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Bridging Gaps Conference

ICAP Conference 2026

April 23-26, 2026

Bridging Gaps Conference

ICAP Conference 2026

April 23-26, 2026

Bridging Gaps Conference

ICAP Conference 2026

April 23-26, 2026

Bridging Gaps ICAP Conference 2026 logo

Save the Date!

ICAP Conference 2026

ICAP is excited to announce the 6th biennial conference will be taking place in Portland, Oregon, US April 23-26, 2026!

We are also offering a virtual option because we want all our global members to feel included and valued, regardless of comfort with or ability to travel to Portland. Our virtual conference will provide access to all sessions, as well as virtual networking and collaboration events like live Q&A and Virtual Happy Hours!

Join professionals from across the world to explore practices for optimizing outcomes in patients affected by oral restrictions. Contribute, learn, and grow with others who share a passion for collaborative, patient centered care. ICAP has a long-standing tradition of offering conferences filled with connections between professionals from many varied backgrounds. This is an opportunity to learn about all aspects of treating oral restrictions across the lifespan from leaders in the field. There will be presentations on emerging research, the latest standards in treatment, and many cutting-edge approaches! By coming together to learn, share, and evolve, we can work to Fill Gaps in care for patients AND community for professionals.

Date: April 23-26, 2026

Location: Crowne Plaza Portland Downtown Convention Center, 441 NE 2nd Avenue, Portland, OR, 97232 and Virtually

Click to See More: Why Portland?PricingWhy Attend?Keynote Speakers

Stay tuned in for updates
Speakers will be announced continuously
Early Bird pricing end Monday, January 26, 11:59 PM Pacific
Regular pricing end Thursday, March 26, 11:59 PM Pacific
Late Registration pricing start Friday, March 27 12:00 AM Pacific

 

Photos of ICAP members at the 2022 conference.
Photos of ICAP members at the 2022 conference.
Photos of ICAP members at the 2022 conference.
The Voodoo Doughtnut shop in Portland.

Photography credit to Justin Katigbak, Travel Portland

Why Portland, Oregon?
Why The United States of America?

Why Portland, Oregon? Why The United States of America?

ICAP functions from a foundation of democratic decision-making and deeply values input from the professional community. Following the tradition of rotating locations, the 2026 conference was due to be on the west coast of North America. ICAP identified multiple locations in the US, Canada, and Mexico and gathered input from the professional community, and especially its members, about their preference for location. Portland was the definitive most popular location amongst poll responders, both from within the United States and from outside the US. In fact, of our international voters, 63% preferred Portland!

Therefore, we are thrilled to announce Portland, Bridge City, City of Roses as our conference location for 2026. Portland is a wonderful city, known for its gardens and parks, friendly neighborhoods, food and beer, fantastic bookshops and a very friendly and inclusive ambience. There are many fun pop references to Portland, as well. (For a fun look, take a look at a map, and see how many street names you can find with references to The Simpsons or binge some Portlandia episodes)

Not sure about traveling to Portland? Don’t worry! Information about virtual options will be coming soon, as well. Stay tuned!

The Voodoo Doughtnut shop in Portland.

Photography credit to Justin Katigbak, Travel Portland

Photos of ICAP members at the 2024 conference.
Photos of ICAP members at the 2024 conference.
Photos of ICAP members at the 2022 conference.

Why attend ICAP 2026? Because we are Bridging Gaps!

Why attend ICAP 2026? Because we are Bridging Gaps!

How do you choose a theme for a conference that is being held in “Bridge City” for an organization that is centered around collaboration? Bridging Gaps, of course!

ICAP is all about bridging gaps in knowledge and bridging gaps between professions. Join us for the ICAP 2026 conference to collaborate with like-minded professionals from around the world so that we can team up to work toward ICAP’s Vision: Global freedom from Oral Restrictions!

Bridging Gaps ICAP Conference 2026 logo

More than anything, attendees of ICAP conferences walk away feeling invigorated, supported, confident and inspired to keep making a difference in their community.

Get a taste of what we offer from our Keynote speakers, explore our pre-conference workshop sessions for small group interactive learning, and check in soon for even more information about the depth and diversity of all our presentations. It’s not just about being presented to, either. It’s about being heard. Our speakers arrive with an expectation of connection to you!

Leaders in the field of oral restrictions often report feeling isolated in their own communities.

Find your people and come home to ICAP.

Here are some things people have said
about previous ICAP conferences…

Here are some things people have said about previous ICAP conferences…

Keynote Speakers

Speakers

headshot of Bobby Ghaheri

Bobby Ghaheri MD

USA

Dr. Ghaheri hails from the great land of southwestern Ohio. He did his undergraduate training in Spanish and Anthropology at The Ohio State University, and remained there for medical school. In 2002, he and his wonderful wife relocated to Portland, Oregon, where he did his residency training in otolaryngology / head and neck surgery at Oregon Health Sciences University. In 2007, he joined The Oregon Clinic, the largest multispecialty clinic in Oregon. His clinical interest is helping babies with breastfeeding difficulties. This desire stems from personal experiences, where both of his daughters had significant problems breastfeeding. He is one of the only ENT surgeons in the US who uses an in-office laser treatment for assisting babies to latch on to the breast, in addition to treating older children and adults for certain dental and speech issues.

headshot of

Melissa Cole MS, IBCLC, PMH-C

USA

Melissa Cole is an internationally board-certified lactation consultant, neonatal oral motor assessment professional, clinical herbalist, and perinatal mental health-certified provider with over two decades of experience.

