The Workshop 2026

We are excited to be back in Chicago for The Workshop 2026 on October 14 to 16. This year marks a major milestone as we celebrate The 50th Workshop: Building Bonds for Our Future. Over 2.5 days, attendees will participate in a dynamic program featuring 30 sessions, up to 13.50 hours of continuing legal education (CLE), timely updates, and networking opportunities for lasting connections. Sign in or create an account to register online through this page! Substitutions and cancellations are permitted when requested in writing by Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Refund requests after this date will be subject to a 50% cancellation fee. No refunds will be granted after Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
When
10/14/2026 - 10/16/2026
Where
Hilton Chicago 720 S Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60605
Registration
Online registration is closed. Please email [email protected] for availability.

Registration Instructions

  1. Login to your NABL account.
  2. Click the “Register Myself” button.
  3. Select your Registration Option(s).
  4. Click "Proceed to Checkout" where you will be redirected to the shopping cart page. Enter your payment information and click “Submit Order.”
  5. An order confirmation will appear on the screen and be emailed to the address of the account. NABL On-Demand registrants will receive instructions on how to access their purchased event via email.
  6. Please allow up to 30 days for processing CLE credits. 

Hilderbrand Scholarship Fund Donation (Optional)

If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the NABL Foundation in support of our Scholarship programs, please enter an amount and Add to Cart below.
Gift amount
 

Program

A. Opening General Sessions

Description
Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation
Track
A. Opening General Sessions
Time
12:45 PM - 1:30 PM
10/14/2026 12:45 PM
General Session Keynote - Building Bonds That Last: Curiosity, Connection, and the Next 50 Years of Public Finance
Track
A. Opening General Sessions
Time
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
10/14/2026 1:30 PM

B. Panel Session 1

Description
Current SEC Enforcement Matters and Regulatory Priorities
Track
B. Panel Session 1
Time
2:45 PM - 4:00 PM
10/14/2026 2:45 PM
Tax Issues in Tax-Exempt Financing: What’s New, What’s Next and What Still Matters
Track
B. Panel Session 1
Time
2:45 PM - 4:00 PM
10/14/2026 2:45 PM
Tax Credit Finance: What Every Bond Lawyer Needs to Know About NMTCs and More
Track
B. Panel Session 1
Time
2:45 PM - 4:00 PM
10/14/2026 2:45 PM

C. Panel Session 2

Description
IRS Enforcement – Current Issues with IRS Examinations, IRS Appeals, VCAP, Letter Ruling Request, and Returns
Track
C. Panel Session 2
Time
4:15 PM - 5:30 PM
10/14/2026 4:15 PM
Securities Hot Topics
Track
C. Panel Session 2
Time
4:15 PM - 5:30 PM
10/14/2026 4:15 PM
Bank Facilities: General Considerations
Bank Products in Today's Market: What Bond Lawyers Need to Know
Track
C. Panel Session 2
Time
4:15 PM - 5:30 PM
10/14/2026 4:15 PM

D. Panel Session 3

Description
Ethics: Conflicts, Confidentiality and Competence
Ethics: Conflicts, Confidentiality and Competence:  You May Be Competent But How Much Do You (or Should You) Trust Your Artificial Intelligence (AI) “Co-Counsel”?
Track
D. Panel Session 3
Time
8:45 AM - 10:00 AM
10/15/2026 8:45 AM
The Role of Issuer’s Counsel Before, During and After the Bond Issuance
Track
D. Panel Session 3
Time
8:45 AM - 10:00 AM
10/15/2026 8:45 AM
IRS Enforcement – Current Issues with IRS Examinations, IRS Appeals, VCAP... (Practitioners Only)
IRS Enforcement – Current Issues with IRS Examinations, IRS Appeals, VCAP, Letter Ruling Request, and Returns (Practitioners Only - CLOSED SESSION)
Track
D. Panel Session 3
Time
8:45 AM - 10:00 AM
10/15/2026 8:45 AM

