Virtual | February 26 – 27, 2026
The Institute 2026
Join us at The Institute 2026, a member-exclusive event for seasoned public finance practitioners (10+ years of experience). This year, The Institute is going fully virtual, bringing the same dynamic, discussion-based forums and peer-to-peer engagement directly to your screen.
Designed to ensure an intimate and impactful learning experience, The Institute enables participants to connect with a highly selective peer group, fostering meaningful connections and discussions that extend beyond the conference.
Attendees can receive up to 14.5 continuing legal education (CLE) credits. CLE credits will be granted to individuals who attend the live sessions; verification will be based on Zoom login details and session duration. Please make sure to attend each live session for their full duration to qualify for CLE credit.
Enjoy the convenience of participating from your office or home. There is no travel to arrange, no hotel to book, and no added expenses. You save time and money while still receiving the full value of The Institute’s programming.
Not a member yet? Join NABL today to unlock access to The Institute 2026 and other exclusive events, resources, and benefits.
Key Highlights
- Member-Exclusive Access: Attendance is reserved exclusively for experienced NABL members, ensuring a high-caliber networking environment and fostering deeper professional connections.
- Interactive Discussion Forums: Engage in topic-based forums led by experienced moderators, promoting open dialogue and the exchange of innovative ideas.
- Chatham House Rule: The Institute operates under the Chatham House Rule, which allows candid with the assurance that all conversations are “off the record,” encouraging honest and open communication. During these virtual sessions, the use of any AI notetaking tools is prohibited. Participants are expected to rely on traditional methods of notetaking to ensure the confidentiality and security of the discussion. NABL is committed to protecting the confidentiality and privacy of all meeting participants.
- Diverse Topics: Explore emerging trends in bond law and the municipal market, including recent SEC actions, current issues in municipal disclosure, and market-driven arbitrage issues.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with prominent bond attorneys from every corner of the country, share insights, and build lasting professional relationships.
- Comprehensive CLE Sessions: Gain actionable takeaways and earn CLE credits through sessions designed to challenge assumptions and broaden perspectives.
Conference Leadership
As always, the programming of this industry-leading event is member-driven. We are grateful to our conference leadership for their commitment to excellence and support in organizing this special event to help advance the public finance legal community.
Agenda
Session times and details are subject to change. Please select your desired sessions during registration to ensure CLE credit accuracy. Please note that all sessions listed below are in eastern time.
Opening General Session
Join the Institute chair for a welcome message and a general session about what to expect from this year’s Institute.
Opening SESION: TAX & SECURITIES
This session will explore current issues relating to the Internal Revenue Service and Securities and Exchange Commission relating to guidance, enforcement, and responsiveness to needs of the public in light of administration goals, changes, and priorities. The plenary panel will also explore how changes in the federal administration influence the structuring of public finance transactions. Panelists will analyze recent trends and discuss whether shifts in federal priorities, regulatory approaches, and policy initiatives have affected the types of deals being done and the structures being used in the municipal market. The discussion will cover topics such as tax policy changes, infrastructure funding, regulatory enforcement, and evolving investor expectations.
12:15 – 12:30 PM ET
Break
— TAX FORUM #1 —
Tax Forum discussionThis forum will explore current tax issues with respect to utilizing governmental, qualified 501(c)(3), and exempt facility bonds to address current housing needs, including workforce housing, college housing, low-income housing, and senior housing, including recent changes relating to the low-income housing tax credit.
1:45 – 2:00 PM ET
Break
— TAX FORUM #2 —
3:15 – 3:30 PM ET
Break
— TAX FORUM #3 —
Tax Forum discussionThis forum will focus on market driven arbitrage issues, including over-issuance, GICs, multipurpose allocations, early issuance, tax exempt refunding of taxable debt, and financing software and other intangible assets.
4:45 – 5:00 PM ET
Break
— TAX FORUM #4 TOPICS —
Tax Forum discussionThe focus of this forum is current tax issues relating to governmental bonds financing power facilities, including joining power pools, data centers, and prepayment transactions.
IceBReaker
Join the Institute chair and fellow attendees for an icebreaker exercise.
— OPENING SESSION —
Opening session: tax & Securities
As municipalities pursue innovative ways to finance public projects, off-balance sheet structures have become a key tool in public finance. This panel will provide attorneys with a practical overview of current issues in off-balance sheet financing, including the use of public-private partnerships, special purpose vehicles, and lease financings. Panelists will discuss relevant legal frameworks, such as tax issues relating to governmental instrumentalities, accounting considerations, and disclosure requirements, as well as the challenges of risk allocation and regulatory scrutiny. The session will offer best practices for bond lawyers advising on these transactions, with a focus on structuring, documenting, and disclosing off-balance sheet arrangements to meet investor and regulatory expectations.
12:15 – 12:30 PM ET
Break
— SECURITIES FORUM #1 —
Securities Forum discussionThis panel will focus on Municipal issuers face a rapidly evolving risk environment, with new and complex factors impacting disclosure obligations. This panel will explore current issues in municipal disclosure, focusing on emerging risks such as climate change, shifts in federal administration, and evolving immigration enforcement policies. Panelists will discuss best practices for identifying, assessing, and disclosing these risks to investors, as well as the legal and practical considerations for bond lawyers advising municipal clients.
1:45 – 2:00 PM ET
Break
— TAX & SECURITIES FORUM #2 —
TAX & SECURITIES Forum discussionThis session will discuss current issues (both securities and tax law) for various types of land secured financings, including assessment and special tax bonds. The session will also examine strategies for economic development.
3:15 – 3:30 PM ET
Break
— SECURITIES FORUM #3 —
Securities Forum discussionThis panel will equip attorneys with a practical understanding of municipal bankruptcy under Chapter 9, focusing on both the fundamentals of the process and strategies for advising governmental clients in times of fiscal stress. Panelists will provide an overview of Chapter 9, including eligibility requirements, procedural steps, and key legal considerations. The discussion will help attorneys identify warning signs of fiscal distress in their municipal clients and explore alternatives to bankruptcy, such as restructuring and negotiated solutions. For situations where a Chapter 9 filing may be unavoidable, the panel will offer guidance on navigating the case and supporting clients through the process to achieve stronger financial health. Attendees will gain the tools and insights needed to advise local governments effectively, whether helping them avoid bankruptcy or guiding them through it.
4:45 – 5:00 PM ET
Break
— SECURITIES FORUM #4 —
Securities Forum discussionThis panel will review recent notable SEC enforcement actions in the municipal securities market and discuss their implications for attorneys and their clients. Panelists will analyze key cases, enforcement trends, and areas of regulatory focus, highlighting lessons learned and common pitfalls. The discussion will provide practical guidance on how these developments should inform disclosure practices, compliance programs, and risk management in the coming year.
Registration Fees
One Day Pass: $595.00 – up to 7.25 CLE credits
Full Conference (Two Days): $925.00 – up to 14.50 CLE credits
- Make the Case to Attend: Attending this seminar will allow you to strengthen referral networks and stay updated on the latest developments in securities and tax law. We are pleased to equip you with an Attendance Justification Letter Template to aid you in making the case for your leadership.
- Pay by Check: If you prefer to pay over email or by check, please use this PDF Registration Form. Simply email the completed form to registration@nabl.org or mail to National Association of Bond Lawyers, 1775 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Suite 950; Washington, DC 20006.
- Refund Policy: Substitutions and cancellations are permitted when requested in writing by Thursday, February 12, 2026. Any requests received after February 12 may be subject to a cancellation fee. No refunds will be granted after February 23, 2026. Please email all requests to registration@nabl.org.