EP. 48 Mission Possible: Your Inside Look at the 2026 CAAP Conference
44 min
In this episode of Thinking CAAP, Beck Moore welcomes CAAP Chief Operating Officer Erika Carpin and Director of Strategic Initiatives Mel Luckenbaugh for a behind-the-scenes look at the 2026 CAAP Conference, Mission: Possible, taking place October 26–29 at the Eden Resort & Suites in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Beck, Erika, and Mel share how this year's conference came together, why the theme feels especially meaningful for Community Action, and how feedback from member agencies helped shape the agenda. From fiscal and weatherization training to organizational culture, leadership, AI, burnout, and economic mobility, the conversation highlights the practical learning opportunities designed to help attendees navigate change and bring new ideas back to their organizations. They also explore the experiences that make the conference memorable, including networking, CAAPy Hour, the CAAPtivating Excellence Awards, therapy dogs, professional headshots, and a few surprises you'll discover throughout the conference. Throughout the conversation, one message comes through clearly: Community Action professionals are carrying a lot, and this conference is an opportunity to feel appreciated, reconnect with colleagues, and remember why the work matters. Whether you're looking for new strategies, meaningful connections, or renewed energy, Mission: Possible is designed to help you return to your organization ready for what comes next. For more from Erika Carpin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-carpin-9b4b1394/ For more from Mel Luckenbaugh: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mel-luckenbaugh-7a81b1a3/ Discover more about the Thinking CAAP podcast: https://www.thecaap.org/the-thinkingcaap-podcast-blog