
Practical Education for Today’s Family Physician
September 18-20, 2026 • Downtown Des Moines
Join us in downtown Des Moines for a weekend of connection, collaboration, and clinical learning as we celebrate this new chapter in osteopathic family medicine across the Upper Midwest.
This year’s theme, “Clinical Essentials: The Meat and Potatoes for Osteopathic Family Physicians,” will focus on the core topics and practical skills that matter most in daily practice. You’ll have the opportunity to earn up to 18 hours of CME, engage with colleagues from across the region, and take part in shaping the future of osteopathic family medicine together.
Online registration for the 2026 First Annual Conference is available here! If you’d like to fill out our pdf registration form, you may download that here and send in your payment. Make sure you use our new address: 1415 28th Street, Suite 400, West Des Moines, Iowa when sending in your registration details.
Conference Highlights
- Up to 18 CME Credits Available
- AOA Category 1-A CME
- Clinical & Osteopathic-Focused Education
- In-Person and Live Stream, Virtual Attendee Options
- Networking & Collaboration Opportunities
- Resident & Student Programming
- Downtown Des Moines Location
The ACOFP Upper Midwest Annual Conference delivers timely, relevant education designed for physicians practicing in real-world clinical settings. Sessions focus on practical application, emerging healthcare trends, patient-centered care, and evidence-based updates that attendees can immediately implement into practice.
Participate in sessions led by experienced physicians, educators, and healthcare experts. Educational programming is designed to support lifelong learning while fulfilling professional CME requirements and is specifically designed for the Family Practice DO.
Beyond education, the conference creates opportunities to build relationships with colleagues from across the Upper Midwest. Connect with peers, mentors, residents, students, faculty, and industry professionals who share a commitment to osteopathic family medicine.
As ACOFP-UMW continues to grow, this conference serves as a central gathering point for physicians and healthcare professionals committed to advancing osteopathic family medicine throughout the region.
CME Details
ACOFP-UMW partners with the Iowa Osteopathic Medical Association as an accredited provider of osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. We anticipate this conference will offer a maximum of 18.00 AOA Category 1-A credits and will update here as soon as we receive final approval from IOMA. In addition to AOA credit, we will also plan to apply for AAFP credit hours.
Please note: select recordings from this event may be available online after the conference.
Attendee Details
The Annual Conference offers attendees the opportunity to engage beyond the conference room through networking events, exhibit hall interaction, and informal connection with colleagues from across the region. Secure the best conference pricing by being a member AND registering before August 24! Members get discounted pricing, and our early bird rate expires after that date. If you have any questions about registering for this event, contact us here or call 515-282-8192.
We look forward to welcoming physicians, residents, students, and healthcare professionals from across the Upper Midwest for an engaging and impactful conference experience.
Two Options To Participate: Flexibility For The Family Physician
To better serve our regional audience, we're offering two different options to participate! Attendees may select to join us in-person in Des Moines, or may opt for a live, virtual experience. While nothing can match the connection, camaraderie and collaboration that an in-person event can offer, our new membership model spans several states, and we know travel can be a barrier.
However you plan to join us, we're excited to see you in September!
Conference Accommodations: Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel
401 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA
Join us at the Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel, a beautifully restored historic property in the heart of downtown Des Moines. Enjoy modern comfort, classic style, and easy access to the city’s best dining and entertainment!
Make It a Family Weekend in Des Moines!
Turn your conference trip into a family getaway and discover all that Des Moines has to offer. From the lively downtown district filled with local restaurants and shops to family-friendly attractions like the Science Center of Iowa, Blank Park Zoo, and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Explore the Des Moines Riverwalk, take in a show at the Civic Center, or sample the city’s vibrant food scene, all just steps from the Renaissance Savery Hotel.
Come for the conference, and stay to experience why Des Moines is one of the Midwest’s most welcoming destinations.
Visit Catch Des Moines!
For up-to-date information on what's happening in the Des Moines metro, visit the Catch Des Moines website.
Sponsor & Exhibitor Participation
Connect with D.O.s, residents, and students from across the Upper Midwest by showcasing your organization at our inaugural conference. The Exhibit Hall will be open Friday, September 18, and Saturday, September 19, providing dedicated time for engagement with attendees.
Explore sponsorship packages and exhibitor options in our Sponsor & Exhibitor Brochure. When ready, register online or submit the PDF registration form. Customized sponsorship opportunities and discounts for non-profit or public entities are also available, contact us to learn more.
Secure your spot today and strengthen your organization’s presence within the osteopathic community.
Thank you to our sponsors
The ACOFP-UMW Annual Conference is made possible through the support of industry partners and exhibitors committed to advancing healthcare education and supporting osteopathic family medicine.
Attendees will have opportunities to connect with organizations offering products, services, technology, educational resources, and solutions relevant to today’s healthcare environment.

Diamond Sponsor
Legally Mine

Diamond Sponsor
Regeneron

Gold Sponsor
Lilly
Student / Resident Details
Student Poster Contest
Students are invited to join us at the upcoming conference with no registration fee required. They will have the opportunity to take part in our poster contest, showcasing their research or case studies, a valuable résumé builder that offers meaningful experience and excellent networking opportunities. Students will receive full access to the three-day conference, including lectures from physicians and leaders across the profession. The poster contest will be judged by the ACOFP-UMW Board of Directors. The top 3 will be presented in round robin style on Saturday, September 19th, at 8am, with awards given at the annual business meeting that afternoon.
Registration for the student poster contest is officially open. Students will have the opportunity to present their posters during the ACOFP‑UMW Conference, with the top three selected to participate in a round‑robin presentation session on Saturday, September 19 at 8:00 AM. For full details, download the pdf below.

