Pre-Conference Workshops
Kick off your NAGW conference experience with one of our dynamic, hands-on Pre-Conference workshops – registration is open! These in-depth sessions offer a unique opportunity to explore specialized topics before the main event, led by seasoned professionals who understand the unique challenges of government web and digital experiences.
Whether you're looking to build your accessibility foundation from the ground up, experience firsthand how people with disabilities use the web, train non-technical staff on accessibility, or modernize your CSS, there's a Pre-Conference session designed to meet your needs.
Each 4-hour workshop is $125 for members and non-members, and space is limited.
Pre-Conference Schedule:
Tuesday, Oct 6, 2026 | Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
- 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. Breakfast (included with morning workshop registration)
- 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Experience of Disability
- 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Teaching Accessibility to Non-Technical Staff: Building a Training Program That Works
- 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch (included with afternoon workshop registration)
- 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Clearfix: Catching Up on the CSS You've Missed
- 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Web Accessibility Foundations for Government Web Teams: A Hands-On Workshop
Pre-Conference Session Details:
Topic: Accessibility
Title: Experience of Disability - 8 a.m.
Presenter: Jon Gunderson, Tech For All
Pre-Conference Session Description: Understanding how people with disabilities use the web is important in purchasing accessible products and services and creating accessible experiences. This knowledge helps make understanding accessibility standards easier. You will learn about the demographics of disability and the built-in operating system accessibility features, and participate in a hands-on disability simulation to give first-hand experience on some of the ways people with disabilities interact with the web. Attendees will come away understanding how people with disabilities use the web, the built-in accessibility features of operating systems, and how universal design benefits everybody.
Cost: $125 (members and non-members)
Topic: Accessibility
Title: Teaching Accessibility to Non-Technical Staff: Building a Training Program That Works - 8 a.m.
Presenter: Colleen Kilian, Systems Administrator, City of Champaign, IL
Pre-Conference Session Description: The DOJ accessibility ruling makes one thing clear: accessibility is no longer optional. This session supports the “accidental accessibility trainer” teaching accessibility without a technical background. Participants will explore a real-world PDF accessibility training, learn to simplify complex concepts, use relatable examples, and build buy-in. Attendees will leave with practical tools, training strategies, and a framework for making accessibility part of everyday work — including accessible PDF fundamentals with common barriers, simple fixes, and repeatable workflows staff can apply immediately.
Cost: $125 (members and non-members)
Topic: Web Development
Title: Clearfix: Catching Up on the CSS You've Missed - 1 p.m.
Presenter: Dave Seabeck, Larimer County, CO
Pre-Conference Session Description: CSS has evolved faster in the last few years than in the previous decade. For those maintaining long-term projects, it's easy to stick with outdated hacks. This session is a rapid-fire update on modern features that render the 
Pre-Conference Session Description: