The conference will unite hundreds of advocates from across the country to advance federal policies that protect HIV services and health care access
WASHINGTON, D.C. – October 16, 2026 – AIDS United announced today that registration is open for AIDSWatch 2027, the nation’s largest constituent-driven federal HIV advocacy event, taking place March 15–17, 2027, in Washington, D.C. People living with HIV, community advocates, policy experts, service providers, and allies will gather for AIDSWatch 2027 to connect their experiences with the policies and federal funding decisions that directly affect their communities.
AIDSWatch 2027 will emphasize that effective advocacy does not require being a policy expert. Every advocate has a role to play, whether that’s sharing their personal experiences, learning about the policies affecting their communities, or meeting directly with members of Congress.
“AIDSWatch is a reminder that you do not need to know every policy detail to make a difference,” said Carl Baloney, Jr., President and CEO of AIDS United. “The experiences of people living with and impacted by HIV are essential to this movement. When advocates connect their stories to the policies that shape their lives, they help members of Congress understand what is at stake and why action cannot wait. Every voice matters, and every person deserves the opportunity to be heard.”
At AIDSWatch 2026, nearly 600 advocates from 42 states and territories gathered in Washington, D.C., for three days of intensive policy education and direct engagement with nearly 250 congressional offices. The annual conference gives advocates the opportunity to build their knowledge, connect with peers from across the country, and bring community priorities directly to federal lawmakers.
AIDSWatch 2027 will take place following the 2026 midterm elections, at a pivotal moment for the future of health care and HIV policy in the United States. Advocates will have an opportunity to engage with members of Congress and urge lawmakers to protect Medicaid, preserve funding for HIV services and housing, sustain the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and ensure that federal funding reaches the programs and communities it is intended to support. Importantly, advocates will share their lived experiences and demand that their rights to bodily autonomy, safety, and dignity are respected.
Through policy education, skills building, and direct congressional engagement, AIDSWatch 2027 will help advocates share their experiences in ways that are meaningful, sustainable, and grounded in their own agency. First-time attendees and longtime organizers alike will be encouraged to bring their expertise and experiences, strengthen their connections, and help shape the policies that affect their communities.
At AIDSWatch, advocates will bring their realities to Capitol Hill and call on Congress to protect the progress made in the fight to end the HIV epidemic and advance policies that promote health, dignity, and justice.
Media are invited to attend and cover select portions of AIDSWatch 2027, including the plenary, Congressional Reception, and Capitol Hill rally. Interviews with advocates, policy leaders, and AIDS United representatives will also be available. Members of the media interested in covering the event or arranging interviews should contact the media representative below.
AIDSWatch 2027
WHEN: March 15–17, 2027
MAIN VENUE: Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel, 2800 Potomac Ave., Arlington, VA 22202
REGISTRATION: Registration is now open. Visit aidsunited.org/aidswatch to register and learn more about the conference.
MEDIA CONTACT
Miguel Ayala
Director of Communications
communications@aidsunited.org
202-876-2820
About AIDS United
AIDS United's mission is to end the AIDS epidemic in the United States through strategic grantmaking, capacity building, and policy advocacy. Learn more at aidsunited.org
About AIDSWatch
AIDSWatch is the largest national HIV advocacy event, bringing together hundreds of people living with HIV and their allies to educate members of Congress about the importance of federal funding and sound policies to address the HIV epidemic. AIDSWatch is convened in partnership by AIDS United, the U.S. People Living with HIV Caucus, and the Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation at Harvard Law School.
