CAPACon is CAPA’s annual Southern California conference for general medicine and specialty PAs. Held September 25–27, 2026 at the stunning Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas, this dynamic 2.5-day event will feature clinical lectures, hands-on workshops, the CAPA Careers Expo, and a dedicated PA Student track.

Back by popular demand, we’re excited to return to the Palm Springs area to host this special edition of CAPACon as we celebrate CAPA’s 50th Anniversary! This milestone year will be filled with nostalgic moments, special activities, and celebrations that honor our mission, reflect on our accomplishments, and spotlight our vision for the future of the PA profession in California.

Join us for an unforgettable experience as we come together to learn, connect, and celebrate 50 years of CAPA!

Attendees can earn up to 11 CME credits in-person and will have the entire digital library of lectures available online after the conference to earn the remaining possible number of credits (19 available credits total, not including any add-on workshops).

Conference Registration Fees

Your Registration Includes:

• All 19 accredited lectures + on-demand access to session recordings for one month following the conference
• All branded breakfast and lunch presentations
• Full access to pre-conference industry lectures and workshops
• Entry to the exhibit hall
• Eligibility to participate in conference raffles
• Access to academic poster presentations
• Student Challenge Bowl

Special 50th Anniversary Events:

• Game Show: PA Experts vs. AI Face-Off (Friday, September 25th at 5:00 PM), where CAPA’s Professional Practice Committee takes on AI using real-world, member-submitted questions
• 50th Anniversary Awards & After-Party (Saturday, September 26th at 7:00 PM)

Program Schedule

CAPACon's lecture tracks in general medicine and professional practice are tailored not only to enhance your clinical expertise but also to equip you with the necessary skills for navigating the business aspects of medical practice.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2026 PROGRAM

Please note, that speakers, workshops, and lectures are subject to change without notice.

Add-On Technique Workshops

Friday (9/25/2026) 8:00AM – 12:00PM

Wave of the Future: Ultrasound for Everyday Practice (Ultrasound Basics) (4.0 CME Add-On)

Presented by Scott Martin, PA-C, MSPA

Member: $400

Non-Member: $900

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the Ultrasound and its functions
2. Identify what normal structures appear like for a given patient
3. Successfully identify the given structure at each station

Friday (9/25/2026) 1:30PM – 4:30PM

Advanced Surgical Wound Closure and Hemostasis WORKSHOP (3.0 CME Add-On)

Presented by Jason Fisher-Beck, MHS, PA-C

Member: $350

Non-Member: $800

Learning Objectives:

1. Review and solidify knowledge of suture and needle types and basic skin closures
2. Establish knowledge and confidence in multi-layer would closure
3. Develop foundational knowledge of active and passive hemostatic agents commonly seen in the surgical setting.

Saturday (9/26/2026) 9:00AM – 12:00PM

Musculoskeletal Injections and Joint Aspirations WORKSHOP (3.0 CME Add-On)

Presented by Eric Glassman, MHS, PA-C & Raymond Contino, PA-C

Member: $300

Non-Member: $650

Learning Objectives:

1. Review the acute inflammatory phase
2. Understand the risk and complications of injections
3. Describe the role of anesthetic agents and corticosteroids
4. Proper procedure documentation and “discharge instructions”
5. Describe anatomic landmarks and patient positioning including technical pearls with practice in hands on lab

Saturday (9/26/2026) 1:30PM – 3:30PM 

Treating Beyond the Scale: Personalized, Evidence-based Strategies for Comprehensive Management of Obesity as a Chronic Disease WORKSHOP (2.0 CME Add-On)

Presented by Christopher D. Still, DO, FACP, FTOS

Member: FREE** Registration Still Required to Attend

Non-Member: $50

Learning Objectives:

1. Summarize the rationale for treating obesity as a chronic, progressive disease that requires early intervention
2. Establish individualized weight loss targets and long-term treatment strategies for people with obesity that consider guideline recommendations and the latest evidence
3. Select appropriate pharmacotherapies for obesity management based on treatment goals, patient characteristics, and comorbidities
4. Apply shared decision-making principles to address patient concerns and support treatment adherence

Sunday (9/27/2026) 9:30AM – 12:30PM

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) WORKSHOP (3.0 CME Add-On)

Presented by Diana Potterveld, PA-C

Member: $320

Non-Member: $700

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain the basic information for history taking and patient-centered counseling on LARCs, including contraindications
2. Describe the techniques for insertion and removal of LARC options
3. Describe and show techniques for pain control options during placement

Pre-Conference Lectures & Workshops Coming Soon!

