A congressional “fly-in” is an organized advocacy event where industry members, leaders, and experts travel to Washington, D.C., to meet directly with lawmakers. The goal is to educate members of Congress on specific policies and legislation impacting their communities or industries. Such events hosted by trade associations offer members an opportunity to interact directly with key decision-makers and represent the interests of the industry. Leaders like you can attend these events to advocate for local, state, and regional issues related to the community association housing model.
CAI’s congressional fly-in brings CAI members from across the country to the nation’s capital to develop their advocacy expertise and make an impact on legislation impacting the community association industry. CAI’s 2026 Congressional Advocacy Summit will take place on Sept. 24 in Washington, D.C. Learn more and register to attend.
These events hosted by trade associations typically include the following components:
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- Training and briefing: CAI members attending the 2026 Congressional Advocacy Summit will have exclusive access to expert presentations on policy issues related to the community association housing model to help them gain deeper understanding and become more effective advocates.
- Capitol Hill visits: Each attendee will have individualized schedules based on their state of residency and/or congressional district. They spend the day navigating the House and Senate office buildings, meeting face-to-face with Members of Congress and their staff, and sharing data and resources to help elected officials better serve their constituents living and working in community associations.
- Networking opportunities: Fly-ins provide advocates the chance to network and form meaningful connections with others working in the same industry. CAI members attending the Congressional Advocacy Summit have a plethora of opportunities to connect with one another, including:
- Get to know the members of the small group that you’ll spend the day with.
- Connect with the people you are sitting near on the bus to and from the capitol.
- Chat with fellow attendees during mealtimes and between meetings.
- Mingle at the rooftop reception.
- Access to Key Decision-Makers: A visit to our nation’s capital offers CAI members access to key decision-makers and administration officials.
The impact of a legislative fly-in extends beyond the one-on-one conversations between advocates and legislators. By convening a group of advocates and having a physical presence in the capitol, CAI send the message that our members are passionate, driven, and dedicated to fighting for a better future for our industry. As legislators and staff travel the halls of the capitol on September 24, they will see countless “I <3 My HOA” pins, increasing awareness of CAI and reinforcing CAI as a trusted resource on community associations.
Your CAI membership grants you exclusive access to this important event. You can learn more about the success of last year’s Congressional Advocacy Summit here and find reflections on CAI’s semi-annual fly-in from three-time attendee David Velasco here.
Let’s make history together! Help shape policy decisions and put a face and a name behind the community association industry. Register to attend CAI’s 2026 Congressional Advocacy Summit on Sept. 24 in Washington, D.C.
