AVA’s Annual In-person Peer to Peer meeting – Montana – October 6-7, 2026
Hello all,
We are excited to invite you to AVA’s’ annual in-person Peer-to-Peer Meeting in Montana, on October 6-7, 2026.
This two-day gathering will provide the opportunity for meaningful dialogue, peer learning, knowledge sharing, and deeper connection.
As part of our time together, we will:
- Discuss implementation planning and explore what’s next.
- Engage in meaningful conversations about challenges, innovations, and strategies for serving rural communities.
- Explore strategies for strengthening leadership through change, uncertainty, and transitions.
- Create space for discussions about navigating the first two years as a state administrator.
Meeting Details
- Date: October 6 & 7, 2026
- Location: Residence Inn Missoula Downtown, 125 N. Pattee Street, Missoula, Montana 59802
- Meeting Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfno2JVuHEf-iuQ0zBMQ3v2xalorqLWXa7t4sWzJ3gjVq8SFQ/viewform?usp=header
Attached is the draft agenda. The final agenda will be shared in the coming weeks.
Hotel Information
Residence Inn by Marriott Missoula Downtown (see attached)
Special Group Rate: $159 per night (3-night block)
The Residence Inn Downtown is an all-suite hotel with kitchens, work space, and living space in every guest room.
Amenities include:
- Complimentary Hot Breakfast Buffet
- Indoor Swimming Pool
- Access to restaurants, shopping, and more all within the hotel via the Mews
- 2nd Story Rooftop Courtyard with lounge seating, fire pits, and a grill for guest use
- Pet Friendly with fee
- Onsite coin operated guest laundry
- Valet Parking for $29 per night
- Business Center
- Fitness Center
- Complimentary WiFi
- Walking distance to dozens of cafés, bistros, restaurants, shops, entertainment & more
Hotel Booking Link:
https://app.marriott.com/resview2?id=1784226531244&key=GRP&app=resvlink
Ask from hotel: If anyone needs to book outside the dates listed, please reach out to our Sales Office 406-218-7108. Please do not call the front desk or Central reservations for Sales groups.
Last day to book: September 5, 2026 (non-negotiable deadline)
We hope you will join us for this valuable opportunity to reflect, reconnect, and strengthen of our collective capacity during a time when connection and collaboration are more important than ever.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at avassell@avadministrators.org.
Warmly,
Arlene
Arlene Vassell
Executive Director
Association of VAWA Administrators
6574 N. State Road 7
PMB 341
Coconut Creek, FL 33073
(954) 299-7648