spring conference
March 20 & March 21 | Wilmington, NC
Education Information:
DC Information:
- The early registration deadline is Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
- We invite you to the Island Escape Welcome Reception on Friday evening!
- DCs can get up to 12 hours live in-person and up to 8 hours on-demand. There are multiple tracks of education to pick from.
- On-demand education will be automatically added to all registered DC profiles and accessible in your NCCA profile from March 6th to March 23rd.
- DCs can also get up to 2 self-reported hours for visiting with exhibitors.
- View Exhibitors at the Event!
CA Information:
- A total of 10 hours of renewal education is available (4 hours on Friday and 6 hours on Saturday). To have any hours reported, you must attend at least 6 hours total, which requires attendance on Saturday. You are welcome to attend all sessions, but please note that reporting is capped at a maximum of 6 hours.
Registration Opens
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Early Registration Prices
- NCCA DC Member: $325
- DC Non-Member: $395
- CA (Friday only): $125
- CA (Saturday only): $150
- CA Both Days: $250
Event Location & Lodging:
301 N Water St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Room Pricing:
- $189 Historic View / $209 River View.
- Group rates are available until the room block is full or until Friday, February 20th.
- Book Online
- Book by calling in (1-800-Hiltons) and mentioning group code NCC
- Ballast Hotel only offers paid parking. Parking information: $22/day overnight self-parking and $27 valet parking. Parking spots are guaranteed for hotel guests only. Street parking and a parking deck (River Place) are available nearby.
Please use Google Maps if you seek additional options.
The NCCA and its events adhere to policies and protocols applicable to the venue location.
On-Demand Education: Available March 6th through March 23rd
Eight Hours of On-Demand Education sponsored by Foot Levelers will be available starting March 6th.
Lost Vagus Nerve Function – 4 CEU – Dr. Dan Davidson
Modern life has functionally disconnected your patients’ vagus nerve, driving chronic pain, digestive disorders, anxiety, and accelerated aging. Dr. Davidson introduces The Autonomic Grid™ – a revolutionary framework mapping five distinct autonomic states from “Struggle Stress” to “Flow Zone.” Learn research-proven techniques showing chiropractic adjustments directly improve vagal tone and HRYV, the gold standard biomarker for longevity. Master 50 strategies to boost vagal tone, practical HRV assessment tools, and adjustment protocols targeting vagal optimization. Includes assessment templates, case studies, and Monday Morning Memo action steps, transforming nervous system resilience.
Motion is Healing – 4 CEU – Dr. Dan Davidson
Discover why motion heals through the Flow Motion Effect – McCutcheon’s weeping theory, disc imbibition, fascial gliding, and neural flossing. Then learn revolutionary science showing skeletal muscle produces over 300 healing compounds (myokines) with anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and brain-boosting properties no pharmaceutical can replicate. Sedentary Death Syndrome threatens 35 chronic conditions as “oversitting” accelerates degeneration within 30 minutes. Master protocols for resistance training, interval training, and transforming sedentary patients into “mover-improvers.” Includes the TACTICAL protocol, movement prescription templates, and research proving motion prevents disc degeneration to dementia for lifelong vitality.
Friday, March 20th
*Registration desk is open 9 am until 5 pm*
Friday Morning Seminars for DCs
“Converting Patients to Wellness Care: How to Improve the Lives and Health of Your Patients” with Dr. Kevin Sharp
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 2 CEU
This program is designed to help you have greater influence over your patients’ health, create lifetime chiropractic patients, and help you achieve significant (and sustainable) practice growth. The training will equip you with proven strategies to educate and influence patients on the benefits of lifetime wellness care. Participants will learn how to communicate the “why” behind chiropractic, establish value at every patient touchpoint, and overcome common obstacles. The course emphasizes tools that build trust and the benefits of wellness care. By mastering techniques taught in this program, providers can shift patients’ focus from short-term pain relief to long-term health optimization. The training also covers essential definitions, documentation practices, and patient education opportunities to ensure clarity and confidence.
