The 104th National AMBUCS National Conference took place in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, at the Hilton Myrtle Beach from August 26–29, 2026. More than 350 AMBUCS members attended this year’s conference, coming together for a week of connection, education, celebration, and service.
The conference officially kicked off Wednesday with the First Timers Meeting, giving new conference attendees an opportunity to connect, learn more about the week ahead, and meet fellow members.
The First Timers program was led by Mike McCann and Amanda Woods Ford of the Savannah & Longview Too chapters.
That evening, members gathered for the Tropical-Themed Opening Dinner, hosted by National President Gordon Shaw. With an oceanfront setting and relaxed island vibes, attendees embraced the ocean breeze as the conference officially got underway.
The evening also featured a special dance presentation from the Grand Strand Miracle League, connecting conference attendees with the local community and setting the tone for a week centered around connection and inclusion.
Thursday began with the National Big Hat Club Business Meeting, followed by the first General Business Session.
The session featured chapter roll call, updates from CEO Jessica Wall, the annual report, and a keynote from Little Levi Krystosek.
A motivational speaker, comedian, and content creator, Levi is known for inspiring audiences through humor, storytelling, and positivity. As a proud AMBUCS Amtryke recipient, Levi also has a personal connection to the life-changing impact of adaptive mobility. He has received two Amtrykes at previous AMBUCS National Conferences.
Levi shared his personal story and reminded attendees of the power of possibility, perseverance, and finding joy along the way.
The Big Hat Lunch and Auction brought members together for an afternoon of fellowship and fundraising.
The event raised $13,930!
Leadership transitioned as Leo Hull stepped into the role of Big Hat President, with Jenny Clement-Shaw as Vice President and David Fesial as Secretary/Treasurer.
Thursday afternoon, members gathered to help prepare Amtrykes for the Great Amtryke Giveaway.
Thirty-one Amtrykes were prepared for Myrtle Beach-area riders, schools, and hospitals, highlighting once again the power of teamwork at the heart of AMBUCS.
That evening, AMBUCS members had the opportunity to step outside the conference hotel for a Challenger League Baseball Game hosted in partnership with the Grand Strand Miracle League.
The Savannah AMBUCS chapter brought its local Challenger League team to Myrtle Beach to take on the Grand Strand Miracle League, giving conference attendees the opportunity to cheer from the sidelines, volunteer as Buddies, and enjoy an evening of baseball and community.
Friday began with Regional Caucuses, giving chapters an opportunity to gather, conduct regional business, and recognize local accomplishments.
At the Foundation Program, National President-Elect Gordon Shaw honored William L. White Donors, members who gave $1,000 or more during the past year, and celebrated those who reached the $10,000 milestone, earning a Named Scholarship in honor or memory of someone special.
The program also featured keynote speaker Aspen Sage, a disability advocate, public speaker, and accessible travel blogger from Oklahoma. Living as a paraplegic with Autism and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Aspen uses her lived experience to promote accessibility and inclusion.
Her motto, “If there’s a wheel, there’s a way,” reflects her approach to overcoming barriers and finding possibilities.
The Foundation Program also recognized Paige Clement as the 2026 AMBUCS Therapist of the Year.
Paige, from the Greater New Mexico Chapter, is a pediatric physical therapist serving rural New Mexico and serves as the chapter’s Amtryke Coordinator. Through clinical care, outreach, and grant-funded programs, she works to expand access to adaptive mobility opportunities in underserved communities. Her commitment to lifelong learning and advocacy reflects the impact therapists can have both within their profession and through AMBUCS.
Friday afternoon shifted into learning mode with 10 education sessions covering a wide range of topics designed to give chapters practical tools and ideas to take home.
