Photo courtesy of IHS
As a result of Hill Day during the IHS 2026 Conference & Expo, Rep. Barrett (R-MI) continues to add cosponsors to H.R. 3088. The visits successfully yielded a co-sponsorship from Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN), pictured here, as well as interest from other Representatives. We are hopeful to yield additional co-sponsors as discussions surrounding efforts to support veterans’ healthcare continue. When our members participate in advocacy, IHS can yield better results as elected officials listen to their constituents. IHS will continue to work on ensuring H.R. 3088 is enacted during the 119th Congress. Follow updates to the legislation here. To support additional advocacy efforts related to the work of IHS at the federal level, please learn more about donating here.

Photo by: Jessica Franklin

Following an interactive lunch and technology breakout, the afternoon concentrated on long-term organizational strategy:

Strategic Planning Workshop: Past President Karin Schmidt, BC-HIS (Hometown Hearing), guided attendees through "Know Your Community of Professionals." Moving from passive cooperation to active collaboration, the interactive workshop examined member strengths, addressed organizational blind spots, and defined three core strategic priorities alongside practical 90-day execution targets. 

Photo by: Jessica Franklin

Statewide Membership Expansion: Danny Enright presented on "Growing Our Membership – Strategy, Implementation, and You," presenting regional dispensing demographic data, onboarding welcome packages for new test-takers, and targeted outreach across independent clinics and retail networks.

Photo courtesy of Andrew Huffman

Final Keynote: Andrew Huffman concluded the session with a lecture entitled “The Leadership Pipeline: Cultivating Talent in Our Community,” which outlined the processes which dictate how volunteerism and leadership thrive inside an organization.

Photo courtesy of Andrew Huffman

Charity Auction & Support: During the afternoon intermission, Jessica Franklin directed the annual conference charity auction, which included equipment and valuable manufacturer donations, adding welcome funding to the alliance's treasury.

Looking Forward: Continuing Momentum & Follow-Up

Photo courtesy of Andrew Huffman

The conference closed with notable enthusiasm, as multiple members volunteered on the spot to join standing committees, participate in event planning, and support upcoming legislative initiatives.

Photo by: Jessica Franklin Following the opening "Coffee Klatch" networking hour, the educational schedule opened with three impactful sessions: Reaffirming Our Purpose: IHA President Emeritus Steve Douglas, HIS (Hearing Aids Plus+), delivered "Why Are You Here? (and What Is the IHA?)," emphasizing the alliance’s foundational mission, the vital role of the Indiana Hearing Alliance, and the concrete value of state-level organized advocacy in protecting practitioner licensing and consumer safety. Photo by: Jessica Franklin Legislative & Regulatory Landscape: Evan W. Davis, Director of Legislative Services at Market Street Group, presented the "Annual Update and Improving Our Advocacy." Davis detailed recent healthcare statutory measures in the Indiana General Assembly, reviewed trainee and student licensing standards, and outlined grassroots lobbying strategies for building sustained relationships with lawmakers. Photo by: Jessica Franklin Modernizing Association & Practice Operations: IHA President Andrew "Drew" Huffman, BC-HIS, paired with Executive Assistant Jhon Maverick Manawat to present "New Tools to Help Us Grow and Thrive." The interactive presentation demonstrated the association’s upgraded Wild Apricot cloud system, mobile member application, automated renewal pipelines, and office workflow automations designed to improve the IHA member experience.

Photo courtesy of Andrew Huffman The conference weekend launched on the evening of Friday, September 25, with a Pre-Conference Networking Night at Game Show Battle Rooms in Castleton (Indianapolis), generously sponsored by Starkey. Dispensing specialists, board officers, and industry colleagues engaged in spirited team trivia and friendly competition, setting an energetic, collaborative tone for the formal governance and educational sessions the following morning.

Photo of Andrew Huffman

FISHERS, IN — On Saturday, September 26, 2026, hearing healthcare professionals, practice owners, and industry advocates convened in Fishers for the annual Indiana Hearing Alliance (IHA) Fall Conference. Focused on the theme "IHA Conference on Leadership: Improving and Growing Our Association," the conference delivered a hours of legislative insight, association governance, administrative modernization, and continuing education. The 2026 conference marked a significant resurgence for the organization, drawing approximately 30 attendees—the Alliance’s highest attendance in recent years. Through combined attendee registrations, sponsorships, and the annual charity auction, the event generated thousands of dollars in revenue, dedicated directly toward strengthening state legislative advocacy and expanding professional programs for hearing instrument specialists in Indiana

The Indiana Hearing Alliance (IHA) is looking forward to welcoming hearing healthcare professionals, practice owners, and industry partners to our 2026 Fall Conference: Conference on Leadership — Improving and Growing Our Association.

With the conference only a few days away, here is everything you need to know to prepare for Saturday's event in Fishers.

Key Event Details

• Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026

• Location: Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Fishers

  Address: 11550 Whistle Dr, Fishers, IN 46037

• Continuing Education: Earn up to 6.0 CE Credits (Approved through the International Hearing Society, Chapter EPN #33089)

• Pre-Conference Networking Reception: Friday, September 25, 2026, at Game Show Battle Rooms (Sponsored by Starkey)

Program Agenda & Presentation Highlights

As detailed in the IHA Fall Conference 2026 Program Agenda, the day features practical educational sessions and leadership discussions:

• 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM | Coffee Klatch & Check-In:

  Arrive early to pick up your registration packet, enjoy coffee and pastries, and network with colleagues.

• 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM | "Why Are You Here? (and What Is the IHA?)":

  Presented by President Emeritus Steve Douglas, HIS. An exploration of organized advocacy, state licensure impacts, and how the Alliance supports daily dispensing practice.

• 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM | "Annual Update and Improving Our Advocacy":

  Presented by Evan W. Davis (Market Street Group). A timely briefing on regulatory and legislative priorities heading into the upcoming Indiana General Assembly session.

• 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | "New Tools to Help Us Grow and Thrive":

  Presented by Chapter President Andrew Huffman, NBC-HIS, and Executive Assistant Maverick Manawat. A walkthrough of the association's digital infrastructure, member self-service portal, and operational tools.

• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch & Networking:

  A catered buffet lunch with an optional interactive technology breakout.

• 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | "Know Your Community of Professionals":

  Presented by Karin Schmidt, BC-HIS (IHS Territorial Governor). Practical strategies for chapter collaboration and long-term planning.

• 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | "Growing Our Membership — Strategy, Implementation, and You":

  Presented by Rod Noftsger, focusing on recruitment and peer-to-peer engagement.

• 3:00 PM – 3:20 PM | Restroom Break & Silent Auction:

  Support the Alliance and bid on equipment and vendor-donated packages.

• 3:20 PM – 4:20 PM | "The Leadership Pipeline: Cultivating Talent Within Our Community":

  Concluding presentation by Andrew Huffman on developing future association leaders.

Navigating the Conference on Your Mobile Device

Attendees can reference session timetables, speaker details, and access digital membership cards on the go using the WildApricot for Members app (iOS and Android).