ASMAC 2026 Fall Conference

Save the Date for the 2026 Fall Conference

October 11–14, 2026

Hacienda del Sol | Tucson, Arizona

We’re excited to announce the 2026 Fall Conference at the beautiful Hacienda del Sol in Tucson, Arizona, in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, from October 11–14.

Registration Now Open!

Registration: Early Bird Registration $775 (until August 31, 2026; $825 afterwards)
Guest Meals: Reception & Dinner – $180; Sunday Reception – $75; Monday Dinner – $105


ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

The ASMAC Annual Fall Conference provides the perfect platform to interact with other attorneys and physician advocates and learn about legal, legislative, litigation, and policy developments impacting physicians and physician practices. The CLE sessions and networking opportunities provide attendees with thoughtful, engaging, and insightful professional and personal development opportunities. The medical environment is changing, and we understand the need for programs that prepare you to address the demands of medical associations and client needs.

We look forward to seeing you at Hacienda del Sol!


Conference Agenda Overview

Schedule and session titles are subject to change.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11
5:30–8:30 PM Welcome Reception
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12
7:00–7:50 AM Breakfast
8:00–8:05 AM Opening Remarks
8:05–9:05 AM Private Equity in Medicine & Effects of CPOM Laws
Richard Levenstein, JD — Shareholder, Nason Yeager
Mark Bonanno, JD, MPH — ASMAC President
9:05–9:35 AM Supreme Court Update
Jack Bierig, JD — Counsel, ArentFox Schiff LLP
9:35–10:00 AM Break
10:00–10:30 AM Problematic Payer Practices
Emily Carroll, JD — Senior Attorney, American Medical Association
10:30–10:45 AM AMA Database Demonstration
Wes Cleveland, JD — Senior Attorney, American Medical Association
10:45–11:30 AM AAP v Florida Attorney General
Jack Bierig, JD — Counsel, ArentFox Schiff LLP
11:30 AM–12:00 PM Law 360
Moderator: Mark Bonanno, JD, MPH — ASMAC President
6:00–8:00 PM ASMAC Dinner
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13
7:00–7:50 AM Breakfast
8:00–9:00 AM Unionization
Richard Levenstein, JD — Shareholder, Nason Yeager
Jeff Howell, JD — EVP, Missouri State Medical Association
John August — Director, Cornell University
9:00–10:00 AM General Counsel Panel
Jeff Howell, JD — EVP, Missouri State Medical Association
Julie Kulovits, JD — General Counsel and SVP, Legal Affairs, American Osteopathic Association
Kelly Walla, JD, LLM — VP and General Counsel, Texas Medical Association
10:00–10:15 AM Break
10:15–11:15 AM This Time, This Moment…Navigating Challenges and Finding Opportunities
Jennifer Brown, JD — Sr. Director of Policy Development & Interim Lead for Community Health Impact, American Medical Association, Center for Optimal Health Outcomes
Sierra Burgon, JD — Senior Attorney, American Medical Association, Center for Optimal Health Outcomes
11:15 AM–12:15 PM Back to Oz: Litigating the Medicaid Work Requirement
Joshua Katz, JD — Assistant Attorney General, Arizona Attorney General's Office, SGO, Special Litigation
12:15–12:30 PM Law 360
Moderator: Mark Bonanno, JD, MPH — ASMAC President
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14
7:00–7:50 AM Breakfast
8:00–9:00 AM Practical AI Governance: Policies & Contracts Medical Associations Should Have in Place Now
Shalyn Watkins, Esq. — Senior Counsel, Holland & Knight
9:00–9:45 AM Multi-Plan Antitrust
Matt Lavin, JD — Partner, Gilbert LLP
9:45–10:15 AM Scope of Practice: 2026 Legislative Update
Kimberly Horvath, JD — Senior Attorney, Director, American Medical Association
10:15–11:15 AM No Surprises Act IDR Process
Brian Kent — Ardú Partners
11:30 AM–12:00 PM Law 360
Moderator: Mark Bonanno, JD, MPH — ASMAC President

Social Events

Take advantage of your time in Tucson! Beyond CLE sessions, we've built in optional afternoon activities to help you relax, recharge, and connect with colleagues. Several activities are confirmed and ready for sign-up, while others are still being explored based on attendee interest.

Jeep Rally Team-Building Adventure

Monday, October 12 · 1:30–5:00 PM · $125/person

Trade the conference room for the open desert! Join fellow ASMAC attendees for an afternoon of off-road adventure with Trail Dust Offroad Tours through the private 3,500+ acre trails of White Stallion Ranch. Split into competing Jeep teams, each with its own open-air Jeep and expert wrangler guide, for a rally packed with desert scenery, wildlife encounters, and team-vs-team challenges. The experience wraps up with Cowboy Games, a desert critter talk, and the announcement of the Rally champions.

  • Includes round-trip Jeep transportation from Hacienda del Sol, bottled water, and all rally activities
  • Group size: 10 guests / 2 Jeeps — limited availability
  • Closed-toed shoes and outdoor-ready clothing recommended
  • Rain or shine — please dress accordingly

Visit to Sunny Haven Sanctuary

Monday, October 12 · 4:30–6:00 PM · Complimentary (donations welcome)

Step away from the conference for a meaningful, low-key afternoon at Sunny Haven Sanctuary, a local nonprofit dedicated to rescued farm animals and community connection. Enjoy a guided visit through the grounds, meet the animals, and hear their stories in a peaceful desert setting.

