AAFCS Leadership Summit

 

Welcome to the 2026 Leadership Summit! 

Join us for the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) Leadership Summit, where professionals from diverse fields come together to inspire, learn, and lead. This summit is an unparalleled opportunity to connect with members, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and learn best practices that can elevate your career and impact your community. 

Why Attend the AAFCS Leadership Summit

  • Connect with Members
  • Engage in Discussions
  • Learn Best Practices
  • Expand Connections
  • Earn PDUs
  • Experience Pittsburgh
  • Have Fun!

About AAFCS 

Founded in 1909, AAFCS is the premier professional association representing family and consumer sciences professionals. Our mission is to elevate the profession by inspiring research, leadership, and service to empower individuals, families, and communities. Join us in our commitment to making a positive impact and achieving optimal quality of life for all.

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Innovation Labs 

Innovation Labs is back for a second year! These hands-on workshops are hosted by sponsoring partners and designed to ignite creativity, foster collaboration, and drive breakthrough solutions. In just one power-packed hour, FCS professionals will contribute to strategy development, challenge conventional thinking, and unlock game-changing ideas to elevate their work.

Submit a Proposal

The proposal system for the 2026 Leadership Summit is now open! This year’s summit offers two exciting submission tracks: Track 1 – Building Skills For Personal Leadership, and Track 2 – Building Skills to Lead Organizations. Don’t miss this opportunity to share your expertise and help shape the future of leadership!

Proposals Due: July 7

Submit Now

Event Details

Pittsburgh, PA | Wyndam Grand Downtown

September 18-20, 2026

Register Now

Hotel Information

Wyndam Grand Pittsburgh Downtown
600 Commonwealth Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Please book by August 27, 2026 to ensure availability and rate.

Explore Pittsburgh with AAFCS! 

Get ready to experience the modern, eclectic city of Pittsburgh with AAFCS! Enhance your Leadership Summit experience by joining us for three different enriching educational excursions. 

Learn More

Daily Outfit Themes: Coming Soon!

Certification Exams

At the Summit, a special paper-based administration will provide an opportunity to sit for one of the following exams, each corresponding to one of the AAFCS professional certifications: 

  • Baking Science Professional: CBSP – Certified Baking Science Professional
  • FCS Composite Exam: CFCS - Certified in Family and Consumer Sciences
  • Hospitality, Nutrition & Food Science (HNFS Exam): CFCS-HNFS - Certified in Hospitality, Nutrition & Food Science
  • Human Development & Family Science (HDFS Exam): CFCS-HDFS - Certified in Human Development and Family Science
  • Personal & Family Finance: CPFFE- Certified Personal and Family Finance Educator
  • Nutrition and Wellness Educator: CNWE – Certified Nutrition and Wellness Educator

Click here for exam information and to access assessment materials. The DISCOUNTED COST for this special paper-based testing (PBT) at the Leadership Summit is $50.00. Assessment administration will be on Monday, September 22. To register, simply add the exam item during the registration process for the workshop.  Once added, you will be prompted to select the exam title.