Leadership Gathering
The Leadership Gathering is an annual conference for APHA and AjPHA leaders to connect and impact the association’s future. At this gathering, meetings take place for advisory committees, the Board of Directors and members. Bonus educational and social activities let you connect with Paint enthusiasts from around the world. All APHA and AjPHA members are invited and encouraged to attend. This event takes place annually in late February and early March in Fort Worth, Texas.
We’ll see you in the Fort Worth Stockyards, February 27–March 1, 2026!
Let’s Get Down to Business
The Meetings
Connect, convene and communicate at the APHA Leadership Gathering. This hands-on event takes place annually in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards in Fort Worth, Texas. Put yourself in the APHA driver’s seat as you meet other passionate Paint members, engage in productive learning sessions and vote on important issues impacting APHA. All members and Paint enthusiasts are invited and encouraged to attend!
State Directors must attend and answer roll call in the State Directors Meeting Session 1 and Session 2 to be eligible to vote.
The Fun
Connect with fellow Paint enthusiasts as we get out of the meeting room and into the heart of North Texas! The 2026 Leadership Gathering features an exclusive excursion to the Medal of Honor Museum, a powerful tribute to the courage and character of ordinary Americans who took extraordinary action in service to others. The experience promises to inspire and unite, sparking conversation around our gathering’s pillars of leadership, legacy and community.
Youth Adventure
The Business
AjPHA members ages 11–18 are invited to attend the Youth Leadership Gathering. You’ll meet fellow Youth members, develop leadership skills and learn firsthand from industry professionals including Justin McKee, the voice of the PBR. In addition to exclusive goal workshops and learning opportunities, attendees are also make their voices heard in central Leadership Gathering discussions that matter.
The Fun
Outside of the classroom, Youth get an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Equine Sports Medicine & Surgery in Weatherford, Texas. Then, head next door to Western retailer Teskey’s for a discussion about equine nutrition and how to optimize your horse’s performance, followed by the chance to shop for perfect Texas souvenirs and Western essentials.
Where to Stay
| Hotel | Room Rate | Cut Off Day |
| Courtyard Fort Worth Historic Stockyards | $279/night | 2/13/2026 |
| 2537 N Main St, Fort Worth, TX 76164 | ||
| Hotel Drover | $499/night | 1/26/2026 |
| 200 Mule Alley, Fort Worth, TX 76164 | ||
| Hyatt Place Fort Worth Historic Stockyards | $459/night | 2/5/2026 |
| 132 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76164 | ||
| SpringHill Suites Fort Worth Historic Stockyards | $264/night | 1/19/2026 |
| 2315 N Main St Fort Worth, TX 76164 | ||
| TownePlace Suites Fort Worth Downtown | ||
| 805 East Belknap Street Fort Worth, Texas, USA, 76102 | ||
| Hilton Garden Inn-Fort Worth/Medical Center | $159/night | |
| 912 Northton St, Fort Worth, TX 76104 | ||
| DoubleTree by Hilton-Fort Worth Fossil Creek | $129/night | |
| 4635 Gemini Place, Fort Worth, TX 76106 |