E. Panel Session 4

Description
Private Activity Bond Tests: Real World Considerations
Track
E. Panel Session 4
Time
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
10/15/2026 10:15 AM
Multifamily Housing: Cautious Expansion vs. Structural Constraints
Track
E. Panel Session 4
Time
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
10/15/2026 10:15 AM
From Appointment to Final Maturity – The Legal & Administrative Concerns of the Bond Trustee
Track
E. Panel Session 4
Time
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
10/15/2026 10:15 AM

F. Panel Session 5

Description
The Unraveling: Distressed Transactions
Ethics: The Unraveling: Distressed Transactions
Track
F. Panel Session 5
Time
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
10/15/2026 11:45 AM
Nuts and Bolts of Positive Arbitrage
Track
F. Panel Session 5
Time
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
10/15/2026 11:45 AM
Does DEI Still Matter in Public Finance? A 2026 Perspective
Track
F. Panel Session 5
Time
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
10/15/2026 11:45 AM

G. Panel Session 6

Description
The Unqualified Opinion of Bond Counsel
Track
G. Panel Session 6
Time
2:30 PM - 3:45 PM
10/15/2026 2:30 PM
Navigating Chartered Waters: Financing the Other Public Schools
Track
G. Panel Session 6
Time
2:30 PM - 3:45 PM
10/15/2026 2:30 PM
Single Family Housing Bonds
Track
G. Panel Session 6
Time
2:30 PM - 3:45 PM
10/15/2026 2:30 PM

H. Panel Session 7

Description
Tax Trends in Refundings and Reissuances
Track
H. Panel Session 7
Time
4:00 PM - 5:15 PM
10/15/2026 4:00 PM
Health Care Financing – Trends, Opportunities and Challenges
Track
H. Panel Session 7
Time
4:00 PM - 5:15 PM
10/15/2026 4:00 PM
Underwriter’s Counsel Community Workshop
Track
H. Panel Session 7
Time
4:00 PM - 5:15 PM
10/15/2026 4:00 PM

I. Panel Session 8

Description
Let Me Check With My Desk
Track
I. Panel Session 8
Time
8:45 AM - 10:00 AM
10/16/2026 8:45 AM
Qualified 501(c)(3) Bonds
Exempt but Not Immune: Navigating the Maze of Tax Rules for Qualified 501(c)(3) Financings
Track
I. Panel Session 8
Time
8:45 AM - 10:00 AM
10/16/2026 8:45 AM

J. Panel Session 9

Description
Public-Private Partnerships – Key Components and Challenges
Track
J. Panel Session 9
Time
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
10/16/2026 10:15 AM
Energy Finance
Trends in Energy Finance
Track
J. Panel Session 9
Time
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
10/16/2026 10:15 AM
Tax-Exempt Leasing
Track
J. Panel Session 9
Time
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
10/16/2026 10:15 AM

K. Receptions and Activities

Description
Welcome Reception
After a long day of learning, take a break to relax and reconnect with your colleagues at the Workshop Welcome Reception. This will be a great opportunity for you to network in person with your fellow public finance professionals and enjoy some light appetizers and beverages.
Track
K. Receptions and Activities
Time
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
10/14/2026 5:30 PM
Evening Group Activity
Join us for an evening of fun and connection with your peers.
Track
K. Receptions and Activities
Time
8:30 PM - 10:30 PM
10/14/2026 8:30 PM
Morning Group Walk hosted by the NABL Young Lawyers Network
Join us for a walk to start the morning! This is a great opportunity for casual networking among attendees.
Track
K. Receptions and Activities
Time
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
10/15/2026 7:00 AM

L. Newcomers Orientation

Description
Newcomers Orientation
Track
L. Newcomers Orientation
Time
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
10/14/2026 11:30 AM

M. Advocacy Update

Description
Advocacy Update
Track
M. Advocacy Update
Time
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
10/16/2026 7:30 AM