ABA 2026 Convention
“ABA's 80th Convention”
Springfield, Missouri
June 21 - 26, 2026
University Plaza Hotel
333 S. John Q Hammons Pkwy
Springfield, Missouri
417-864-7333
Every 40 Years in the Queen City
(We were here in 1986 in this same hotel)
University Plaza Hotel
333 S. John Q Hammons Pkwy
Springfield, Missouri
417-864-7333
Rooms: (Single King or 2 Queen beds)
(Rooms include tub shower with grab bar)
$119 single/double, $124 Triple, $129 Quad (+taxes)
Room Rate Includes: Free buffet breakfast, Mini-fridge, Keurig coffee maker.
Up to 2 pets (cat or dog) allowed (there is a $50 fee)
Same group rate 3 days pre/post convention depending on availability. Contact Alan Burgdorf if you want extra room nights.
ABA Hotel Reservation Website
Handicap Accessible Rooms
Handicap Rooms are limited.
DO NOT contact the hotel for handicap rooms
Contact Alan Burgdorf
alanburgdorf@hotmail.com
573-445-5703
9 Miles from the Airport
There is a free hotel shuttle
2026 ABA Convention Bell
The Melodia bell was made by artisans in Veneto Italy and was inspiried by stained glass art.
Made with the finest lead-free Italian crystal, it is hand painted and then fired to bake on the beautiful colors. The clapper is a small round crystal ball on a silver chain.
It is inscribed “ABA 2026, Springfield, MO”.
Only 50 bells have been made so register early to reserve yours for the cost of $48 if picked up at the convention. $60 if mailed to USA or foreign address.
Orders will be taken on a first come (and paid) basis.
The bell costs $48, only 50 will be made
The 2026 Convention will have T-shirts for sale with the ABA logo and depicting our queen symbol. T-shirts are available for $10 each and must be preordered with your registration. They are available for pickup at convention only (sorry, we aren’t mailing them)
Come early, Stay Late
Bring the kids/grandkids
Click here for Things to see in:
Springfield
Branson
Nearby
Convention Registration
$200 (Early Bird post-marked by April 1)
$225 (After April 1)
$150 (First Timers)
Registration Includes:
Sunday Meet and Greet
Wednesday and Friday Lunches
Wednesday Dinner
Friday Banquet Dinner
10 Bell Educational Programs
Entry into Auction and Bell Room
Use of all Meeting Spaces
Unlimited Camaraderie with Bell Family
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Sunday, June 21
Complimentary Meet and Greet
Monday, June 22
Full-Day Tour
Top of the Rock Cave Cart Ride Tour and Museum
See Things to see in Branson for more information. We will board a 4 person gold cart and take a 2.5 mile on a trail with waterfalls, rock formations, land lake views. We go through the Bat Bar cave where you can purchase a drink. We are then shuttled to the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum.
Lunch at the Keeter Center, College of the Ozarks
The beautiful College of the Ozarks hosts a restaurant and hotel that is run by their culinary and hospitality students.
Hughes Brothers Show in Branson, MO
See Things to see in Branson for more information
Tuesday, June 23
Half-Day Tour
Wonders of the Wildlife Museum and Aquarium
See Things to see in Springfield for more information.
We will drive in private cars to the Bass Pro Shops World Headquarters to see the amazing exhibits.
After the Tour:
OPEN: Bell Exhibit Room, BEHOLD Displays, Raffle and Silent auction items viewing
Wednesday June 25
Opening Ceremony and Reports
Educational Programs, Lunch, More programs, Dinner
OPEN – Bell Room, BEHOLD displays, Raffle and Silent auctions items viewing
Thursday, June 25
The Auction
LAST CHANCE: Bell Room, BEHOLD displays, Raffle and Silent Auctions
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater at the Pythian Castle
This is an ABA add-on for an extra cost. (See your Registration Form)
Three course dinner with audience participation in a murder mystery. We will travel to the castle by private car. Accessible accomodations have been made.
See Things to see in Springfield for more information.
Friday, June 26
Business Meeting, Programs, Lunch, Programs, Pictures
Invitation to next year’s 81th Annual Convention
Banquet and installation of new Officers