Annual Educational Conference Frequently Asked Questions
General Conference Information
What is the CLEAR Annual Educational Conference?
The CLEAR Annual Educational Conference (AEC) is the premier professional development event for regulators and regulatory stakeholders. It brings together regulatory leaders, board members, investigators, administrators, policymakers, and researchers from around the world to explore emerging issues in professional regulation and share leading practices that strengthen public protection.
When and where is the next conference taking place?
The 2026 Annual Educational Conference will take place September 14–17, 2026 in Portland, Oregon (USA).
In 2027, CLEAR is bringing the Annual Educational Conference to Western Canada for the first time! Join us in Vancouver, BC, September 20-23.
Registration for the conference is in-person only.
Who should attend the conference?
The conference is designed for professionals working in or alongside regulatory bodies, including:
Executive Directors / Registrars
Licensing and registration staff
Investigators and enforcement personnel
Board members and public members
Credentialing and examination professionals
Policy analysts and legal counsel
Regulatory researchers and consultants
Which countries and jurisdictions should attend this conference?
CLEAR’s conference welcomes participants from around the world and regularly includes speakers and attendees from Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, and other regions. The conference emphasizes cross-jurisdictional learning and international collaboration.
Program & Sessions
How is the conference program organized?
Sessions are organized into four main tracks of inquiry:
Regulatory Administration and Governance
Compliance, Discipline, and Enforcement
Entry to Practice Standards and Continuing Competence
Testing and Examinations
What topics will be covered in this year’s program?
Sessions address key issues facing regulators today, including:
Regulatory governance and board modernization
Compliance, discipline, and enforcement practices
Workforce mobility and pathways to licensure
Credentialing, examinations, and competency assessment
Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
Public trust, transparency, and stakeholder engagement
Regulatory innovation and modernization
Are sessions designed for specific experience levels?
Yes. Sessions are typically identified as introductory, intermediate, or advanced, allowing attendees to select content that best matches their experience and professional responsibilities.
Will there be keynote or plenary presentations?
Yes. The conference features three plenary sessions (one each day of conference programming) that bring all attendees together to explore major themes affecting the future of professional regulation.
Are there breakout or interactive sessions?
Yes. In addition to the three plenary sessions, the conference agenda includes ten breakout blocks as well as a dedicated time for poster sessions. All four conference tracks are featured in each breakout block, giving attendees additional opportunities to engage with the content most relevant to their work. Many breakout sessions include interactive formats such as live audience polling, facilitated discussions, and audience Q&A. Breakout formats are designed to encourage dialogue and shared best practices among regulators.
Networking & Community
What networking opportunities are available?
The conference includes multiple opportunities to connect with peers from across jurisdictions and professions, including:
Welcome reception and meals
Pre-conference workshops
Collaborative session formats
Optional social activities
Many attendees find these peer exchanges to be one of the most valuable aspects of the conference.
Why attend the CLEAR conference instead of a profession-specific conference?
CLEAR’s conference provides a cross-profession regulatory perspective, allowing participants to learn from approaches used in other sectors and jurisdictions. This broader view often sparks innovative ideas that can be adapted to a wide range of regulatory contexts.
Registration
When will registration open?
Registration for the 2026 conference is already open! Register here. (Registration generally opens in January of each year.)
How much does registration cost?
Registration costs for both members and non-members can be found on our registration page.
Are there discounted rates available?
Yes. Members enjoy discounted rates on CLEAR events, including the Annual Educational Conference. Early-bird registration is available through July 13, 2026, offering reduced rates to both members and non-members.
What is included in the conference registration fee?
Registered attendees will have access to:
All conference sessions (plenary & breakout)
Conference Mobile App (program, slide decks, resources, and more)
Welcome Reception & other networking opportunities
Exhibitor Showcase
Refreshments and select meals
Opportunity to add on optional evening social events
Additional Conference Offerings
Will there be pre-conference workshop?
Yes. A pre-conference workshop will take place on Monday, September 14, prior to the main conference, to offer attendees a deeper exploration of specific regulatory topics. Separate registration is required.
Are there any evening activities during the conference?
Yes. In addition to the Welcome Reception (Monday, September 14), CLEAR organizes evening social activities that allow you to explore our host city with your fellow attendees. Separate registration is required.
Travel & Accommodations
Where will the conference be held?
The 2026 Annual Educational Conference will be held at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront.
Is there a conference hotel?
Yes. CLEAR has arranged a room block at the conference hotel (Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront) for attendees. Visit the registration page to learn more and access the booking link.
Do international attendees need a visa to attend?
International attendees may require a visa to enter the United States depending on their nationality. Attendees should consult their local embassy or consulate for the most current visa requirements. Please contact us should you need a visa letter or other documentation.
Speakers & Proposals
How do I become a conference speaker?
The conference Call for Proposals opens shortly after the preceding year's conference (generally late September). You are welcome to reach out to Virginia Smith with any questions you have about our call for proposals or speaker selection process.
How are session proposals selected?
Sessions are selected through a peer-reviewed process conducted by CLEAR’s Annual Conference Program Committee, which evaluates proposals based on relevance, innovation, practical value, and alignment with conference themes. The committee may invite speakers to present directly when gaps in the program content are identified.
Can I access presentation materials after the conference?
Yes! All registered attendees will have access to the conference mobile app which houses all available session materials including slide decks, posters, and additional resources.
Accessibility, Inclusion & Your OnSite Experience
Is the conference accessible to individuals with disabilities?
CLEAR is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible conference environment. If you require accommodations please indicate so on your registration form when asked or reach out to CLEAR staff.
Does the conference have a dress code?
There is no enforced dress code. Attendees are asked to dress professionally and respectfully (business casual to business professional).
Does CLEAR offer scholarships or financial support for attendees?
While CLEAR does not offer monetary support to attendees, we do invite registrants to utilize our Conference Justification Toolkit to support approval requests from your employer/organization.
Additional Questions
Who should I contact if I have questions about the conference?
The CLEAR team is happy to answer any questions you have about the Annual Educational Conference:
General Inquiries & Overall Event - Virginia Smith
Sponsors & Exhibitors - Matt Grayson
Registration - Michelle Lynch