From November 4 to 7, 2026, the Kentucky Association of Chiropractors (KAC) was proud to host the ChiroCongress Annual Convention at the Hyatt Regency Louisville. State association leaders, doctors of chiropractic, national partners and exhibitors from across the country spent four days in Louisville working together to strengthen and advance the chiropractic profession.
Convention Highlights
- A national gathering: 37 state associations and 12 national groups took part, with 139 registered attendees (28 attending for the first time), 42 vendors and more than 280 people in all, including guests.
- Advocacy first: The week opened with the Pre-Convention Legislative Workshop, led by Tiffany Stevens (TN) and Marc Abla, CAE (IL). Featured presentations and highlights from around the nation included updates from Lori Grassi (WA), Michael Coates (PMI Made Easy), Representative Dr. Brock Martin (TN) and Dr. Rachel Wendt (KY).
- Education and national updates: Attendees heard general sessions with Kerri Richardson and Bob Harris, speaker showcases with Dr. Miles Bodzin, Holly Jensen and Dr. CJ Mertz, and national updates from MAHA, CHUSA, CCE, WFC and others throughout the weekend.
- A Kentucky welcome: More than 200 attendees enjoyed Kentucky Derby-style hospitality at the Welcome Reception and Dinner at Churchill Downs.
- A new strategic plan: On November 4, the ChiroCongress Board of Directors approved the new 2026 to 2029 ChiroCongress Strategic Plan.
- Annual Business Meeting: Members adopted the proposed bylaws revisions and elected the new Executive Committee: President Dr. Julie Bird (IL), 1st Vice President Dr. Gerald Stevens (NY), 2nd Vice President Dr. Rachel Wendt (KY) of the KAC, Secretary Tiffany Stevens (TN) and Treasurer Marc Abla, CAE (IL). Andrea LaRew of the Colorado Chiropractic Association was elected Executive Director at Large by the state executive directors, and the membership ratified her election. Dr. Brian Stenzler moved into the role of Immediate Past President. Members also approved honorary membership for Dr. Thomas Wetzen in recognition of 13 years of service on the ChiroCongress Board.
- Recognizing excellence: Honorees included the Illinois Chiropractic Society (State Association of the Year), the Tennessee Chiropractic Association (State Association Legislative Award) and Kris Dowell (State Association Leader of the Year). Special recognition went to Andrea LaRew (CO), Dr. Rachel Wendt (KY) and Dr. Jeff Meyers (KY), as well as to Marc Abla, CAE (IL), Executive Director of the Illinois Chiropractic Society, for his contribution to the convention’s gamification.
Around the Convention
Thank You
KAC extends its sincere thanks to the ChiroCongress staff, volunteers and Board of Directors, to outgoing President Dr. Brian Stenzler, and to the sponsors and exhibitors who made the week possible, including Erchonia, Standard Process, Foot Levelers, CHUSA and NCMIC. Special thanks to Dr. Jeff Meyers for supporting the conference with our main stage AV setup.
See You in Phoenix
We look forward to the next ChiroCongress event in 2027 at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, Arizona. To every KAC Board member who attended, volunteered or supported the convention: thank you for showing the nation what Kentucky hospitality looks like.
