The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has announced that registration is open for the 2026 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil & Human Rights Conference, scheduled to take place in Baltimore from January 15-18, 2026.
According to the IAM, this year’s conference theme is “Honoring Our History – Fighting for Our Future.” The union states that the theme “highlights the urgency of bridging our rich past with the fight that lies ahead. It speaks to how the labor movement and civil-rights movement are inextricably linked, and how we must listen to history to chart our future.”
The event aims to provide a platform for discussions on issues at the intersection of labor rights and civil or human rights. Organizers note that it will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy while focusing on strategies for collective action moving forward.
Conference attendees will participate in sessions led by subject matter experts addressing topics such as workers’ collective-bargaining rights, threats to democracy, voting rights, and economic justice. There will also be workshops designed to equip participants with organizing tools and best practices relevant both in their communities and workplaces.
“Whether you’re a rank-and-file member or a union leader, this is an opportunity to sharpen skills, build alliances, and leave ready to drive change,” organizers stated.
Recently, Alex Rias was appointed as Director of Civil, Human, and Women’s Rights at AFL-CIO. He will oversee this annual conference.
The event will be held at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor hotel at 401 W. Pratt St., Baltimore, Maryland. Organizers recommend early booking due to high demand; rooms are available at a negotiated rate of $219 per night.
Conference programming begins on Thursday afternoon, January 15. Hotel accommodations for January 14 are limited.
