NILA’s 2026 Lab Leaders Forum will be Fun, Educational, and Affordable!

Join us March 4-6, 2026, at TriCore Reference Laboratories in Albuquerque for NILA’s Annual “Lab Leaders Forum” for clinical laboratory executives (CEOs, CFOs, COOs, Presidents, VPs, and other laboratory executives). NILA's Lab Leaders Forum offers the ideal platform for personal interaction and shared views.

Here is a list of planned discussion topics:

• Update on a delay in PAMA cuts, new dates for Reporting Payment amounts required by PAMA, and status of the RESULTS Act
• Strategies for inclusion in payor networks
• Handling payor and compliance audits and suspensions
• How payors are using AI to deny claims and how laboratories are using AI to appeal claim denials
• How a NILA member laboratory won a major whistleblower lawsuit
• A review of a monumental anti-trust lawsuit pitting health professionals against major insurance companies
• How NILA Members are handling common billing/coding problems
• New ICD Codes and Payments
• OIG Report calling for labs to develop plans ensuring access to testing in the event of a public health emergency
• Update from CMS on CLIA Regulations
• Strengthening NILA Advocacy efforts
• Any other issues you wish to discuss (Send us your ideas)

FUN:

Albuquerque's modern downtown core contrasts with Old Town Albuquerque, dating to the city’s 1706 founding as a Spanish colony. Old Town is filled with historic adobe buildings, such as San Felipe de Neri Church, five museums, and shops selling Native American handicrafts. Nearby, The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center traces the area’s tribal history. Albuquerque is also famous for the world's largest hot air balloon event, the International Balloon Fiesta, daily ballooning, stunning Sandia Mountain views, rich Native American and Hispanic culture, first class golf courses, mountain biking, hiking, and the distinctive New Mexican cuisine (especially green chile). Its unique blend of Southwestern landscapes, cultural heritage, and vibrant arts scene makes it a fun and exciting destination.

Two evening events are scheduled during NILA's Lab Leaders Forum, one at the Pueblo Cultural Center (March 4) including dinner, entertainment (Indigenous Pueblo Dances dances and music) and access to the Cultural Center’s museum, and dinner on Thursday evening (March 5).

AFFORDABLE:

Yes, the registration fees are being lowered by $180, from a regular fee of $775 last year to $595 Early-bird for the 2026 meeting.

In addition, hotel rooms in Albuquerque are lower than last year ($289 at the Mokara in San Antonio last year versus $152 this year at the Embassy Suites across from TriCore Laboratories, or $94 at the Hampton Inn, a short drive from TriCore.

Don’t forget to book your airfares now while several airlines are advertising sales for travel in early 2026.

Arrive early on Wednesday, March 4. TriCore will take you on a tour of their laboratory beginning at 4 p.m.