“Current Concepts in Concussion Management for the Practicing Chiropractor” with Dr. Lynn Carlson
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 2 CEU
Each year, millions of Americans suffer a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), more commonly known as a concussion, of which approximately 15 percent suffer persistent symptoms beyond three months. Doctors of Chiropractic are well-positioned to serve these patients with treatment goals of improving neurological integration and return to greater health. This course is designed to provide an overview of concussion and current best practices guidelines for concussion management to allow a treating Provider to monitor a patient’s recovery and inform return to play/school/work decisions.
Class Break & Light Lunch
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Join us for a lunch break between the sessions. Visit with vendors and chat with fellow DCs.
Friday Afternoon Seminars for DCs & CAs
“Converting Patients to Wellness Care: How to Improve the Lives and Health of Your Patients” with Dr. Kevin Sharp
1:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 4 CEU
This program is designed to help you have greater influence over your patients’ health, create lifetime chiropractic patients, and help you achieve significant (and sustainable) practice growth. The training will equip you with proven strategies to educate and influence patients on the benefits of lifetime wellness care. Participants will learn how to communicate the “why” behind chiropractic, establish value at every patient touchpoint, and overcome common obstacles. The course emphasizes tools that build trust and the benefits of wellness care. By mastering techniques taught in this program, providers can shift patients’ focus from short-term pain relief to long-term health optimization. The training also covers essential definitions, documentation practices, and patient education opportunities to ensure clarity and confidence.
“Precision Longevity – Personalizing Nutrition and Supplementation through Lab/Genetic Testing” with Dr. Lynn Toohey
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 4 CEU
This four-hour program delivers a comprehensive, science-backed exploration of longevity and healthy aging, equipping practitioners with a clear understanding of the biological mechanisms that drive cellular aging and functional decline. Participants will examine the roles of stem cells, senescent cells, and skeletal tissue dynamics, along with evidence-based dietary, lifestyle, and nutritional strategies shown to support optimal cellular function and long-term health. The course integrates the latest research to provide practical recommendations that support a longer, higher-quality life.
Building on this foundation, the program advances into applied longevity care, combining nutrition protocols with clinically relevant modalities such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, red light therapy, vagal nerve stimulation, and chiropractic applications. Practitioners will gain insight into genetics versus epigenetics, learning how gene variations influence aging and how targeted environmental and nutritional interventions can positively shape gene expression. The course concludes with real-world case studies using blood work and genetic data, enabling attendees to confidently translate this knowledge into personalized, results-driven protocols for their patients.
Sponsored by Nutri-West Golden Coast
“Combining the Latest Research & Innovations in Treatment to Enhance Patient Outcomes, Brain Performance, Neurodegeneration and More ” with Dr. Kirk Gair
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 4 CEU
ENHANCED is a focused four-hour course led by Kirk Gair, DC, IDE, designed to help doctors apply the latest laser research and innovations to improve patient outcomes. The program clarifies laser myths versus scientific realities, explains differences in wavelength, power, and photonic energy, and demonstrates how specific lasers impact mitochondrial function, ATP production and cellular signaling. Attendees will learn practical, easy-to-implement protocols for brain performance, neurodegeneration, TBIs and more.
Through research review, case studies, and hands-on workshops, participants will explore applications for traumatic brain injury, long COVID and neurodegenerative conditions. The course also covers innovative clinical effects on inflammation, immunity, gut health and brain performance, along with supportive nutritional and vagus nerve activation strategies—equipping doctors with immediately usable tools to enhance clinical results.
CA Education Track
“The Practice Behind the Practice: Skills, Systems, and Team Success in Today’s Chiropractic Practice” with Elizabeth Nieland
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 4 CEU for Level I CCA Renewal
FOUNDATIONAL PRACTICE SYSTEMS & TEAM COMMUNICATION
This module provides foundational instruction in chiropractic practice operations and team communication. Participants will learn core administrative systems, professional communication standards, and practical workflow strategies that support efficient practice operations.
