#AARC26Dallas Challenge

Post a picture, story, or short video with the hashtag #AARC26Dallas and let everyone know Why you are excited to attend AARC in Dallas Sept 19 and 20, 2026

and/or

Be creative and tell us what you are presenting on, without telling us what you are presenting on . . .
Interpretive dance? A sandtray representation? A picture of someone who might be interested in the topic?

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

Registration

The conference registration fees for the 2026 Conference are:

Professional AARC Member Rates: $225.00
Professional Non-Member Rate: $325.00
Student AARC Member Rate: $99.00
Student Non-Member Rate: $175

To register for the 2026 AARC Conference, please use this this: https://2026associationforassessmen.sched.com/

Registration and Cancellation Policies

We are past the cancellation date.

Beyond the Numbers: How Lived Experience Can Drive Advocacy and Policy Change

Keynote Speaker: Patsy Cunningham, LCPC, Director of Legislative Engagement and Strategy at the American Counseling Association and former Behavioral Health Advisor for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

Ms. Cunningham is the Director of Legislative Engagement and Strategy at the American Counseling Association. In this role, she works closely with federal and state policymakers, regulatory leaders, and key stakeholders to advance policies that support the American Counseling Association’s Legislative Agenda. Patsy has over 20 years of experience in the behavioral health field providing both clinical care and working in public policy.

Contact Dr. Cade and copy couneducation@SHSU.EDU with your interest in sponsoring. We can provide invoices and take payments using a university PCard. Please share this opportunity with your department chair and let them know if you are presenting!

Individual Sponsorships are available for Practices or Community Agencies in the Area for $250.00

The AARC group rate at the Marriott Legacy Town Center Plano/Dallas, TX is $175 USD per night.

Conference Hotel at negotiated rate is full and no longer available.

Conference Hotel Parking
$20/day self-park $30 Valet with in and out privileges
Friday and Saturday nights complimentary self-parking
Generous nearby free parking is available.

DFW Airport to Marriott Legacy Town Center

• Average Time 28 minutes 
• Average Distance 22 miles
• Uber Average Price: $49.00

If traveling with young children: 

• Adventure Kids has drop-in childcare located 
• 4817 W. Park Blvd. Ste 830, Plano, TX 75093
• 4.6 miles from the hotel (approx 12 minutes) – Uber available.
• Phone 972-612-5400
• Email: plano@adventurekidsplaycare.com
• Must register & provide current immunization record.
• Can book drop in care online.
• M-Th 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Friday 8 a.m.-Midnight; Saturday 9 a.m.-Midnight
• $16/hour -Infants (6 weeks-18 months)
• $15/hour – Toddler 18 months-3 years)
• $13/hour – one child over 3
• $8/hour each additional sibling (over 18 months)
• Nut-free facility and Gluten-free available $5 per child per meal
• Snacks 10 a.m., 3 p.m., and 8 p.m.

Older kids or parental supervision with younger children:

• Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center 
• 5801 W. Parker Rd. 
• Plano, TX 75093
• 972-769-4404
• 3.0 miles/9 minutes by car
• Email: Chauncey Deller at chaunceyd@plano.gov 
• M-TH 5 a.m.-10 p.m.
• F 5 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Sat 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Daily Admission 3-15 years old $6 non-resident and 16 or older $10/non-resident
• Great indoor & outdoor pools with slide, kiddie pool, Pickleball, table tennis
• Children 10 and over may be unaccompanied at the recreation center.

Airport and Transportation Information

DFW Airport

Dallas Love Field Airport

When you are on site at the conference, look for the following Conference Committee members or one of our designated volunteers, if you need help.

Attending or Presenting? Download the 2026 AARC Sched Ap

1. Download your Sched Event App on App Store or Google Play.
2. Search for your event: 2026 Association for Assessment in Research and Counseling Conference

3. Edit your profile and upload your photo.

4. Click on your profile/picture in the top right corner of your screen. Choose Privacy Settings.

5. Make your profile public so that others can see your profile and your session QR code.

6. If you are a speaker, you can go to My speaker sessions or search for your name, and Download QR codes for your sessions

And get codes that you can share with others who might want to attend. You can also post these on your social media with #AARC26Dallas

The conference hotel is located within an easily walkable mixed-use development including the The Shops at Legacy East. 

Food

Walkable food options at various price points: Directory — The Shops at Legacy East

Short Hotel Shuttle/Uber ride to Legacy North: Directory — Legacy North

The UPS Store is a close walk from the hotel, if you need copies or need to ship items. 

If you want to relax or have some fun and looking for things to do nearby, try

Relaxation and Wellness

The Woodhouse Day Spa 214.473.9955

Stretch Lab 214.641.4444

Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center 
5801 W. Parker Rd. Plano 75093
972-769-4404
Friday 5 a.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Day ticket – $10 non-resident

Entertainment & Food

Mic Drop Comedy 7301 Loan Star Dr. (walkable)
General admission $31; Preferred seating $42.50

• Cody Smith – Sept. 17 7:30 p.m. 
• Dan LaMorte – Sept. 18 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

From the bio: On the spectrum, inspirational wellness journey – self-aware humor

• Once Upon a Mic – open mike – Sat. Sept. 19 3:00 p.m.
• Dan LaMorte – Sept. 19 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
  

Legacy Hall is a unique food hall with over 20 trendy eateries, a bar, frequently live entertainment where everyone can have what they want to eat and enjoy their time with friends. 

• Friday September 18th 7 p.m. Journey Tribute 
• Saturday Sept. 19th 6 p.m. Bingo Loco 

Escape Rooms

Red Door Escape Room 
Short Uber ride to 8103 Rasor Blvd. Ste 100 Plano 75024
9:45 a.m.-10:25 p.m.
972-787-0085

Back in Time Escape Rooms
2601 Preston Rd. Ste 1002 Frisco 75034
10 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
972.876.8890

North Texas Escape Rooms
8232 Preston Rd. Ste 100 Plano 75024
10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
469.609.0395

AARC-2026-Conference-Sponsorship-Guide.pdf