Note from the Editorial Manager: Empower yourself and others at ACDIS 2026

by Karla Kozak

It takes courage to get up on stage, stand in front of a crowd of strangers, and deliver a presentation on any topic. Regardless of how well you know the topic or how much you’ve prepared, there’s a level of vulnerability you open yourself up to when you take the podium. But, when you’re finished, and the audience applauds and appreciates your efforts, there’s truly nothing like it. Not only do you feel accomplished and proud, but you also feel empowered.

I invite you to chase that empowerment at the 2026 ACDIS conference in Chicago next April. We’re looking for CDI and coding professionals of all backgrounds and experience levels to apply to speak at each of our three in-person events next spring:

• 2026 ACDIS Conference: Monday, April 20–Thursday, April 23, 2026
• ACDIS Physician Advisor Forum: Sunday, April 19–Monday, April 20, 2026
• ACDIS Symposium: Outpatient CDI: Sunday, April 19–Monday, April 20, 2026

Whether you’re a veteran speaker or stepping up to the podium for the first time, it’s the perfect chance to use your professional experiences to empower others to achieve their goals. Consider unique initiatives at your organization, data tracking and analysis that other organizations could implement, or challenges your facility has successfully overcome—all of these stories make for great conference sessions. We know you have something to say, and we want to hear it!

Applying is easy. Start by creating an application to our speaker portal here. You’ll want to have your session title, description (abstract), 3-5 learning objectives, professional biography, and co-speaker information (if applicable) at the ready.

And the more information you can share with us about your session, the better! Our Events Committee carefully evaluates each application and looks favorably upon submissions that clearly specify what will be discussed and how. When possible, we strongly encourage you to include a draft of your slides or detailed outline to add further detail to your application.

Sessions must be 60 minutes in length—50 minutes of lecture followed by 10 minutes of audience Q&A. Speakers should feel confident that they will fill this full time. Additionally, proposed sessions should refrain from advertising a product, outlining a use case for a product, or including any other form of commercial bias.

The application will remain open until July 21, with speakers notified in early fall. Additionally, two speakers per selected session will receive complimentary admission to the event they are presenting at.

Know you want to speak but not sure where to start? Check out our list of frequently requested and suggested topics here. Questions? Email me directly at Karla.Kozak@hcpro.com.

See you in the Windy City!

Editor’s note: Kozak is the editorial manager, products & events, at ACDIS. Contact her at karla.kozak@hcpro.com.