Overall Class Description:
Strong chiropractic practices are not built by doctors alone. They are built by skilled teams and informed support systems, both inside the practice and at home.
This program is designed to teach practical, transferable skills first, then reinforce them through real-world discussion with chiropractic assistants and doctors from across North Carolina. It is designed for chiropractic assistants, those who manage practice operations, and individuals who support the business side of a chiropractic practice.
The first portion of the program focuses on hands-on skill development, covering operations, communication, marketing support, team dynamics, and practice models including cash, PI, and hybrid practices. Instruction is structured, practical, and immediately applicable to the administrative and operational demands of today’s chiropractic
The program then transitions to a moderated panel of North Carolina CAs and DCs, where attendees can ask questions, work through real scenarios, and hear how these skills are applied in active practices throughout the state.
This format connects skill-building with real-world insight, helping practices run more smoothly, communicate more clearly, and grow with intention.
Bring your team. Build capability first, then confidence.
NCCA Welcome Reception
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Join us for the Welcome Reception. Light bites and refreshments are available.
Saturday, March 21st
*Registration desk is open 8:00 am until 5:00 pm
Attendee Breakfast
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Join us for a breakfast buffet. Grab a hot beverage and chat with your fellow attendees.
Saturday Seminars: Morning Schedule for DCs & CAs
“From Assessment to Rehabilitation: Research-Based Chiropractic Management of Common Extremity Conditions” with Dr. Brandon Steele
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 3 CEU
This class is packed with practical skills for diagnosing and resolving the most common extremity peripheral nerve entrapments and neuropathies, including potent neurodynamic tests and treatments. We’ll review the etiology and presenting symptoms for the most prevalent, yet often overlooked, nerve entrapments. You’ll learn nerve tension testing and neurodynamic treatments, including nerve release and flossing for the most common radiculopathies and neuropathies. You will leave this class with advanced, effective, real-world skills to become the provider of choice for peripheral pain, numbness, and paresthesia.
“Evidence-Based Pediatric Care: From Birth to 18 Years” with Dr. Brandie Keates
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 3 CEU
From colicky newborns to tech-neck teens, kids bring unique challenges into the adjusting room. This interactive, evidence-based seminar gives you the confidence, clarity, and clinical pearls you need to care for pediatric patients at every stage.
We’ll move through the full spectrum of childhood—from birth through high school—unpacking age-specific anatomy, red flags you can’t miss, and practical adjusting and documentation strategies. You’ll walk away with a playbook you can use Monday morning, plus a stronger sense of how to communicate with parents, earn their trust, and know when to collaborate or refer.
Expect real-world case studies, ethical guardrails, and honest discussion about the privilege and responsibility of caring for kids.
“ACTIVATE PEAK POTENTIAL – Innovative Treatments for Enhanced Patient Care and Performance” with Dr. Kirk Gair
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 3 CEU
ACTIVATE PEAK POTENTIAL – Innovative Treatments for Enhanced Patient Care and Performance is a six-hour, clinically focused seminar led by Dr. Kirk Gair that delivers practical, research-based strategies to accelerate recovery, optimize nervous system function, and enhance performance for patients of all ages. Designed for both athletic and non-athletic populations, the course integrates brain and body care using low-level laser therapy, neuro-recalibration protocols, functional muscle testing, and performance-based rehabilitation.
Through concise lectures, case studies and hands-on workshops, doctors will learn easy-to-implement, day-one protocols for common spinal and extremity injuries, post-surgical recovery, chronic pain, and sports performance enhancement. Attendees will leave with repeatable systems that improve outcomes, increase patient engagement, and help differentiate their practice in a competitive healthcare market.
