2026 NASPA Annual Conference
March 7-11, 2026 • Kansas City, MO

Community Service

Give back to the Kansas City community during your conference experience:

Heart to Heart Hygiene Kit Assembly
Join fellow student affairs professionals in assembling hygiene kits with Heart to Heart International, a humanitarian organization dedicated to improving health access and outcomes worldwide. These kits will support individuals in need throughout the Kansas City region.

Additional Volunteer Opportunities
Want to get involved? Additional opportunities to volunteer at AC26 will be announced soon. Check back for ways to contribute to the conference experience.

Engagement Lounges 
Connect with colleagues in dedicated spaces designed for community and conversation:

• Recruiting Lounge – presented by The Placement Exchange. Check out jobs and meet with employers and recruiters one-on-one in the Career Hub. Learn more about this exciting opportunity.

• VPSA Lounge – A space for Vice Presidents of Student Affairs to network and share leadership insights

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  Faculty Lounge – Connect with faculty colleagues from across the profession
• First-Time Attendee Lounge – New to the Annual Conference? Start here to meet fellow first-timers and get oriented
• Educational Session Lounge (NEW!) – Decompress and discuss session takeaways with other attendees
• KCs in KC Community Lounge (NEW!) – Connect with Kansas City professionals and learn about the local student affairs community
• LGBTQIA2S+ Lounge – A welcoming space for LGBTQIA2S+ professionals and allies

Special Activities

(Campus Tours, Opening Reception, Awards Celebration, Communities Fair, Tuesday Night Party)

Campus Tours

Sunday, March 8

Explore the diverse landscape of Kansas City higher education with guided tours of four distinctive institutions. Registration details coming soon.

• Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC) Visit this public two-year institution offering a wide range of associate degrees and certificate programs. KCKCC serves as both a direct pathway to the workforce and a springboard to four-year universities, with particularly strong programs in nursing, health professions, and technical education.
• Park University Discover this private university's scenic campus overlooking the Missouri River. With a rich history and strong ties to the U.S. military, Park University is known for its diverse student body, comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs, and its prestigious International Center for Music.
• University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) Tour this major public research university featuring a medical school, conservatory of music and dance, and schools of law, business, and engineering. Experience the breadth of a comprehensive urban research institution.
•  Includes lunch
• Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) End your tour at this private, four-year college that has anchored Kansas City's arts scene for over a century. KCAI has produced notable artists and designers—including many Hallmark Card designers who have shaped American visual culture.

Graduate Preparation Program Fair & NASPA Communities Fair

Sunday, March 8 | 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Kansas City Convention Center

Explore graduate programs and connect with NASPA's Knowledge Communities. Whether you're considering continuing your education or looking to deepen your engagement with specialized professional communities, these fairs offer valuable opportunities for connection and discovery.

NASPA Foundation

Awards Celebration

Tuesday, March 10 | 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Kansas City Convention Center

Join us in honoring the recipients of NASPA's regional and national awards, celebrating excellence and innovation in student affairs.

Tuesday Night Party: Third Annual Drag Show

Tuesday, March 10 | 8:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Details Coming Soon

Don't miss the third annual drag show—a conference highlight that brings together celebration, artistry, and community. More details on location, and performers will be announced soon.

The wellness & fitness events committee is continuously working hard to provide some fun opportunities for activity, engagement and connection, as well as finding some time just for you! Please check back often as details of events are finalized on a rolling basis. Take care of your mind and body throughout the conference with our wellness programming.

Wellness & Fitness Sessions

All sessions held at the Loews Hotel in the City Beautiful E Room on the 2nd Floor.

• Sunday, March 8 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

  • Soul II Sole Line Dance Experience

    • Back by popular demand - Kevin Reese! The Soul II Sole Line dance experience is an interactive, engaging, and exciting dance workshop where you can meet new friends, learn new dances, and exercise at the same time. Soul line dancing is a group dance that combines exercise, music, and social interaction. The dances are choreographed to a variety of genres, including R&B, hip-hop, soul, funk, gospel, Motown, and contemporary hits. Space is limited - first come, first serve. 

• Monday, March 9 | 6:30 AM - 7:30 PM
  • Yoga Flow Class
    • This all-levels class is designed to be welcoming and beginner-friendly, with clear guidance and supportive options throughout. Together we’ll move and breathe in a way that helps release tension, settle the nervous system, and build confidence on the mat. You’ll leave feeling grounded, steady, and better equipped to navigate the stress of life. Space is limited - first come, first serve. 
• Monday, March 9 | 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
  • HIIT Class

    • This HIIT class, high intensity interval training, is a famously effective training method to increase your metabolism, heighten your energy, and keep you burning calories all day long. We will cycle between high intensity body weight movements and shorter lower intensity movements, or rest, to get the heart rate up and get you sweating. This class also includes a proper warm up and cool down to prevent injuries and fatigue. Be sure to bring your water! Space is limited - first come, first serve. 

• Tuesday, March 10 | 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM

  • All-Levels Vinyasa Yoga Class

    • In this yoga class, students will be guided through a sequence of postures in coordination with their breaths. The class will be instructed through a gentle flow and learn types of breathwork that can be used in everyday life. Vinyasa style yoga is a great way to clear your mind and is considered to be a form of moving meditation. No experience needed! Space is limited - first come, first serve. 

Start or end your conference days with guided fitness sessions or check out local options to take advantage of while in Kansas City!

Inclusive Conference Experience

NASPA is committed to creating an accessible, welcoming conference for all attendees. Information on accessibility services, dietary accommodations, and inclusive design features will be available soon.