The Road Ahead conference is BISC’s signature, invitation-only, annual event. It features state-based advocates, ballot measure experts, inspiring movement leaders, funding partners, and so much more — all focused on how ballot measures can build power and make change in our communities.
Road Ahead 2026 will be in Cleveland, Ohio, from March 10-12, 2026!
Ohio has a rich history of grassroots activism and organizing, advancing social justice and civil rights, and using ballot measures to protect worker rights, reproductive rights, and more. BISC has spent more than a decade investing in local leaders, organizations, and civic engagement infrastructure in the Buckeye State.
Road Ahead is by invitation only. If you would like to attend Road Ahead but haven’t yet received an invitation, please reach out to [email protected].
General registration for Road Ahead ’26 is now open, so register today to lock in your spot and ensure you’re there with us!
Interested in sponsoring Road Ahead ’26? Please fill out our sponsorship interest form or contact [email protected]. If you have questions about sponsorship, check out our Sponsorship one-pager.
Want a sneak peak of what’s in store for Road Ahead 2026? Here’s a glimpse into a few exciting sessions we can’t wait for you all to experience:
- Road Ahead’s first-ever Research Symposium!
This year, we will close out Road Ahead ‘26 with our first-ever Research Symposium, where you can curate your own experience: choose the research that sparks your curiosity or aligns with your 2026 priorities, then engage directly with the researchers driving this work.
- Building Equity Centered Accountability in Signature Gathering
Running a successful ballot measure campaign means managing paid staff, volunteers, and partner organizations while keeping everyone accountable. In this session, hear from experienced campaign leaders and consultants about what works (and what doesn’t) in hybrid signature gathering programs. You’ll leave with practical tools and a sharper eye for building signature gathering programs that are not only effective but protective and rooted in equity.
- Getting Your Money’s Worth: Maximizing Research Investments Throughout the Ballot Measure Lifecycle
Research plays a crucial role in successful ballot measure efforts – from the early stages of concept and ideating on narrative and policy development, to battling implementation challenges – research can support us every step of the way. Research can also be a very costly investment. In this session, panelists will delve into the impact of polling and viability research on their ballot measure campaigns throughout different stages of the ballot measure lifecycle. Join us to discover how to make smarter, sequenced research decisions, how to stretch limited funding without sacrificing rigor, and how to ensure every data point strengthens your path to victory and long-term narrative power
- From First Pitch to Getting Funded: Strategies to Fuel Your Campaign
What do funders actually look for when deciding to invest in a ballot measure campaign? In this hands-on session, you’ll hear directly from state and national leaders about what makes a pitch compelling, how to unlock early money, and how to navigate today’s challenging philanthropic landscape. You’ll learn about emerging funding strategies and leave with concrete tools to strengthen your own fundraising approach.
- Smarter Storytelling 2.0: From Rapid Response to Narrative Power
In a media environment defined by velocity, volatility, and shrinking attention spans, organizations often find themselves trapped in a cycle of rapid response to today’s headlines instead of steering tomorrow’s narrative. Together, we’ll explore how organizers can design and operationalize durable narrative frameworks that outlast news cycles, build power, and strengthen voter understanding over time. Participants will learn practical tools for embedding narrative strategy into campaign work and aligning spokespeople and storytellers that sow the seeds for future impact. You’ll leave equipped not only to respond smarter in the moment, but to proactively shape the narrative landscape.
Our full agenda and speaker roster will be available soon. In the meantime check out our conference Agenda at-a-Glance!
Wondering what you can expect from BISC’s annual conference? Check out last year’s highlight video below.
WATCH OUR ROAD AHEAD ’25 HIGHLIGHT VIDEO:
Find Road Ahead on Social Media!
Check out @BallotStrategy on Instagram and LinkedIn + search the #RoadAhead25 hashtag for more conference and attendee pics!
📸 All Road Ahead ’25 photos and video courtesy of Jason Husena.