TAI 2026 Agenda*

A Welcoming Culture, A World of Difference

Tuesday, November 3

TIMESESSIONABOUTLOCATION
4:00-6:00 PMRegistrationHotel Lobby
6:00-7:30 PMWelcome EventTBA

Wednesday, November 4

TIMESESSIONABOUTLOCATION
Early morningVolunteer OpportunityDetails to be confirmedTBA
8:00-9:00 AMBreakfastMain Room
9:00-9:45 AMWelcome to New OrleansConference welcome and opening remarks featuring Travelers Aid leaders and local hosts.

Speakers: Donna Paramore, CEO, Travelers Aid Society of Greater New Orleans; Sarah Parks, CEO, Grace at the Greenlight; Kathleen Baldwin, CEO, Travelers Aid International.

Main Room
9:45-10:45 AMCelebrating Success: Building a Culture of GratitudeExplore practical strategies for fostering a culture of gratitude, recognizing achievements, encouraging self-reflection, and enhancing the experiences of both employees and those you serve.

Presenter: Brittany Richardson, Board of Directors, Travelers Aid Society of Greater New Orleans.

TBA
10:45-11:00 AMBreak
11:00 AM-12:00 PMThe Power of StorytellingTBATBA
12:00-1:00 PMLunchMain Room
1:00-2:00 PMMind the Gap: Unique Services Across the Travelers Aid NetworkExplore how Travelers Aid organizations are addressing local transportation, accessibility, and community needs through innovative programs, including mobility services, e-bikes, diversion initiatives, and other community-based solutions.

Panelists: Periann Pulliam, CEO, Upward Transitions; a representative from Travelers Aid Society of Greater New Orleans; and an additional mobility program leader (pending confirmation).

TBA
2:00-3:00 PMConcurrent Session: Airport trackSetting Healthy Boundaries as a Helping Hand in the Airport Environment. TBA
Concurrent Session: Social Services trackSetting Healthy Boundaries in a Social Service SettingTBA
3:00-3:15 PMBreak
3:15-3:30 PMConcurrent Mini-Session:Airport TrackTNCs and landside passenger mobility trends.
Concurrent Mini-Session: Social Services TrackTNCs and helping clients move, including community transportation initiatives.
6:30-7:00 PMMeet in Hotel LobbyGather for a 7:00 PM departure to the evening reception.Hotel Lobby
7:05-9:00 PMAnnual Conference ReceptionHosted by Travelers Aid Society of Greater New Orleans at Dooky Chase’s, 2301 Orleans Avenue, New Orleans, LA. Dress code: TBD.Dooky Chase’s

Thursday, November 5

TIMESESSIONABOUTLOCATION
8:00-9:00 AMBreakfastMain Room
9:00-10:00 AMConference Keynote: A Welcoming Culture, A World of DifferenceFeaturing Desmond Alufohai, Division Director II, Protocol & International Affairs Division, Miami-Dade Aviation Department.Main Room
10:00-10:15 AMBreak
10:15-11:15 AMMajor Events PanelLessons learned from participation in major, once-in-a-lifetime community events.
Participants: Morgan McBrearty, Travelers Aid Philadelphia, and representatives from Travelers Aid Society of Greater New Orleans.
Main Room
11:15 AM-12:00 PMConcurrent Session: Airport TrackFrontline Realities—Case Studies from the Field. Apply your knowledge to real-world airport scenarios in this interactive, case-based workshop. Participants will work together to evaluate challenges, explore response strategies, and learn from one another’s experiences.TBA
Concurrent Session: Social Services TrackFrontline Realities: This session will explore current issues in homelessness outreach, with topics expected to include Housing First and emerging federal policy priorities.TBA
12:00-1:00 PMLunchMain Room
1:00-2:00 PMBuilding Partnerships That WorkExplore what makes cross-sector partnerships successful, with examples involving government, transportation hubs, nonprofits, and community organizations. Includes practical guidance for building and sustaining impactful relationships.Main Room
2:00-3:00 PMDesigning for Accessibility Beyond ComplianceExplore what makes cross-sector partnerships successful, with examples involving government, transportation hubs, nonprofits, and community organizations. Includes practical guidance for building and sustaining impactful relationships.Main Room
3:00-3:45 PMInnovation Lab: Ideas in MotionA dynamic series of short presentations from Travelers Aid programs highlighting recent ideas, pilots, and creative solutions. Attendees will leave with inspiration and actionable ideas for their own organizations.Main Room
3:45-4:15 PMNew Orleans, Travel, and History TriviaA networking activity with jazzy prize giveaways.Main Room

Friday, November 6

TIMESESSIONABOUTLOCATION
6:00 AMVolunteer Opportunity: Grace at the GreenlightTBATBA
8:30-9:00 AMGrab-and-Go BreakfastTBA
9:00 AMDepart Hotel for Optional ToursRSVP will be required. Opportunities will be shared with confirmed attendees approximately one month before the conference.Hotel Lobby
MSY Accessibility and Guest Experience Facility TourTBATBC
Travelers Aid New Orleans / Grace at the Greenlight TourA coordinated option focused on shelter, wraparound services, and social-service-based interests.TBA

*Subject to change

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