National Academy of Arbitrators (NAA) – Southwest/Rockies Region

JAMS is a proud conference co-sponsor of the National Academy of Arbitrators (NAA) – Southwest/Rockies Region.
Taking place this year from February 19th to 21st, 2026, in Houston, the annual conference is for its members, for non-member arbitrators or mediators, for persons who hope to become arbitrators, for arbitration advocates, and for members of labor and management organizations.

JAMS Featured Speaker: Gary Fowler, Esq.

ADVOCATE TRAINING – For Advocates
February 19th | 9-10:15 am
The ABC’s of Presenting a Case before an arbitrator. The afternoon will provide students with a chance to participate in a mock arbitration at their tables.
Instructor: 
Kathy Fragnoli, Esq.- San Diego, CA
Presenters:

• Paul Chapdelaine, Chair, NAA Southwest/Rockies Region, League City, TX
• Ruben Armendariz, Boerne, TX
• Rick Bales, Esq., Lima, OH
• Carl Bosland, Esq., San Diego, CA
• Edward Valverde, Hurst, TX
• Gary Fowler, Esq., Dallas, TX

PANELING AGENCY UPDATE 
February 20th | 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Agency representatives will brief arbitrators and advocates on recent policy updates, organizational changes, and other pertinent matters.
Moderator: 
Arthur Perlstein, Esq., Arlington, VA
Panels: 

• Frank Binda, Assistant V.P., American Arbitration Association, Johnston, RI
• Terri D. Brown, Esq., Director of Arbitration Services, National Mediation Board (NMB), Washington, DC
• Jan Teehan, Director, The Labor Relations Connection, Inc.
• Gary Fowler, Esq., Arbitrator at JAMS Dallas