Riding the Rapids: Advancing Impact Together
Conference sessions will center around organizational leadership and strategic growth, providing interactive and informative content that you can use in your day-to-day work.
You can expect ample networking opportunities, peer-led workshops, important updates from CSC headquarter leadership, interactions with sponsors and exhibitors, and inspiring plenary sessions from visionaries in their respective fields.
What is ALC?
Cancer Support Community hosts a three-day Annual Leadership Conference (ALC) every August to bring together Network leaders from over 200 worldwide locations in 50 markets, including CSC and Gilda's Club centers as well as healthcare partnerships. During the conference, you will make lasting connections while sharing successes, learning from challenges, and inspiring one another.
ALC 2026 is open to all network partner leaders (as defined by their ED/CEO/COO/PD/DD/Board Chair/Vice Chairs).
Conference Details
ALC 2026 is hosted in-person only at the Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Hotel Details
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM ET, and Check-Out is at 12:00 PM ET
Rooms in the ALC room block are $129.00 USD/night plus tax and are available from Sunday, August 2, to Friday, August 7. If you run into any issues with your reservation, please call the hotel at 616.957.1770 and reference our group code “CSACSAG".
To book and for more information about the hotel: Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel. The last day to book will be July 2, 2026.
Complimentary onsite parking is available for all guests staying at the hotel.
Open House at Gilda's Club Grand Rapids
You're invited to kick off the 2026 ALC at our Open House on Monday, August 3, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM ET at Gilda's Club Grand Rapids. Stop by to say hello to your fellow Network colleagues before the conference begins!
There is no additional cost to join, and light appetizers and drinks will be provided.
Address: 1806 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Cost Breakdown
- Registration fees are fully refundable through July 2, 2026. After this date, all sales are final.
- Covered by Registration Fee:
- All conference sessions
- Breakfast and lunch on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
- Breaks with refreshments on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
- Heavy hors d'oeuvres, refreshments at the Mid-Week Reception on Wednesday, August 5
NOT covered by Registration Fee:
- Travel costs to and from Grand Rapids, Michigan, including flights and rental cars
- Hotel room fees and taxes
- Any meals purchased during your travel
Networking Dinner Information
Networking Dinners will be held on Tuesday, August 4.
If you plan to attend the Networking Dinners, please add the ticket to pre-pay for your meal.
Please note that "tickets" to join a networking dinner comprise of a $40 fee to cover entrees, non-alcoholic drinks, and tip. Alcoholic beverages, appetizers, and desserts may be purchased on your own tab.
As the Networking Dinners are a pay-on-your-own event, this fee will allow for easier payment of group meals at the end of the night.
Weather & Attire
While attending conference sessions, we request that you dress in business casual attire. For the Mid-Week Reception on Wednesday, casual attire is welcome!
Please note that the average daytime temperature in Grand Rapids in August is approximately 81°F, and evenings may be cooler at around 60°F. If you plan to explore the city during the conference, make sure to pack accordingly.
You may find the predicted temperatures for the week of ALC here: Grand Rapids (MI) August Weather
Traveling to Grand Rapids, Michigan
Airports
If you are flying, we recommend flying into Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR), which is located just a short drive from the Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel.
Amtrak
If you are traveling by train, the nearest station is Grand Rapids Amtrak Station (GRR).
Traveling to the Hotel
Transportation
The Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel is easily accessible by rideshares, taxis, and rental cars.
Taxis, Uber, and Lyft
The trip from Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) to the Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel is approximately 7 minutes, and the cost is approximately $20.
Parking Personal or Rental Car
The Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel offers complimentary onsite parking. The trip from Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) to the Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel is approximately 7 minutes.
Things to Do in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids offers a variety of attractions, from cultural experiences and outdoor activities to local dining and breweries. You can explore museums, local markets, riverfront trails, and the vibrant downtown area during your visit. You can find all the best things to do right here, and so much more right on the official Experience Grand Rapids Tourism Site.
Whether you're enjoying the local food scene, exploring the city’s parks and riverwalks, or connecting with colleagues around town, we hope you make the most of your time in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
