons (NBI, Junius W. Williams, ADR, Corporate Counsel)
Presidential Showcase (Afternoon)
Regions Meetings
16th Annual Managing Partners & General Counsel Scholarship Dinner
40 Under 40 Awards Gala + YLD Celebration
Candidates’ Parties (Late Evening)
Ideal day for corporate counsel, litigators, CLE seekers, and award honorees.

TUESDAY, JULY 28

Fraternity & Sorority Breakfasts + Voting Day + President’s Ball

Fraternity/Sorority & Civil Rights Breakfasts
Affiliate & Individual Member Voting
CLE Programming (all tracks)
Civil Rights Forum
LGBTQ+ Awards Reception, Solo/Small Firm, Antitrust & Alumni Receptions
President’s Ball: Black Bridgerton / Queen Charlotte Ball
A key day for voting delegates, affinity networks, and social event fans.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29

CLE Finale + Alumni Breakfasts + Choose Your Experience Night

Alumni & Law School Breakfasts
Final CLE Blocks
Youth Enrichment Program continues
Thurgood Marshall Awards Luncheon
Presidential Showcase: Nashville Signature Track (Music, Sports & Entertainment Law)
Evening Experiences:
- Game Night (Spades, Bid Whist, Dominoes)
- Night Out in Nashville (Karaoke + Line Dancing)
  Great day for alumni gatherings, Nashville culture, and social fun.

THURSDAY, JULY 30

Closing Day + Necrology + Competition + Gala

Closing Plenary & Necrology
MLK Drum Major for Justice Competition
Judicial Council Final Meetings
Fred D. Gray Hall of Fame Luncheon
Presidential Showcase: Ethics CLE + Community Service
Closing Gala + Installation of Officers
Afterglow Champagne Lounge
Perfect final day for full-week attendees and those celebrating leadership transitions.

FRIDAY, JULY 31

New Board Begins

First Meeting of the New Board of Directors
Departure day for most attendees.

Which Days Should You Come?

Full Experience: July 25–30
CLE-Focused: July 27–29
Alumni & Social Events: July 28–29
Leadership / Governance: July 24–31
Family & Youth: July 25–30 (YEP runs daily)