If this is your first Your Weight Matters National Convention, you might be feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty. That’s completely normal.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll discover the National Convention is unlike any other conference. It’s a place where education, support and community come together in an environment built on respect, understanding and hope. Here’s what you can expect.

A Warm Welcome

As you check in, you’ll be greeted by OAC staff and volunteers who are excited you’re here. Many attendees tell us that within minutes of arriving, they realize they’re among people who “get it.” There’s no judgment. No assumptions. Just a welcoming community where you can be yourself.

Learn at Your Own Pace

One of the best things about the Your Weight Matters National Convention is that your experience is your own. Some attendees fill their schedules with educational sessions from morning to evening. Others choose a balance of learning, exploring the exhibits and visiting the Health Hub, participating in fun activities or simply taking time to connect with new friends.

There’s no right or wrong way to experience the Convention. Whether you attend every session or focus on the topics that matter most to you, you’ll leave with knowledge and inspiration you can apply long after you return home.

Learn from Experts Who Are Truly Accessible

One of the things attendees are often surprised by is how approachable our speakers are. At the Convention, you’re not just listening to world-renowned obesity specialists from the audience. You may find yourself sitting next to one at breakfast or lunch, chatting between sessions or asking a question you’ve been wondering about for years.

Our speakers genuinely enjoy getting to know attendees, hearing your experiences and answering your questions. Those informal conversations often become some of the most memorable moments of the entire weekend.

Making Friends Is Easier Than You Think

If you’re coming by yourself, you’re not alone. Many attendees come on their own, especially their first year. During breakfast and lunch, look for the specially marked tables for first-time attendees and anyone else who wants to meet new people. They’re designed to make it easy to start a conversation, share experiences and leave with new friends.

Don’t be surprised if someone invites you to join them. That’s simply the kind of community the Obesity Action Coalition is.

Discover Something New

This year, you’ll have even more opportunities to explore interactive experiences throughout the Convention.

Visit the Health Hub to participate in health screenings, attend short educational talks and learn more about your health in a supportive environment. Discover organizations, resources and tools that can support your health journey.

Stop by the Creation Station to share your story, record a video or leave a message of encouragement for others in the community. Don’t forget to join the Scavenger Hunt! It’s a fun way to explore the Convention while discovering sessions, exhibitors and special activities you might not have found otherwise. Along the way, you’ll complete challenges, earn points and have the chance to win prizes.

You don’t have to do everything. Simply choose the experiences that interest you most and enjoy discovering all that the Convention has to offer.

Move in a Way That Feels Good

Whether you’re trying a fitness class for the first time, joining a morning walk, stretching, practicing mindfulness or dancing the night away with new friends at our Splash Into Support Costume Party, every activity is designed to be welcoming, judgment-free and adaptable for different abilities and comfort levels.

Feeling festive? Dress up and join our annual costume contest, or simply come enjoy the music, laughter and celebration. Whether you’re showing off your creativity or cheering on others from the sidelines, it’s all about having fun and making memories together. Come as you are. Participate as much or as little as you’d like.

Need a Break? We’ve Got You Covered

Conventions can be exciting, but they can also be a lot to take in. If you need a quiet moment to recharge, visit our Quiet Zone. This dedicated space offers a peaceful place to step away from the activity, relax and reset before heading back to the Convention. It’s a small space with a big purpose because taking care of yourself is part of the experience too.

The Connections You’ll Remember Most

While many people come for the education, it’s often the connections they remember long after the Convention ends. You may find yourself talking with someone over breakfast who shares a similar journey, sitting beside someone in a session who understands exactly what you’ve experienced or meeting people who become lifelong friends and sources of encouragement.

These conversations often remind attendees of one important truth: you are not alone.

Leave Feeling Empowered

By the end of the weekend, you’ll leave with more than notes from educational sessions. You’ll leave with new knowledge, practical tools, trusted resources and greater confidence in talking with your healthcare team. You’ll leave with a stronger understanding of obesity as a chronic disease, meaningful new connections and a renewed sense of hope for what’s possible. Most importantly, you’ll leave knowing you’re part of a community that will continue to support you long after the Convention is over.

We’ll See You Soon in Orlando!

The countdown is on, and we can’t wait to welcome you to the 2026 Your Weight Matters National Convention, July 23–25, in Orlando, Florida.

Whether this is your first National Convention or your tenth, we’re honored to be part of your journey.