Bringing People to the Table
We believe that the people most affected by HIV must have a seat at the table. NMAC’s policy events bring together advocates, community members, researchers, policymakers, and public health leaders to strengthen the HIV response and advance health equity. Through congressional briefings, advocacy trainings, coalition convenings, and national dialogues, we create spaces where ideas become action and partnerships become policy.
Annual Hill Champions Reception
December 3, 2025
NMAC’s Hill Champions Reception, held annually to commemorate World AIDS Day, continues the tradition of celebrating the unwavering commitment of congressional leaders who are working to end the HIV epidemic and uplift the lives of those living with HIV amidst challenging political times.
Aligned with NMAC’s goal of convening policymakers, community leaders, the public health workforce, and industry, this year’s awardees are emerging leaders whose commitment to public health equity and advances in the HIV movement are deserving of the recognition. We also take this opportunity at Hill Champions each year to acknowledge the entire Congressional HIV Caucus for their collective leadership in advocating to protect HIV/AIDS programming and funding. View the 2025 Hill Champions Recap here! We will announce details of the 2026 Hill Champions Reception later this fall.
A Night Honoring The HIV Movement
January 21, 2026
To commemorate 45 years since the beginning of the HIV epidemic, NMAC welcomed advocates, policymakers, partners, and community leaders for A Night Honoring the HIV Movement.
The evening celebrated the extraordinary progress made over four decades while looking ahead to the work still required to end the HIV epidemic. The reception brought together generations of HIV leaders to reflect, reconnect, and recommit to advancing health equity for all communities.
NMAC: The State of the HIV Epidemic
February 3, 2026
NMAC hosted a congressional briefing introducing Capitol Hill staff to the current HIV policy landscape and the role of NMAC in advancing HIV policy nationwide.
The briefing featured expert panelists discussing:
- NMAC’s history and role in the HIV movement
- Federal HIV funding streams and their impact
- Emerging federal and state policy challenges
- Opportunities for congressional engagement
The event also featured remarks from congressional staff representing the Office of Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman.
AIDSWatch 2026 Advocacy Training
March 16, 2026
Prior to AIDSWatch 2026, NMAC provided advocacy training for program participants preparing to meet with Members of Congress.
The training included:
- An overview of the current HIV policy landscape
- Federal legislative priorities and policy asks
- Breakout sessions to develop advocacy messaging
- Mock congressional meetings to strengthen participants’ confidence and advocacy skills
By preparing participants before they arrived on Capitol Hill, the training helped ensure advocates could effectively communicate their stories and policy priorities during congressional meetings.
Coalition for Justice and Equality Across Movements Advocacy Day
May 19, 2026
NMAC’s Coalition for Justice and Equality Across Movements hosted its first Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, bringing together organizations working across HIV, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, aging, housing, and health equity.
Advocates met with congressional offices to discuss shared policy priorities, including Medicaid, healthcare access, and protecting programs that serve communities disproportionately impacted by HIV.
The day demonstrated the power of cross-movement advocacy by showing how organizations working across different issue areas can coordinate messaging and engage policymakers around shared priorities.
MMWR 45th Anniversary & HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day
Congressional Roundtable
June 4, 2026
In partnership with the Congressional HIV Caucus, NMAC convened a national advocacy roundtable marking the 45th anniversary of the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report first describing what would later become known as AIDS, while also recognizing HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day.
The roundtable brought together former White House Office of National AIDS Policy Directors, Members of Congress and congressional staff, HIV Business Coalition members, advocates, researchers, and people living with HIV to discuss the future of the nation’s HIV response.
Discussions focused on sustaining federal investments, strengthening HIV infrastructure, improving access to care, and ensuring the next generation of HIV policy reflects both scientific advances and the lived experiences of communities most impacted.
Later that evening, NMAC hosted a reception celebrating the HIV movement’s 45-year journey and honoring the leaders, advocates, and community members who continue moving the work forward.
Building Stronger Partnerships: Coalition Working Groups Launch
Networking Mixer
July 28, 2026
The Coalition for Justice and Equality Across Movements officially launched its five Working Groups during a networking reception in Washington, DC.
The event brought together Coalition members, partners, and national policy leaders to strengthen relationships and begin ongoing collaboration around shared policy priorities.
Working Groups include:
- Latine Health & Immigration
- LGBTQ+ Health Equity
- Medicaid & Health Access
- Aging, Disability & Long-Term Care
- HIV Prevention & Care
Each Working Group serves as an ongoing forum for organizations to share policy updates, coordinate advocacy strategies, identify emerging issues, and strengthen collaboration across movements.
Beyond launching the Working Groups, the evening reinforced the Coalition’s commitment to building lasting partnerships across organizations working to improve health equity, protect civil rights, and strengthen the nation’s HIV response.