Join us for the 2026 LINC Conference in Atlanta, GA.
The LINC Conference is a unique opportunity for cooperative leaders to come together, collaborate, and learn from one another. Through open discussions, peer networking, and the sharing of best practices, attendees address common challenges, explore innovative solutions, and strengthen their organizations. The conference embodies LINC’s core values of collaboration, continuous improvement, leadership, and shared success, creating a forum where co-ops help each other grow and thrive.
When: August 17 – 19, 2026
Where: Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway Hotel
2081 Convention Center Concourse Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 30337
You’ll receive a link to reserve your hotel on the confirmation page and in the confirmation email upon completion of your registration.
Who Should Attend?
This meeting is designed for executives and senior leaders of purchasing cooperatives interested in:
✓ Sharing best practices with peer organizations
✓ Exploring technology and innovation opportunities
✓ Strengthening member value creation strategies
✓ Building relationships within the purchasing cooperative community
✓ Shaping the future of cooperative collaboration
Cost: There is no upfront registration fee. Following the conference, attendees will be invoiced for their prorated share of the actual meeting expenses, including group meals and other conference-related costs.
Questions?
Contact Ken Klug, President and CEO of QCS Purchasing Cooperative
ken.klug@qcspurchasing.com
Deadline to register and reserve rooms: July 24, 2026
Schedule Overview
Monday, August 17
- Welcome Reception & Interactive Networking
Meet fellow purchasing cooperative leaders in an engaging networking format designed to help participants quickly learn about each organization represented. - Small Group Dinners
Informal dinner groups designed to encourage deeper conversation and relationship building among attendees.
Tuesday, August 18
- Welcome & Meeting Overview
- Best Practices, Innovation & Peer Learning
- Panel Discussion: Demonstrating Member Value
Purchasing cooperative executives share how their organizations communicate value creation through member reporting, patronage programs, ROI measurement, and storytelling. - Executive Peer Challenge Forum
- Purchasing Cooperative Best Practices Competition
Teams will share proven best practices, develop new ideas, and help build a shared industry playbook. Attendees break into working groups focused on:
– Member Engagement & Recruiting
– Member Meetings & Governance
– Supply Partner Relationships
– Rebate Management - Technology Showcase: Tools Transforming Purchasing Cooperatives
Interactive demonstrations highlighting technologies purchasing cooperatives are using to improve: member engagement, operational efficiency, financial benchmarking, AI and emerging technologies. - Hosted Dinner Groups
Pre-arranged dinner groups at local restaurants to continue networking and discussion.
Wednesday, August 19
- Reflection & Future Collaboration
- Key Takeaways & Meeting Reflection
A collaborative review of ideas, lessons learned, and practical takeaways developed throughout the meeting. - Special Guest Perspectives
Updates and discussion with invited organizations (NCBA, UC Davis) supporting the cooperative movement, including industry and academic leaders. - Continuing Collaboration Beyond This Meeting
A forward-looking discussion focused on:
– Ongoing peer collaboration opportunities
– Best practice sharing between annual meetings
– Future LINC initiatives and next year’s meeting planning - Closing Remarks & Path Forward