CA Education Track
“The Practice Behind the Practice: Skills, Systems, and Team Success in Today’s Chiropractic Practice” with Elizabeth Nieland
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 3 CEU for Level I CCA Renewal
PRACTICE MODELS & MARKETING EXECUTION
This module focuses on advanced administrative skills related to chiropractic practice models and marketing support systems. Participants will explore how workflows, communication, and administrative responsibilities differ across practice types.
Overall Class Description:
Strong chiropractic practices are not built by doctors alone. They are built by skilled teams and informed support systems, both inside the practice and at home.
This program is designed to teach practical, transferable skills first, then reinforce them through real-world discussion with chiropractic assistants and doctors from across North Carolina. It is designed for chiropractic assistants, those who manage practice operations, and individuals who support the business side of a chiropractic practice.
The first portion of the program focuses on hands-on skill development, covering operations, communication, marketing support, team dynamics, and practice models including cash, PI, and hybrid practices. Instruction is structured, practical, and immediately applicable to the administrative and operational demands of today’s chiropractic
The program then transitions to a moderated panel of North Carolina CAs and DCs, where attendees can ask questions, work through real scenarios, and hear how these skills are applied in active practices throughout the state.
This format connects skill-building with real-world insight, helping practices run more smoothly, communicate more clearly, and grow with intention.
Bring your team. Build capability first, then confidence.
Lunch & NCCA Awards Ceremony
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Please join us for lunch and NCCA Awards Ceremony.
Saturday Seminars: Afternoon Schedule for DCs
“From Assessment to Rehabilitation…Cont’d” with Dr. Brandon Steele
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 3 CEU
This class is packed with practical skills for diagnosing and resolving the most common extremity peripheral nerve entrapments and neuropathies, including potent neurodynamic tests and treatments. We’ll review the etiology and presenting symptoms for the most prevalent, yet often overlooked, nerve entrapments. You’ll learn nerve tension testing and neurodynamic treatments, including nerve release and flossing for the most common radiculopathies and neuropathies. You will leave this class with advanced, effective, real-world skills to become the provider of choice for peripheral pain, numbness, and paresthesia.
“Evidence-Based Pediatric Care…Cont’d” with Dr. Brandie Keates
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 3 CEU
From colicky newborns to tech-neck teens, kids bring unique challenges into the adjusting room. This interactive, evidence-based seminar gives you the confidence, clarity, and clinical pearls you need to care for pediatric patients at every stage.
We’ll move through the full spectrum of childhood—from birth through high school—unpacking age-specific anatomy, red flags you can’t miss, and practical adjusting and documentation strategies. You’ll walk away with a playbook you can use Monday morning, plus a stronger sense of how to communicate with parents, earn their trust, and know when to collaborate or refer.
Expect real-world case studies, ethical guardrails, and honest discussion about the privilege and responsibility of caring for kids.
“ACTIVATE PEAK POTENTIAL – Innovative Treatments for Enhanced Patient Care and Performance Cont’d” with Dr. Kirk Gair
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 3 CEU
Performance is a six-hour, clinically focused seminar led by Dr. Kirk Gair that delivers practical, research-based strategies to accelerate recovery, optimize nervous system function, and enhance performance for patients of all ages. Designed for both athletic and non-athletic populations, the course integrates brain and body care using low-level laser therapy, neuro-recalibration protocols, functional muscle testing, and performance-based rehabilitation.
CA Education Track
“The Practice Behind the Practice: Skills, Systems, and Team Success in Today’s Chiropractic Practice” with Elizabeth Nieland
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 3 CEU for Level I CCA Renewal
REAL-WORLD APPLICATION PANEL — CA & DC PERSPECTIVES
This module reinforces previously taught administrative and operational concepts through structured, moderated panel discussions featuring chiropractic assistants and doctors from North Carolina.
Women in Chiropractic Social
5:00 PM
Please join us for the Women in Chiropractic Social!
