This year, SER members will return to The Sofitel Hotel in Washington, D.C. for the Annual Membership Meeting & Expert Conference.
Held over two days, SER’s signature event delivers fresh insights, industry perspective, and the expert‑to‑expert conversations you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or a rising practitioner, it’s the place to elevate your expert witness practice and expand your professional network alongside colleagues and guest attorneys from across the country.
Ready to level up your practice? The SER Annual Expert Conference is where the best ideas — and the best experts — meet.
| Location | SOFITEL HOTEL 806 15th St NW, Washington DC 20005, (see details below) |
| Dates | Thursday August 6th - Friday August 7th |
| Sessions | Beginning with Lunch on Thursday and All Day Friday (New Members and First Time Attendees, see Thursday Breakfast Invitation.) |
| Meals Included |
Thursday: Lunch, Cocktail Reception and Dinner Friday: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Spouse/Guest Activities |
Friday Lunch and Local Tour for Registered Spouse/Guest (details to follow) |
| Highlights! | Agenda packed with Attorney Guest Speakers! Thursday Breakfast for New Members and First Time Attendees! Long break times to enhance networking opportunities! |
"The experience was beyond my expectations from the amount of knowledge I gained over the two days, how friendly and willing to share all of the members were as well as how all the networking sessions played out." James Karabas, Member 2023
"Attending the SER Conference is an investment in your career as an expert witness." Bruce Foerster, Past President
What is the dress code? Conference attire is business casual. We recommend business attire Thursday night's Reception & Dinner.
Where do members stay? Hotel reservations are a separate registration. SER has negotiated discounted room rates of $249 per night plus taxes at the Sofitel Hotel. Room block rates are based on availability and may sell out prior to the cutoff date of July 25, 2026. After this date, reservations will be confirmed on a space-available basis at the prevailing rate. Book Your Room under Venue & Lodging below.
What meals are included in the conference registration? Thursday lunch, reception and dinner; Friday breakfast, lunch and off-site dinner. New Members and First-time attendees are invited to breakfast on Thursday. RSVP required.
What if I need to cancel my registration? Any cancellations received beforeJuly 16th will receive a refund of the full conference fee minus a $200 administrative fee. To receive a refund, a cancellation must be submitted in writing to controller@securitiesexpert.org. SER regrets that no refunds will be granted after July 16th. To cancel your hotel reservation, you will need to contact the hotel directly. Please note all hotel reservations must be cancelled within 72 hours of arrival; otherwise they will incur a cancellation fee of one night’s room and tax.
SEE RECAP FROM 2025
SER’s Annual Conference brings together a uniquely qualified community of experts, attorneys, and industry partners. Sponsorship provides visibility across SER’s trusted national network and aligns your brand with an organization dedicated to elevating the quality and integrity of securities dispute resolution. Beyond the conference itself, sponsors are showcased throughout SER’s broader communications ecosystem, including our LinkedIn community and newsletter audience of engaged industry professionals.
Registration |
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6/4/26- thru 7/9/26 |
After 7/9/26 |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Member | $1,425 | $1,575 | $1,725 | |
| Member & Spouse/Guest | $2,050 | $2,200 | $2,350 |
Spouse/Guest Registration: The spouse/guest registration fee includes Thursday lunch, cocktail hour, dinner; Friday breakfast and off-site dinner. The fee does not include conference materials, attendance at any scheduled meetings or breaks or Friday lunch (see Spouse Lunch below).
Meeting Refund/Cancellation Policy: Cancellations received in writing on or before July 16, 2026, will receive a full refund less a $200 processing fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after June 17, 2026. If SER cancels the conference for any reason at any time, SER members who have paid the registration fee will receive a 100% refund.
"Nestled beside the serene Lafayette Square Park, our hotel is steps away from iconic landmarks like the White House, the Washington Monument, and the Smithsonian museums. Offering a unique blend of Parisian elegance and historic charm, our art deco-inspired decor creates a timeless ambiance, inviting you to relax and indulge in the finer things. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, Sofitel Washington DC provides an exquisite setting where style and sophistication converge."
THERE ARE A LIMITED NUMBER OF ROOMS BLOCKED FOR THE CONFERENCE, AVAILABLE ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS. YOU MUST FIRST REGISTER AS AN ATTENDEE AT THE CONFERENCE. HOTEL RESERVATIONS WITHOUT A CONFERENCE REGISTRATION WILL NOT BE HELD.
OVERNIGHT RESERVATION PROCESS: Once you have registered for the conference, reserve your overnight room by using these customized buttons to reserve online to ensure you receive the contracted rate. Please advise the hotel of any accessible room requirements as soon as possible so that they may endeavor to fulfill your specific needs. We encourage members to stay at the Sofitel as we have committed contractually to these rooms. It also makes for easy access to all events!
RATES: Superior King $249 (Plus-City taxes and State/Provincial Hotel Room Tax are currently 15.95%.)
$40 "daily urban experience fee" will be waived; Complimentary WiFi included in guest rooms and public spaces.
HOTEL CUTOFF DATE: A limited number of rooms have been blocked and availability is offered on a first come, first served basis. The cut-off date for accepting reservations into this room block is FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2026. Reservation requests exceeding the room block OR received after 5:00 PM local time at the Hotel on the cut-off date, will be accepted based on a space and rate available basis only.
AIRPORT OPTIONS:
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) — Closest & Most Convenient
- Distance: ~4 miles from Sofitel DC
- Typical Travel Time: 12–20 minutes by car
- Metro Access: Direct service via the Blue Line to Metro Center (short walk to Sofitel)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) — Major International Hub
- Distance: ~27 miles from Sofitel DC
- Typical Travel Time: 35–60 minutes by car depending on traffic
- Metro Access: Silver Line to downtown (longer but budget-friendly)