PA Student Track

Sunday, September 27, 2026
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Designed specifically for PA students, the CAPACon PA Student Track is a hands-on learning experience focused on developing practical clinical skills and connecting with experienced Physician Associates. Participants will rotate through interactive skill stations and have the opportunity to ask questions about clinical practice, specialties, and career development.

Student Track Interactive Stations:

• Suturing
• Ultrasound: Kidney / Procedures
• Ultrasound: Musculoskeletal (MSK)
• MSK Physical Exams
• "Ask Me Anything" with an experienced PA

No advance sign-up is required. The Student Track is included with CAPACon registration for eligible PA student attendees.

CAPACon 2026 Posters 

CLICK HERE FOR POSTER GUIDELINES & SUBMISSION TEMPLATE

**Submissions must be submitted using the provided template; those that are not will not be accepted.**

Join us for CAPACon 2026 and enjoy special group rates for your stay at the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas!

• Standard Room Rate: $239 per night
  • Single King Bed Rooms are currently sold out
  • Wednesday, September 23, 2026 & Thursday, September 24, 2026, are currently sold out
• Penthouse Room Rate: $669 per night 
• One Bedroom Villa: $819 per night
• Two Bedroom Villa: $1019 per night  

• • Double Occupancy: Complimentary 
  • Triple Occupancy: $15 
  • Quad Occupancy: $30  

Please note the standard group guest room rate above includes the Daily Resort Fee of $20 (Discounted from $45).  

• Cut-off Date: Book your room by September 3, 2026 to secure this rate.
• Parking Options:
  • Self-Parking: $14 per day
  • Self-Parking Overnight: $32 per day 
  • Valet Daily Rate: $17 per day 
  • Valet Overnight: $47 per day 
  • Valet Covered Overnight: $47 per day 
  • Oversized Vehicle Parking: $32 *per stall per night
• Check In/Out Times: Check in is 4:00PM, Check out is 11:00AM 
• Cancellation Policy: A minimum of 72 hours is required for all guestroom cancellations. Any cancellations within this period of time may be subject to a charge of one room night and any applicable taxes. 

Make sure to book early to take advantage of these discounted rates and enjoy a comfortable stay during the event!

CAPA Group Rate: CLICK HERE!

Destination Activity Coming Soon!

Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas
Saturday, September 26, 2026
5:00pm-7:00pm 

On Saturday, September 26th, we will host CAPA’s annual Student Challenge Bowl which brings together California PA programs in a medical trivia competition to compete for the prestigious title. As in previous years, each PA school will assign a Team Captain and two other Team Members to represent their schools. Teams will face off against each other, two at a time in bracket format, culminating in a final winner. 

Conference attendees, friends, and family are all welcome and encouraged to show their support for the students and the PA schools as they compete on Saturday evening! 

Questions? Contact luz@capanet.org.

NOW ACCEPTING TEAM SIGN UPS

All participants must be CAPA members in good standing in order to compete. You do not need to be registered for CAPACon in order to attend or compete in the Student Challenge Bowl.

This program is not yet approved for CME credit. Conference organizers plan to apply for AAPA Category 1 CME credits from the AAPA Review Panel. The total number of approved credits is yet to be determined

2026 is CAPA’s 50^th Anniversary!

We cannot wait to celebrate with PAs and leading healthcare organizations like yours! We have some activities planned within CAPACon that will be exclusive to the 50th Anniversary Year. To discuss these or work with CAPA on some customized engagement/visibility, please contact Teresa Chien at teresa@capanet.org.

CAPACon 2026 Sponsorship Prospectus