Speakers:
Lynn M. Carlson, DC, DACNB
"Current Concepts in Concussion Management for the Practicing Chiropractor"
Dr. Lynn Carlson is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist currently practicing at Carolina Functional Neurology Center in the Charlotte office. She has been serving on the faculty of the Carrick Institute since 2009 and has enjoyed collaborating in the education and training of other doctors.
For the last 13 years she has served as the Illinois delegate for the American Chiropractic Association and as the alternate for 6 years prior to that. She was the ACA recipient of the Flynn/Lynch award in 2015 for outstanding service. She serves on the board of Inguardia Health since the inception all while providing medical support during the creation and production of the first oral device being brought to market to measure health metrics.
She also serves on the medical advisory board for Fullscript, the Chiropractic Defense Council, and the Functional Medicine University. Dr. Howard is an associate editor of The Original Internist and a regular contributor for Chiropractic Economics and the Illinois Chiropractic Society online newsletter. She is a past president of the ACA Council on Diagnosis and Internal Disorders and currently serves as the Vice President of the College of Pharmacology and Toxicology. In 2020 Dr. Cindy Howard was awarded the Chiropractor of the Year from the Illinois Chiropractic Society.
Her first book, Positively Altered: Finding Happiness in the Bottom of a Chemo Bag, has been available on Amazon since September of 2023.
Kevin Sharp, DC
“Converting Patients to Wellness Care: How to Improve the Lives and Health of Your Patients ”
Dr. Kevin Sharp, founder of Sharp Chiropractic in Winston Salem, NC is one of the country’s foremost experts in the areas of compliant clinical documentation and insurance industry standards. His expertise includes a combination of active chiropractic practice, continuing education, teaching, consulting and advisory work.
Lynn Toohey, PhD
“Precision Longevity – Personalizing Nutrition and Supplementation through Lab/Genetic Testing ”
Dr. Lynn Toohey is an accomplished researcher, educator, and health consultant based in Conifer, Colorado. She currently works closely with Dr. Dan Murphy. She has served as an Affiliate Faculty at Colorado State University and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Northern Colorado. Her groundbreaking research on dietary antigens and molecular mimicry has been published in leading journals like the British Journal of Nutrition. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Toohey is a seasoned speaker at scientific conferences and international seminars. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and popular journal pieces, showcasing her exceptional communication skills. Dr. Toohey’s expertise includes physiology, biochemistry, and nutrition. She has held various health promotion roles, including Health Promotions Coordinator at CSU, and continues to educate through seminars across the US, Canada, and Europe.
Kirk Gair, DC, IDE
“Combining the Latest in Treatment to Enhance Patient Outcomes, Brain Performance, Neurodegeneration.." & "Active Peak Potential"
Dr. Kirk Gair has been in private practice since 1999 and began using Erchonia cold lasers in 2004. He has worked with elite athletes at all levels and is an expert in laser methods, ranging from simple point-and-shoot protocols to advanced neuro recalibration protocols. The effectiveness of these methods has turned his office into a waitlist, 100% referral practice, and has brought in some top-tier athletes from across the US from professional, college, and elite travel teams, including players from:
– Super Bowl Champions
– MLB champions
– College World Series Champions
– High School wrestling National and State champions and Record Holders
– World Record-holding and Gold Medal runners
– The Dodgers/Angels LADABC Fantasy Camp
He appeared in Dr. Izabella Wentz’s documentary, The Thyroid Secret, which was seen by over half a million people worldwide. In it, he discussed the cold laser methods he uses to provide support for patients with thyroid and brain issues. Dr. Gair’s methods were also discussed in Dr. Wentz’s best-selling book, Hashimoto’s Protocol.
Brandon Steele, DC
“From Assessment to Rehabilitation: Research-Based Chiropractic Management of Common Extremity Conditions ”
Dr. Steele is in private practice at Premier Rehab in the greater St. Louis area. His journey began in the fast-paced realm of professional sports, where he developed rehabilitation programs for the St. Louis Cardinals, Rams, and Blues—helping athletes bounce back and perform at their best. Now, he shares his passion for evidence-based treatment of musculoskeletal disorders as a sought-after lecturer for the University of Bridgeport’s diplomate in the orthopedics program.