  • Cost: Free — optional donations support veterinary care and sanctuary upkeep
  • Transportation: Self-arranged
  • Group size: approximately 8–10 attendees
  • A relaxing alternative to a traditional conference activity

Volunteer Activity: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Arizona

Tuesday, October 13 · 1:00–3:00 PM

Give back with a hands-on group service project by helping assemble grab-and-go lunch bento boxes for RMHC families and in-hospital programs. These meals provide easy, nourishing options for families facing long hospital stays. The activity includes a brief introduction to the organization and its mission.

  • Space is limited to 12 participants
  • Suggested donation: $20/person to help cover groceries for meal kits
  • Transportation: Self-arranged
  • A great opportunity to team-build while supporting healthcare patients and their families

Private Group Horseback Ride — Saguaro National Park

Tuesday, October 13 · Ride departs 3:00 PM · Approximately 1.5 hours · $160/person

Experience the Sonoran Desert from horseback on a private trail ride through Saguaro National Park East with Houston's Horseback Riding, a family-owned Tucson outfitter guiding riders since 1988. The ride is suitable for all experience levels.

  • Includes private group ride, park entrance fee, and wrangler gratuity
  • Group size: Minimum 5 / maximum 18 participants
  • Transportation: Self-arranged, approximately 15 miles / 45 minutes from Hacienda del Sol. Plan to leave the resort by 2:00 PM.
  • Registration must be confirmed by October 8. The ride will take place once the five-person minimum is met.

Sign up for any of the confirmed activities during conference registration or at the on-site information desk.


STILL DECIDING — Tell Us What You Want!

These activities are still being explored. Your input will help determine timing, pricing, and whether each activity moves forward, so please weigh in even if you're only "maybe" interested.

Social Pickleball at Corbett's

Informal outing at one of Tucson's popular social pickleball venues featuring friendly competition, food, drinks, and options for all skill levels.

  • Estimated cost: Under $50/person
  • Transportation: Self-arranged
  • Timing and format depend on attendee interest

Self-Guided Hiking & Walking Trails

Several trails are located just minutes from Hacienda del Sol, ranging from easy paved paths to strenuous canyon hikes. ASMAC will not run formal guided hikes, but interested attendees can coordinate their own groups.

  • Finger Rock Trail (#42) — approximately 10 minutes away; moderate to strenuous
  • Pima Canyon Trail (#62) — approximately 10 minutes away; flexible easy-to-strenuous options
  • Ventana Canyon Trail — approximately 20 minutes away; long/challenging
  • Sabino Canyon Recreation Area — approximately 20 minutes away; paved road plus longer trails
  • Chuck Huckelberry Loop (Rillito River Path) — approximately 5 minutes away; easy paved walking
  • Transportation, planning, and safety are self-arranged

Golf Outing with Greg Pepe

Informal round and networking opportunity coordinated by ASMAC Past President Greg Pepe. Date, time, course, and cost will be determined based on interest.

  • All skill levels welcome
  • Transportation: Self-arranged

Group Wellness Experiences at Hacienda del Sol

Guided sessions designed to help attendees recharge, potentially including Yoga, a Sound Bath, Yin Yoga + Sound, or an outdoor Floating Sound Bath. Sessions may be offered Monday and/or Tuesday afternoon on-site.

  • Estimated cost: $25–$55/person depending on group size and experience
  • 15% discount may be available for hotel guests
  • All experience levels welcome
Register and Vote Now

About the Hotel

Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort

Nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert just outside Tucson, Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort offers an exceptional blend of historic charm, luxury, and tranquility. Since 1929, this historic property has welcomed guests with warm hospitality, handcrafted design touches, and panoramic desert views.

Room rates for the Fall 2026 Meeting:
$249 – Sonoran / Run of the House

Related Fees:
Room rates are subject to a cleaning fee of $20 per room, per night, and prevailing state and county taxes, currently totaling 12.05%. These fees will be assessed to each attendee's final invoice.

Resort fee of $35/night waived.

Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Early check-ins, late check-outs, and extended stays are based on availability and cannot be guaranteed.

  • 15% Spa Discount

Book by September 19, 2026

Make Your Reservation Now

Want to extend your stay? The property has guaranteed that block rates are available three days prior to and three days following the event dates. To extend your stay, contact the property directly, as these dates will not be available through the online booking link.

Contact Hacienda del Sol at (520) 299-1501.


TRAVEL & TRANSPORTATION

Airports

Tucson International Airport (TUS) (Recommended)

  • Approximately 13 miles from Hacienda del Sol
  • 20–25 minute drive
  • Served by Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest, United, Frontier, and Breeze Airways

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

  • Approximately 120 miles from the resort
  • Approximately 1¾–2 hour drive
  • Major international airport with extensive flight options

Ground Transportation

  • Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are available at Tucson International Airport and throughout Tucson.
  • Taxi Service: Taxis are readily available at TUS.
  • Rental Cars: Major rental car companies operate at TUS and PHX.

Tucson International Airport offers the most convenient access to Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort.


CLE CREDIT

The conference program is generally eligible for 8–10 Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits. ASMAC applies for credit from the MCLE Board in Illinois. Attendees will receive a certificate of CLE credit showing that credit for the course has been approved in Illinois. Attendees are responsible for applying for credit in their own state.


Sponsors

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Advocacy Resource Center NPM Powers
AMA ASMAC Sponsor ASMAC Sponsor

 

Are you interested in supporting this event?
Contact us: [email protected]
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