Nancy Pelosi to Close 2026 USCHA in Anaheim

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi will be the closing plenary speaker at the 2026 United States Conference on HIV/AIDS, taking place Sept. 16-19 in Anaheim, California. NMAC says her appearance underscores the conference’s focus on progress in HIV advocacy, policy and public health ahead of additional programming announcements.

Why it matters: - Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi is a high-profile HIV policy ally, and her closing plenary appearance gives the 2026 United States Conference on HIV/AIDS added visibility. - The conference comes as NMAC marks 45 years of HIV movement progress and looks to reset priorities for the work still ahead. - USCHA remains a major gathering for researchers, clinicians, advocates and community leaders working on HIV prevention and care.

What happened: - NMAC announced that Pelosi will serve as the closing plenary speaker at the 2026 USCHA in Anaheim, California. - The conference runs Sept. 16-19, 2026. - NMAC said the conference will open Thursday, Sept. 17, with a plenary focused on art, reflection and leadership across the HIV movement. - The opening plenary will include Harold Phillips, professional dancer and creative collaborator Jelani Adams Garçon, and the Rt. Rev. Antonio José Gallardo Lucena, Eighth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. - The conference begins Wednesday, Sept. 16, with a welcome reception curated by DJ Jash Jay. - Miss Shalae will perform at the welcome reception, and attendees are encouraged to wear all-white attire.

The details: - Pelosi has been a longtime advocate for people living with HIV and for the broader HIV movement. - Her record includes support for the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS Program, Medicaid expansion, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, the AIDS Memorial Quilt and the National AIDS Memorial Grove. - During her time in Congress, Pelosi helped protect and expand U.S. investments in PEPFAR and the Global Fund. - Pelosi also played a role in passage of the Affordable Care Act, which expanded access to health care and prohibited discrimination against people with pre-existing conditions, including people living with HIV. - The 2026 conference will also include workshops, institutes and iPoster sessions. - NMAC says those sessions are designed to strengthen skills, share emerging research and support work across the HIV field. - Additional speakers, performers and programming will be announced in the coming weeks. - Registration and conference updates are available through the official 2026 USCHA webpage. - Late registration for all categories is $925. - Registration is available at conference registration. - Sponsorship and exhibit opportunities are available at sponsor and exhibit information.

Between the lines: - Pelosi’s participation signals that USCHA is positioning HIV advocacy as both a public health issue and a policy issue. - NMAC is also using the conference to blend movement history, community culture and professional training in one event. - The emphasis on opening and closing plenaries suggests the organization wants to frame the conference around momentum, reflection and continuity.

What's next: - NMAC will announce more speakers, performers and programming in the weeks ahead. - Press coverage, interviews and credentialing will be coordinated through NMAC. - Attendees can expect continued updates through the official conference webpage as September approaches. - The bottom line: Pelosi’s closing appearance gives USCHA a prominent political voice as NMAC prepares one of the HIV field’s largest annual convenings.