Beyond his practice and teaching, Dr. Steele serves on the executive board of the Illinois Chiropractic Society and is a distinguished Diplomate and Fellow of the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists (FACO). As a NCMIC speaker’s bureau member, he’s dedicated to spreading knowledge and inspiring fellow practitioners. Additionally, Dr. Steele co-founded ChiroUp.com, an invaluable resource embraced by chiropractors and colleges worldwide. Committed to advancing chiropractic care, he’s on a mission to empower patients and professionals alike!
Brandie E. Keates, DC, ICPA
“Evidence-Based Pediatric Care: From Birth to 18 Years ”
Over twenty years’ experience has garnered Dr. Brandie Keates acclaim as an industry visionary and vanguard in the world of pregnancy chiropractic care. She has made it her life’s mission to globally disrupt the prenatal care status quo by posing a simple thesis: if sports medicine acknowledges athletes’ unique requirements for physical care to allow their best performance during the game, then pregnant women must be able to expect the same during their pregnancies.
She strives to champion her patients and women worldwide through their pregnancy journeys with fierce advocacy. She’s not only out to influence change; she exists to put an end to the notion that women are supposed to accept pain as the norm and simply keep on going.
Dr. Brandie’s performance has resulted in awards such as the High Honor of Clinical Excellence Award from Cleveland University-Kansas City, 2020 President’s Award for Service Chair for The Pediatric Group, Publishers Award for MainLine Parent, PCA Presidents 2020 Service Award, MainLine Parent Love Award, and most recently, The U.S. SBA’s Eastern PA District Office 2023 Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year.
Dr. Brandie credits her two children as the catalysts for her meaningful career in chiropractic. With one suffering a birth injury and the other facing intense health risks in-utero that prohibited Dr. Brandie from working, chiropractic care became the solution that she never saw coming. Their inspiration has been a profound driving force ever since.
Elizabeth Nieland
"The Practice Behind the Practice: Skills, Systems, and Team Success in Today's Chiropractic Practice"
Elizabeth Nieland has been a Chiropractic Assistant since 2004, with experience across every operational role in a high-volume chiropractic practice in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Working alongside her husband, Dr. James Nieland, she developed practical expertise in building, scaling, and sustaining efficient chiropractic offices.
Her background includes collaboration with organizations such as Novant Health, expanding her understanding of medical and hospital practice management. Elizabeth has spent her career helping practices build strong billing departments, streamline operations, and develop effective HR, team, and front-office systems.
She works with new doctors to establish or integrate into successful chiropractic practices and partners with seasoned doctors to brand and structure clinics for growth, long-term stability, and eventual transition or sale. Her work also includes marketing support and social media execution aligned with internal workflows and patient communication.
Elizabeth is the CFO of GMINI Investments, Inc., a small-business consulting and investment firm, and an active participant with the North Carolina Chiropractic Assistants Association. She is committed to practical, skill-based education that strengthens chiropractic teams and builds practices designed to last.
Dan Davidson,DC
On-Demand: "Lost Vagus Nerve Function" & "Motion is Healing"
Dan Davidson graduated magna cum laude from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1984. He founded the Back Resort And Functional Health Therapy clinic in Salem Virginia (1985) which integrates rehab posture, motion orthotic therapy, stress balancing, massage therapy and nutrition counseling.
Dr. Davidson has developed a workshop, “Lost Vagus Nerve” Function – Stress Balancing And Brain Gut Wellness, with a podcast launch in the fall of 2022. He has been voted by other health professionals as Top Doc Chiropractor numerous times in his region.. As a second-generation chiropractor, he shares the chiropractic health message as an author, podcaster, musician, and speaker.