Sessions included:
- Beyond Words: Building Inclusion Through Language
- Play Made Possible
- Know Before You Go… to the Amtryke Store
- HUB 101: Back to the Basics
- Multiplying Miles: How Community and School Partnerships Amplify Your Amtryke Program
- Investing in Tomorrow: Exploring the Scholarships for Therapists Program
- Amtryke Paceline
- Leadership Roundtable: Passing the Torch
- One Mission, One Message: The Power of Cohesive Branding
- Creating Community Through Local Adaptive Athletics
EDUCATION PRESENTATIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE HUB TO MEMBERS (Coming Soon!)
The day concluded with the Achievement Awards Ceremony, recognizing chapters and members for their accomplishments throughout the year.
Saturday began with Trek 4 Trykes, bringing members together to raise funds to provide Amtrykes for riders on the National Wish List.
Over 100 participants raised $23,375!
The Saturday General Session continued with an America 250 theme, bringing a patriotic spirit to the final day of conference.
The session also featured keynote speaker Ben Hartranft, who was diagnosed with autism at age two and has spent his life exceeding expectations. From raising funds for the Eagles Autism Challenge to appearing on The Ellen Show, Ben has become a passionate advocate for inclusion and kindness. His message to AMBUCS members was simple and powerful: “Go out and Be The One.”
Then came one of the most anticipated events of the conference: the Great Amtryke Giveaway.
This year’s giveaway provided 31 Amtrykes across three different areas of need:
- 24 individual Amtrykes
- 4 school Amtrykes
- 3 adaptive sports program Amtrykes
But the impact of the giveaway went far beyond the number of Amtrykes distributed. Bringing the event to life required an incredible team effort:
- 22 chapter sponsors
- 14 individual sponsors
- 9 new therapists
- 10 mentor therapists
- 9 Master Tryke Mechanics
- 10 family assistants
- 2 check-in attendants
- 2 parts managers
- 3 photographers
- 5 tryke loaders
- 1 “Sheriff”
- 2 emcees
- 150+ audience members
The conference concluded with the President-Elect’s Reception, procession of national officers, and President’s Dinner.
The evening’s major awards included:
- Project Manager of the Year: Angela Fountain
- Ambuc of the Year: David Tangeman
Outgoing national, regional, and district officers were recognized and thanked for their service, including outgoing National President Gordon Shaw.
New officers were then sworn in:
National President: Matt Trainor
National President-Elect: Robyn Rapp
Immediate Past President: Gordon Shaw
In his first address as National President, Matt Trainor shared his vision for the year ahead, centered around finding one’s inspiration.
A conference of this size doesn’t happen without an incredible community behind it.
Special recognition goes to the 2026 appointed officials and volunteers who helped make the week possible:
- Sgt. at Arms: Wendy Merhoff — Owasso
- Chaplain: Larry Kindt — Great Plains
- Parliamentarian: Vic Menendez — Great Plains
- Credentials: Don Smith — Lawton
- 50/50 Raffle Crew Chair: Noon Network
- First Timers Chairpersons: Mike McCann and Amanda Woods Ford — Savannah & Longview Too
- Decorating Crew: Carmela Davis, Jenny Clement-Shaw, Fina Nett
- Trek 4 Trykes Chair: Carmela Davis
- Registration: Mountain Metro Chapter and Region Directors
Thank you to our education session speakers, local physical therapy clinics, nonprofit partners, and the Grand Strand Miracle League. We are also grateful to the Hilton Myrtle Beach for hosting us and to our A/V team for helping bring the week together.
Thank you to our conference sponsors, Trek 4 Trykes sponsors, fundraisers, and participants for supporting AMBUCS and helping make this conference possible.
And most importantly, thank you to the more than 350 members who joined us in Myrtle Beach.
You are the ambassadors who take the AMBUCS mission into your communities every day: inspiring mobility and independence, building stronger communities, creating opportunities, and serving others. Without you, AMBUCS simply wouldn’t be what it is.
The National Staff left Myrtle Beach overwhelmed by the motivation, love, and compassion poured into AMBUCS throughout the week. The 104th National Conference may be over, but the work continues!