As the founder of Luna Lactation & Wellness, Melissa provides clinical lactation consultations, mentorship for healthcare professionals, and education worldwide on topics ranging from infant feeding challenges to integrative perinatal care. Her approach bridges tradition and science, empowering families and providers alike with practical tools, clinical insight, and compassionate guidance.

Melissa is an international speaker, researcher, published author, and a mentor to clinicians seeking advanced training in lactation and perinatal health. She is passionate
about creating inclusive care spaces that honor the diverse experiences of families.

Before entering clinical practice, Melissas’ background was in education, language and cultural arts while living and studying in Japan. This experience deepened her crosscultural awareness, communication skills, and creativity—strengths that continue to serve
her well in supporting diverse families with sensitivity and care.

headshot of

Carol Gray, LMT, CST, RPYT

USA

Carol Gray has been a therapeutic bodyworker for over 35 years specializing in Craniosacral Therapy for pregnant, birthing, postpartum parents and infants. She teaches perinatal and infant Craniosacral Therapy to bodyworkers, birth attendants and other health professionals.

She attended births as a doula for over 35 years and as a home birth midwife for 12 years.

Carol is convinced that if parents are appropriately supported in growing, birthing and nurturing their babies, their lives will improve. When parents’ lives improve their children’s health improves. Healthy children grow up to be healthier adults who create healthier communities and a saner, more peaceful world.

Carol has spent years developing hands-on and movement techniques to enhance mobility in pregnant people’s bodies. The goal is to give babies more room to develop, grow and get born.

Photos of ICAP members at the 2024 conference.
Photos of ICAP members at the 2024 conference.
Photos of ICAP members at the 2022 conference.
In 2001, Portland built the nation’s first modern-day streetcar: the sleek and modern Portland Streetcar. This service carries passengers through downtown, Pearl District and more.

Photography credit to Justin Katigbak

Coava Coffee Roasters began in a garage in North Portland, but their award-winning single-origin coffees couldn’t be confined. Today, they serve fine coffee at several brick-and-mortar locations across Portland.

Photography credit to Aubrie LeGault

Known locally as Portland’s “living room,” this public space hosts hundreds of events every year. The square features a waterfall fountain, two brick amphitheaters, two iconic statues and popular food carts at lunchtime.

Photography credit to Andrea Johnson Photography

From humble storefront beginnings in 1971, Powell’s has grown into an iconic Portland destination. Occupying an entire city block in the Pearl District, the world’s largest new and used bookstore offers frequent author talks, a rare book room and a coffee shop.

Photography credit to Celeste Noche, Travel Portland

About Crowne Plaza

Crowne Plaza

We will be getting a room rate for Crowne Plaza. More information coming soon!

Hotel Features:

  • Nearly 13,500 sq. Ft of flexible meeting & banquet facilities
  • Complimentary WiFi in guest rooms and event space
  • Complimentary pickup from Portland International Airport (PDX)
  • Complimentary 24-hour business center
  • Complimentary 24-hour fitness center
  • Boxwood Café & Bar full service restaurant with room service
  • Easy access to Portland’s impressive public transpiration system, providing seamless access to take trains, buses, streetcars, and the MAX Light Rail system
  • Indoor/Outdoor saltwater pool & whirlpool spa
  • Outdoor fireside plaza
  • Complimentary bike rentals on-site
  • In-room microwaves & refrigerators
  • On-site parking available

Portland Orientation 101

Portland Orientation 101

Transporation

All you need to know about arriving in Portland by plane or train—and navigating the city by transit, car, or on foot.

Maps of Portland

Don’t know where to go? Explore city, regional, and specialized transportation maps for Portland.

Food & Drink

From food carts and farmers’ markets to award-winning restaurants, Portland’s food scene is a vibrant mix of flavors and styles.

Nearby Attractions

Portland surprises with everything from gardens and museums to doughnuts and bookstores—plus tax-free shopping and endless outdoor adventures.

In 2001, Portland built the nation’s first modern-day streetcar: the sleek and modern Portland Streetcar. This service carries passengers through downtown, Pearl District and more.

Photography credit to Justin Katigbak

Known locally as Portland’s “living room,” this public space hosts hundreds of events every year. The square features a waterfall fountain, two brick amphitheaters, two iconic statues and popular food carts at lunchtime.

Photography credit to Andrea Johnson Photography

Coava Coffee Roasters began in a garage in North Portland, but their award-winning single-origin coffees couldn’t be confined. Today, they serve fine coffee at several brick-and-mortar locations across Portland.

Photography credit to Aubrie LeGault

From humble storefront beginnings in 1971, Powell’s has grown into an iconic Portland destination. Occupying an entire city block in the Pearl District, the world’s largest new and used bookstore offers frequent author talks, a rare book room and a coffee shop.

Photography credit to Celeste Noche, Travel Portland